Married to It

A common thread provides the bond that draws three diverse couples together, ultimately leading to a friendship through which they explore the foibles of life and love in `Married To It,' an engaging look at contemporary relationships and perspectives, directed by Arthur Hiller. There's John and Iris (Beau Bridges and Stockard Channing), a jaded social worker and the wife of many years who sees him through it all, has given him two children (now preteens) and only of late has come to realize that he's given up on her and on life in general; Chuck and Nina (Robert Sean Leonard and Mary Stuart Masterson), an ambitious investment broker and his wife, a school psychologist; and Leo and Claire (Ron Silver and Cybill Shepherd), a toy manufacturer and his second wife, a sophisticated woman of society who is unable to make a connection with his daughter, Lucy (Donna Vivino). A school function and commitment to a committee bring them together, and they soon find that although they each compete in different arenas of life, they are in the end not so different from one another after all. In fact, they soon come to depend and rely upon their newly founded friendships more than any of them could ever have imagined possible. Hiller has crafted an emotionally stirring study of want, need and expectation that will be readily identifiable to just about anyone who has taken part in the game of life. And it's skillfully delivered through an outstanding ensemble cast, highlighted by the exceptional work of Stockard Channing, a gifted actress who seems to thrive in a project like this. She brings Iris to life from the inside out and creates that necessary connection with the audience that spills over onto the rest of the cast, all of whom deliver dynamic performances as well, most notably Cybill Shepherd as the aloof sophisticate who finally realizes what is really important in life. But what really makes this movie work is the depth of character that each of the actors involved brings to the core of the story. It's as if the derive energy and incentive from one another; and when actors can give as much as they receive, as they do here, it shows in the polish of the finished product. That they all worked so well together also reflects the skill of the director, and Hiller obviously did a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere in which his actors could excel. Rounding out the supporting cast are Don Francks (Sol), Jimmy Shea (Marty), Nathaniel Moreau (Kenny) and Diane D'Aquila (Madeleine). One of the great things about the video revolution is that terrific movies like this one, that for whatever reason go largely unnoticed in theatrical release, get a second life and with any luck the attention they so justly deserve. `Married To It' is a sleeper you should shout about from the rooftops; it's a well made movie with exemplary performances, a great story and a terrific ending. A film as good as this simply cannot be ignored, because this, my friends, is what movies are all about. This is one you have to see and tell your friends about. I rate this one 9/10.

Can't stand his acting in that era. Can't tolerate it. Why do people kjnock Cybill Shepard's work and talent, and lift up Leonard? The writing for Mary Stuart Masterson's character was very poor, but she did managed to make it believable. Can't tolerate the stereotypical casting of Donna Vivino at that age.

This movie could of been so much more. I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but there was something kind of Disney about it. Kind of surreal. The performances are absolutley fabulous though, especially on the behalf on Cybil Shepard and Robert Sean Lenord, who seem to carry the movie. If your into cutesy romance comedies, this is good movie for you to see, otherwise just stay away.

Don't understand why critics hate this movie so much. Great cast, great acting (excluding Cybill Shepard, but what can you do?), and different angles used to show how marriage is different things to different people.

As a lifelong bachelor (no, I'm not gay), this movie gave me additional insight into marriages (besides the ones I've observed in real life), and sometimes reflected my experiences I have been through in long term relationships.

I really like this movie.

Chuck and Nina Bishop grew up together in Iowa and have moved to New York City, and they are the cutest couple. He is successful in the investment world (though not too successful, since they can't afford nice furniture yet), and she is a school psychologist. Chuck has to compete with Jeremy, who is charming and cares more about money and success than rules (which is truly ironic since Paul Gross later impressed us as the impeccably straight mountie in "Due South").

John and Iris Morden were hippies and part of the 60s culture that protested injustice. He works in the welfare department and seems to have lost his enthusiasm. Former Mayor Ed Koch misses Iris but never says exactly what she did. She seems to work in some arts-related job now. The couple has two sons who appear relatively normal, though one has hair like Bart Simpson.

Leo runs a toy factory and apparently gave that a higher priority than his first wife Madeleine, who seems to despise him. He spends some time with daughter Lucy, who hates Leo's new wife Claire, a spoiled rich ... rhymes with witch.

These very different couples are brought together by a common interest--Lucy and the Morden boys attend the same exclusive school where Nina works.

All three couples have their problems, and for two of the couples the difficulties become serious enough to require lawyers.

I enjoyed this movie when it was funny, which was most of the time. I especially liked seeing Cybill Shepherd being obnoxious, acting like the whole world must cater to her every need and expressing surprise that not everyone has all the comforts and advantages. Donna Vivino was adorable as Lucy. Most of the leading actors gave good performances.

Where the movie had problems was in getting too dramatic. This would not be a bad thing for everyone who watches is, but I was watching to laugh. The ending, however, was satisfying.

Overall, I was happy.