Disappointing "Darling Companion" isn't that darling
"Darling Companion" is a disappointing and unsatisfying new dramedy from veteran director Lawrence Kasdan ("Grand Canyon," "The Big Chill") and starring Oscar-winners Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline and Dianne Weist. Considering the talent involved, it's rather a dull, listless affair about a lost dog who brings a married couple closer. Beth (Keaton) saves a bedraggled lost dog from the side of the freeway on a wintry day in Denver. Struggling with her distracted, self-involved husband and surgeon Joseph (Kline), she forms a special bond with the dog. Joseph loses the dog after their daughter's wedding at their vacation home in the Rockies and they frantically look for the dog in an adventure that will bring them closer together in more ways than they expected. I really expected to enjoy "Darling Companion" much more considering the likability of Keaton and Kline, but considering how unsympathetic these characters appear to be, you really can't blame the dog for running away from this annoying couple. "Darling Companion" isn't a terrible film by any means, just a slight affair; it's not all the actors' fault; the blame should be ascribed to the lackluster, thin script and direction from gifted writer and director Kasdan, who's done much better before, and here he brings out his leads more annoying traits (Keaton's grating insufferability and Kline's patronizing attitude). Weist and Richard Jenkins are the much more fun couple, as Joseph's sister and her companion, but their limited footage doesn't amount to much. "Darling Companion" tries to bring these characters together in a pat, unsatisfying ending, but you may not care much. The dog, a lovable, charming mutt named Freeway, lives up to his name; he is a darling companion, but he needs to find a better family.
No comments:
Post a Comment