Rating: 
Country: USA
Release Date: June 11, 2004
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Movie Review: The Stepford Wives
by Scott Juba
Published: June 11, 2004
Distributor: |
Director: |
Cast: |
Paramount |
Frank Oz |
Nicole Kidman as Joanna Eberhart
Bette Midler as Bobbi Markowitz
Christopher Walken as Mike Wellington
Matthew Broderick as Walter Kresby
Faith Hill as Sarah Sunderson
Glenn Close as Claire Wellington
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For more information: IMDb Link |
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Headlined by an all-star cast, “The Stepford Wives” is a lighthearted movie that pokes fun at classic stereotypes with wit and style. Starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick as two married former TV executives who leave the city behind and move to the town of Stepford, the film give a tongue-in-cheek scolding of the 1950s’ notions of what a perfect life should be. When the family moves into Stepford, they soon discover that the seemingly perfect wives of the town have been implanted with computer chips, and that the head of the town’s men club, Mike (Christopher Walken), is running the scheme.
Although outlandish and completely over the top, “The Stepford Wives” is a comedy that delivers exactly what it promises: a lot of laughs. The cleverly penned dialogue combined with the talent of the actors, the chemistry of the cast, and a spot on directorial performance from Frank Oz proves to be the perfect recipe for success.
Nicole Kidman has demonstrated on many occasions that she is a great dramatic actress; but in this picture, she reminds us that she is equally adept at playing comedic roles. Bette Midler is just as as entertaining in her portrayal of Bobbi Markowitz, a free spirited, strong willed woman whose ideas often clash with the ideals of Stepford. Her character and her performance are the sources of numerous laughs; and despite the brashness of her character, she lends likeability to the role that allows the audience to connect with Bobbi.
Christopher Walken, however, delivers the most entertaining performance. When it comes to subtle, small things that an actor can do to energize a comedic role, Walken is a master. The film’s casting director deserves much credit for selecting Walken to portray Mike, because no one could play the part better. Walken is appropriately stern and cunningly sinister, but the audience always understands that, in accordance with the overall tone of the movie, Walken is never taking his character too seriously.
Without question, “The Stepford Wives” is a piece of summer fluff meant to do nothing more than occupy your brain from more important matters for 90 minutes. But when done this well, summer fluff can actually be a good thing. “The Stepford Wives” may not be much, but it is entertaining; and at the end of the movie, that’s all that really matters.
Overall Grade: B
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Drifting ever so slightly away from traditional folk music, this Colorado band delivers harmony and energy aplenty. |
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