Um Toque de Infidelidade

COUSINS (1989) *** Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, Sean Young, William Petersen, Lloyd Bridges, Keith Coogan, Norma Aleandro. Entertaining tale of adultery among married relatives and really about true love appearing in the least likely of places. Warm and romantic with some sly observations of marriage and infidelity. Danson is charming and Rossellini radiantly beguiling. Beautiful music score by Angelo Badalamenti. Bridges and Coogan together are a riot. American remake of French flick "Cousine, Cousine".

Well made American rendition of the 1975 French farce, "Cousin-cousine," with Danson and the enchanting Rosselini playing cousins by marriage who meet at a wedding, develop a relationship and then fall in love. Wonderful performances from Lloyd Bridges and Norma Alejandro help move this glorious film along that glows with humor, warmth and the sheer joy of life.

I can't put my finger on it, but this is one of my favorite movies. Could be the music, could be the story, but most likely it is the wonderful character development. You know these people by the end of the movie. It is also much funnier than I expected. This movie really snuck up on me, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. I had never heard of it when I first saw it and was therefore expecting nothing. So, I guess this commentary just doomed the movie to mediocrity for all those who see it for the first time after reading my opinion.

Schumacher has never made a better film; this one is filled with good humor and lovely dialogue, and filmed with great love at a variety of interesting locations. All four principal characters are well-played, with Rossellini a standout because of her character's lovable good nature. A real treat for lovers of comedy or romance, with a perfect, perfect ending.

This picture has all the elements you need for a great romantic movie. Mostly it will make you laugh and tug at your heart strings.

You really start to feel for Larry (Danson) and Maria (Rossellini). Larry and his wife Tish (Young) care for each other but aren't in love, and Maria and her husband Tom (Petersen) seemed to be trapped together because they have a young daughter.

The story gets started when, at the wedding reception of Maria's mother Edie (Aleandro), Tish and Tom sneak off and fool around together. In the mean time back at the reception, Larry and Maria meet and begin talking, and when their spouses show up together, are both suspicious, but say nothing. Then, the next day, Maria goes to visit Larry to get his opinion of what happened the day before.

From there, we get to go on their journey as they become friends and then, more than friends. And there's quite a bit that will make you happy and sad along the way.

This is a great movie for a lazy Saturday afternoon...