A Fish in the Bathtub

So, how many times are we going to see the story of a grouchy old man & his saint-of-a-wife who split up?

That's the story, with a few ho-hum subplots: adult son contemplates an affair, daughter dates her assistant -- but at least they want their parents to get back together.

It's a nice movie to watch...with your parents. Or, to rent for your parents.

This movie will not appeal to young people who think their grandparents are dinosaurs and their lives don't matter a bit. But, for all those beyond puberty you will enjoy this sweet, sensitive movie about getting old and being married. It moves at a slower pace than a younger audience can handle. The music is from the 40's and sets the tone of the piece as a bevy of excellent older character actors go through the emotions of a long time couple looking back at their lives and wondering if they are happily married after all these years.

I think this movie should be required watching for anyone getting married. The children from the family also look at their own lives as they watch what their parents are going through and wonder, should they also be re considering their own situation.

I watched this to see some real old pros at work again together and I was not disappointed. I haven't seen Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara (Ben Stiller's parents for those that don't remember them) together in many years. Add in the wonderful Doris Roberts and the then young upcoming actor Mark Ruffalo and you have a nice round cast. If you decide to watch it without high expectations you will have a nice surprise.

Watching Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara together, we can trace the hilarious origins of Ben Stiller's dry wit.

The fish in a bathtub is a metaphor.

Yeah, I know it's a metaphor. Are you havin' an affair?

I need some tea!

Trapped in conventionality, the old "happily" married couple have their own rocky marriage plus they get to witness weddings on the rocks and a funeral. Stiller and Meara are two pros showing us the way to wedded blitz! Plus, the other characters give us variations on the theme.

The film is casually paced to fit the rhythms of life's ups and downs. Perhaps this film should be required viewing for anyone thinking of getting married or having an affair.

Thumbs up for the Oriental ointment that makes this an amusing farce. See it if you get the chance.