So the story may not sound too appealing but the stellar cast makes it interesting! Meryl Streep is her usual excellent self as the lonely wife longing for some action with her husband again, while Carell holds back his wise-cracking face-pulling persona playing the understated and reserved counsellor. But it's Tommy Lee Jones who deserves the most praise for his performance as the cynical and hilariously deadpan husband, breaking the daily routine to attend the counselling sessions even if grappling with Dr Feld's personal questions and "sexercises" is proving to be quite a challenge for his ego.
The film hits the spot when Kay and Arnold face up to the problems in their relationship and attempt to rediscover the passion, often with awkwardly humorous results. But the overbearing soundtrack soon kicks in, several musical montages bluntly enforcing the point already made, as Kay storms off in one scene, and Arnold wanders alone on a beach in another, until finally we're clobbered with that dreadfully dreary song "Why" by Annie Lennox. Major downside. This is where things go downhill, as the writer chickens out and we're left with a cosy, neatly wrapped-up resolution. Overall, Hope Springs is a watchable comedy drama thanks mainly to its cast and their chemistry. Like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel earlier this year, it will find its (more mature?) audience and probably do reasonably well. But couples beware, you may squirm in your seats and/or need some tissues, depending on how rosy things are in your bedroom!
UK release date: 14th September 2012
