Hugh Grant’s “The Re-Write” Delves into Love, Failure, and Family

Don’t call Hugh Grant’s new movie a “rom com.”

Apparently, the star of “Notting Hill,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,”  and “Bridget Jones Diary,” doesn’t even like romantic comedies.

“Never been my particular sort of film,” he told The Buffalo News. “Well, I think I like quite sort of pretentious films really. Quite European, quite dark, not much plot. Preferably set in Paris, with some sulky girl in the lead role.”

The Re-Write is none of those things.  In fact, it’s the sweet story of Keith Michaels, an Oscar winning screenwriter who at one time had it all: a hit movie, a beautiful wife, a son he loved, and lots of charm. Several years (and a few flops) later, he’s divorced, approaching fifty and unable to even keep his electric bill paid.  His movies fail to live up to what modern producers are looking for: “edgy comedies with a kick-ass young woman.”  When his agent lands him a gig — teaching screenwriting at Binghampton University in upstate New York — he attempts to get by doing as little as possible.  “Nothing worth knowing can be taught,” he says.

After living in Los Angeles for so many years, he’s not quite college professor material.  Since colleges (and Hollywood) are “insular and hermetically sealed from the outside world,” as NPR describes it, “kooky characters removed from reality abound” in this film.

A former Navy Seal department chair (J.K. Simmons), a Shakespeare professor and neighbor (Chris Elliott), and an ethics chairwoman (Allison Janney) create a pleasant cast of characters.  However, Holly (Marisa Tomei) is the single mom who catches the eye of her professor.

“Are you trying to fill a spiritual vacancy with alcohol and women?” Holly asks.

“Of course I am,” Keith replies.

The movie grapples with the challenges of growing older, of being in the “third act” of your occupation, and of learning to appreciate family over sexual conquests.

This movie is about what many people eventually learn: some of the best times of life happen in the denouement.

The Re-Write is unrated, but fit for most teens.  A sexual encounter is suggested but not shown.

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