Enough Said Reviews
MANUGINO
Super Reviewer
January 6, 2014
A very well made film! A quality script that the all star cast brings to the highest level. The dialogue is so subtle, intimate and at times evasive that I could easily see the work on a stage. It has a modern day Pinteresque quality to it! Interesting, intelligent and heart warming would perhaps be a fitting finale to the great James Gandolfini.
A divorced and single parent, Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) spends her days enjoying work as a masseuse but dreading her daughter's impending departure for college. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) - a sweet, funny and like-minded man also facing an empty nest. As their romance quickly blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Catherine Keener), her new massage client. Marianne is a beautiful poet who seems "almost perfect" except for one prominent quality: she rags on her ex-husband way too much. Suddenly, Eva finds herself doubting her own relationship with Albert as she learns the truth about Marianne's ex.
A Sharply Observed Romantic Comedy of Manners.
A very well made film! A quality script that the all star cast brings to the highest level. The dialogue is so subtle, intimate and at times evasive that I could easily see the work on a stage. It has a modern day Pinteresque quality to it! Interesting, intelligent and heart warming would perhaps be a fitting finale to the great James Gandolfini.
A divorced and single parent, Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) spends her days enjoying work as a masseuse but dreading her daughter's impending departure for college. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) - a sweet, funny and like-minded man also facing an empty nest. As their romance quickly blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Catherine Keener), her new massage client. Marianne is a beautiful poet who seems "almost perfect" except for one prominent quality: she rags on her ex-husband way too much. Suddenly, Eva finds herself doubting her own relationship with Albert as she learns the truth about Marianne's ex.
Everett J
Super Reviewer
January 2, 2014
Here is a great example of an adult comedy that doesn't rely on shock value, fart jokes, or being ridiculous. Just a couple great performances with a great script is all you really need. Julia Louis Dreyfus stars as a divorced masseuse who meets a divorced man, Albert(James Gandolfini) at a party and they start a relationship. She also meets a woman in need of a masseuse name Marianne(Catherine Keener). Her and Marianne become very good friends and she also happens to be Albert's ex wife. Dreyfus doesn't know this at first, then she is caught in the dilemma of her relationship and her new friendship. It's a very good little dramady that never goes overboard and doesn't really go where conventional romantic comedies go. The acting in this is very good, no sure if it's really award worthy(both leads are up for Golden Globes), but neither has been this great in a long time. I don't think Gandolfini had been this great since "Sopranos" and it's just a shame to know he's no longer with us. It runs right around 90 minutes and never drags or feels too long. Perfect run time for this type of movie. Very good movie worth a watch!
Alice S
Super Reviewer
December 6, 2013
Catherine Kenner is given a thankless role that never transcends its lofty-poetic-genius literary cliche. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini are likable enough, but the plot forces their characters together in heavy-handed ways. Eva starts dating Albert who is the ex-husband of a new massage client, Marianne, but she keeps this revelation from both - essentially unable to resist good gossip. Marianne continually badmouths Albert's lack of adult graces; Albert continually proves Marianne's assessment; Eva continually picks at Albert for what are presented as minor nits, but for what I think are actual deal breakers for Eva.
The ruse (Greek in scope) is finally revealed in a blaze of embarrassment and hurt, but the film still hints at Eva and Albert getting back together in the end though. All in all, I'm not sure if the film has indeed said enough about anything: middle-age relationships, children of divorce, baggage of exes, the banality of strangers.
This Nicole Holofcener joint isn't deserving of all its accolades, especially since the hackneyed, mistaken-identity rom-com trope pales in comparison to the rest of Holofcener's oeuvre, which at least tackles class, gender, race, and morality issues.
Catherine Kenner is given a thankless role that never transcends its lofty-poetic-genius literary cliche. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini are likable enough, but the plot forces their characters together in heavy-handed ways. Eva starts dating Albert who is the ex-husband of a new massage client, Marianne, but she keeps this revelation from both - essentially unable to resist good gossip. Marianne continually badmouths Albert's lack of adult graces; Albert continually proves Marianne's assessment; Eva continually picks at Albert for what are presented as minor nits, but for what I think are actual deal breakers for Eva.
The ruse (Greek in scope) is finally revealed in a blaze of embarrassment and hurt, but the film still hints at Eva and Albert getting back together in the end though. All in all, I'm not sure if the film has indeed said enough about anything: middle-age relationships, children of divorce, baggage of exes, the banality of strangers.
