Sunday, September 29, 2013
Enough Said Review - 3½ Stars
Julia Louis Dreyfus and James Gandolfini create a funny, touching, grown up comedy romance in “Enough Said.” First they meet. No sparks fly. Then they discover their mutual sense of humor. Both are are divorced and have daughters leaving for college. Mid life romance blooms. But — and this is the kind of twist that makes comedy situational — at the same party Dreyfus — a massage therapist — meets Catherine Keener and adds her to her client list. Keener, of course, is Gandolfini’s ex-wife, and Julia doesn’t find out for some time. During her sessions, Keener goes on about all the things wrong with her ex, now Julia’s beau. In the second half of the story, the light dawns, Julia realizes Keener is talking about the guy she likes, and the negative vibes spill over into their relationship. Dreyfus is so good you actually hurt for her when the truth hits and the price for playing both sides comes due. “Enough Said” reminds me of “Tootsie” or “Moonstruck”–the kind of light comedy romance that rarely happens. “Enough Said” has an overlay of sadness in James Gandolfini’s performance. The actor who created Tony Soprano creates a gentle giant taking a chance on love and willing to have his heart broken. His recent death removes one of the great character actors of our time. Does it deliver what it promises? A delight. Is it entertaining? A joy to watch. Is it worth the price of admission? And then some.