Permission

This film tells the story of a couple who decides to open up their relationship on the suggestion of their mutual friend.

"Permission" is a predictable romantic comedy, I could just tell how the film will end after watching the first scene. The process of getting to the end scene is quite pleasant, with a lot of eye candy and nice portrayal of how the new arrangement may or may not be working.

This movie tries to ask tough questions but avoids having an actual discussion. The characters are just written too superficial. Rebecca hall and dan stevens are both great but we don't actually learn about them much and what actually leads to the end. Just a missed opportunity. Watch only if you are a huge fan of hall like me. Otherwise look elsewhere.

Director/writer Brian Crano has assembled an excellent cast. Permission has adults having adult conversations. We watch as two very different couples grapple with managing their relationships and the hardships that ensue when one person (or both) deviate from "the plan". Crano allows his characters to be smart, stupid, loving, selfish ... that is, real people. Rebecca Hall steals the show and yet her character is perhaps the least likable of them all. After seeing her here, I will watch her in anything. A scene late in the movie is as real as life and as such is tender, wrenching, and beautiful. So, why only 5 stars? All of these great parts do not add up in the end. The middle of the film lags. As great as the acting may be, I didn't believe the ending. Crano works with his actors and creates great moments. The culmination of those moments, while clearly articulated in the film, seemed trite at worst and less than satisfying at best. Normally such an ending would result in less than 5 / 10 from me (starting from a pass/fail scale). Yet, the greatly crafted scenes and great ensemble acting make Permission worth recommending.

The acting was good however the premise is worn out making you lose interest in the characters because they are pathetic unless, of course, you take enjoyment in watching, otherwise pretty decent people, destroy each other making stupid decisions. The Freebie, Wanderlust, White Lotus, Hall Pass, Sleeping with Other People, 8 minutes in Heaven, Fling, Couples Retreat, and so on, all adverts for experimenting with polygamy or encouraging the seeming benefits taking plenty of sex test drives (especially ridiculously spontaneous with some complete stranger in a back room or just to see what someone else's sex skills are for practice) before settling down to marriage.

Like the Movie 'Fair Play" it is also a testament to the pitfalls of having a relationship where couples don't actually talk to each other to explain their concerns, insecurities, and mostly how to help each other along emotionally. Couples especially need to be able to see the things they are doing wrong or the ill feelings and jealousy they are promulgating by their actions especially when serious issues that affect life and relationships occur. Or, worse yet, taking cues and advice from other couples (in this case, the gay couple) who, themselves, in their own pathetic lives, don't even have their own act together.

Anyway, the statistics are with the premise of the film. Casual sex is fine if you don't really care about the others you are having sex with, don't expect your own marriage (or any serious relationship) to last, or you are somehow, remarkably, immune to jealousy. As if going home and talking about their latest experience, including the physical attributes and skills of the most recent partner was going to actually be accepted by their own significant other and somehow leading to relationship improvement. Oh, and that high school sweetheart marriages traditionally have the highest rate of failure.

If you think the grass is greener on the other side instead of caring for, and fertilizing, your own lawn, then get out of the relationship instead of destroying each other.

I was very disappointed with the climax of this movie, but kind of saw the ending coming