Sam B
Super Reviewer
September 30, 2013
I was skeptical that maybe a lot of the praise for the film was unconsciously related to the fact that its star just passed away. Luckily, I was very wrong - while Gandolfini is indeed incredible in the film (which is all the more effective given his untimely death), there is much more to the movie than him. Holofcener's story of how relationships are transformed overtime by the knowledge and opinions of others is fantastically insightful and well-written. Julia Louis Dreyfus sometimes struggles to sell serious emotion, her casting was nonetheless perfect. Given that she is best-known for a sitcom that gets a lot of its humor from the nitpicking aspects of relationships, the fact that this movie takes very serious perspective on those situations makes her presence all the more effective.
Matthew S
Super Reviewer
October 27, 2013
That is precisely what Eva tries to do - piece together why her present perception of her ex-husband is so alien compared to her earlier desire to spend the rest of her life and make children with him. After at least a few years of being a single mom and with her daughter about to leave for college, she has started dating again, and she doesn't want to go through another crushing blindside. This film doesn't sugarcoat the resolution, and I greatly appreciate this. There is no guaranteed "happily ever after." Of all things, as our modern life has afforded men and women the choice of independence and individuality, a marriage is now mankind's most delicate creation. The lesson learned in this early relationship is that each person should be accepted and appreciated for their uniqueness - go with the flow, and enjoy the surprise and comedy of it all.
'Enough Said' focuses on the unsettling and exciting truth also observed in one of my favorite monologues during a funeral scene in Charlie Kaufman's 'Synechdoche, New York': "Everything is more complicated than you think. You only see a tenth of what is true. There are a million little strings attached to every choice you make; you can destroy your life every time you choose. But maybe you won't know for twenty years. And you may never ever trace it to its source. And you only get one chance to play it out. Just try and figure out your own divorce. And they say there is no fate, but there is: it's what you create!"
That is precisely what Eva tries to do - piece together why her present perception of her ex-husband is so alien compared to her earlier desire to spend the rest of her life and make children with him. After at least a few years of being a single mom and with her daughter about to leave for college, she has started dating again, and she doesn't want to go through another crushing blindside. This film doesn't sugarcoat the resolution, and I greatly appreciate this. There is no guaranteed "happily ever after." Of all things, as our modern life has afforded men and women the choice of independence and individuality, a marriage is now mankind's most delicate creation. The lesson learned in this early relationship is that each person should be accepted and appreciated for their uniqueness - go with the flow, and enjoy the surprise and comedy of it all.
KJ P
Super Reviewer
October 25, 2013
Julia Louis Dreyfus and James Gandolfini display some of the best on-screen chemistry I have seen in years. Although the film has slightly choppy editing at points, that is saved by a brilliant script and a surprisingly loveable unconventional romance story. Filled with tons of laughs, followed by down-to-earth conversations that can and will eventually relate to everyones life. Even though the story of two divorcees falling for each other does not always happen o everyone, there are many side plots that are very relatable and this film offers something for everyone. I absolutely loved watching this film, and story-wise, along with the performances, are spot on and I couldn't have chosen a better cast. The only minor set-back is the editing which feels very quick in moments that does not need to be. The music in this film really knows how touch your heart, and by the end, if your heart hasn't been tugged on, then drama is definitely not your thing. This is a fantastic picture, and it's one of my favourites of 2013!
Apeneck F
Super Reviewer
October 8, 2013
Stupidity almost breaks them apart, but they save themselves by the final reel. Oops! Spoiler alert! Oh wait, no, that's the plot for every romcom, ain't it, so nevermind. Like most romcoms this one depends on the chemistry, the charisma, of its two leads ... and these two do well together. You're not gonna be overwhelmed to tears or laughter, but by the credits roll the sense of seeing personal friends finally click will make for a satisfied feeling. Anyway: for adults only (not because of salacious material, but simply because the kids'll be bored to tears).
Bathsheba Monk
Super Reviewer
October 12, 2013
Well, everyone seems to love this weird love-triangle, but me...not so much. I like all the actors--Dreyfus, Gandolfini, Keener--but I never for a second thought they liked each other. I thought Eva was unappealing in general--how can you be that old and not know what you like? I thought it was totally unlikely that she would continue to see Marianne when she found out she was the ex Albert hated. Speaking of that, I thought it was totally unlikely that Marianne, a renowned poet, would find Eva, a masseuse a suitable friend. I think she just wanted a sycophant. The best part were the kids who seemed like fully developed characters and I was sorry they were subjected to these really screwy adults. Some of the dialogue--between Eva and Albert--was very funny, and at the heart of the humor was the fact that neither one was going to change. That was honest.
366weirdmovies
Super Reviewer
October 2, 2013
Facing an empty nest as her daughter prepares to leave for college, massage therapist Eva (Julia Louis Dreyfuss) meets a charming and funny (if overweight) guy; but, will she follow her heart, or allow her budding affection to be poisoned by listening to his ex-wife's complaints? This pleasant adult romantic comedy with a steady stream of low-key laughs allows the late James Gandolfini to take his final bow as a nice guy instead of a wise guy.
Glenn G
Super Reviewer
December 26, 2013
ENOUGH SAID (terrible title that I forgot as it splashed across the screen) is a very respectable, adorably cute latest entry for Holofcener. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is Eva, a single mom who travels around with her massage table to her various clients. At a party one night, she meets two people who will become significant in her life. One is Marianne (Catherine Keener), a poet who not only becomes Eva's newest client, but also a friend. The other is Albert (the late, great James Gondolfini), who unbeknownst to Eva, is Marianne's ex-husband. While they start dating and developing real feelings for each other, Marianne shares all of the flaws she saw in her ex with Eva, not knowing that her new friend is dating him. In lesser hands, this would play out like a wacky farce. Holofcener, however, is too smart and sharp to allow her film to devolve into cheap comedy.
Instead, this is a well-populated story filled with vivid characters, most of whom show that rarity of rarities, real kindness. Holofcener and her talented cast really understand the rhythms of this dance. Gandolfini, in particular, exudes warmth and shyness, along with a slightly over-it demeanor, all completely in keeping with a man who knows what he wants out of life and relationships. It's so devastating to think he's not around anymore, as his range as an actor was unlimited. For a man of his age and weight to be able to pull off a sexy, romantic lead role such as this, was a wonderful throwing down of the gauntlet to every Zac Efron and Liam Hemsworth out there. Dreyfus is the kind of actor who can make a ton of asshole mistakes and still be winning (witness her brilliant turn on every episode of VEEP for the prime example). Watching her slow burn aggravation over her thoughtless, self-obsessed clients is one of the great pleasures of this film. Keener, a Holofcener mainstay, does nice work , but this isn't a role as juicy as those she had in PLEASE GIVE or FRIENDS WITH MONEY, two earlier, better Holofcener films. Keener is also given short shrift at the end, where I would have liked to have seen some resolution between her and another character.
I also have a problem with Dreyfus' character, who is supposedly struggling yet living in a beautiful Santa Monica house. Do you know how many aching knots she would have to relieve to live in that style? Regardless, if you're tired of everything blowing up in 3D and want to see how the second half of your life could unfold, with failed relationships and new beginnings in the cards, then ENOUGH SAID is for you. All told, this is a slightly insubstantial work, but filled with wonderful pleasures nonetheless.
Nicole Holofcener has a clearly established, recognizable voice in filmmaking. She makes what I like to call "Westside Movies", which are populated by characters with large kitchen islands, disposable incomes, and a bad case of first world problems. Nothing wrong with that. These people exist. Not every movie has to illustrate the struggles of the 99%. Besides, her films exhibit refreshing gobs of real quirky human behavior with an ear for awkwardly people speak with each other.
ENOUGH SAID (terrible title that I forgot as it splashed across the screen) is a very respectable, adorably cute latest entry for Holofcener. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is Eva, a single mom who travels around with her massage table to her various clients. At a party one night, she meets two people who will become significant in her life. One is Marianne (Catherine Keener), a poet who not only becomes Eva's newest client, but also a friend. The other is Albert (the late, great James Gondolfini), who unbeknownst to Eva, is Marianne's ex-husband. While they start dating and developing real feelings for each other, Marianne shares all of the flaws she saw in her ex with Eva, not knowing that her new friend is dating him. In lesser hands, this would play out like a wacky farce. Holofcener, however, is too smart and sharp to allow her film to devolve into cheap comedy.
Instead, this is a well-populated story filled with vivid characters, most of whom show that rarity of rarities, real kindness. Holofcener and her talented cast really understand the rhythms of this dance. Gandolfini, in particular, exudes warmth and shyness, along with a slightly over-it demeanor, all completely in keeping with a man who knows what he wants out of life and relationships. It's so devastating to think he's not around anymore, as his range as an actor was unlimited. For a man of his age and weight to be able to pull off a sexy, romantic lead role such as this, was a wonderful throwing down of the gauntlet to every Zac Efron and Liam Hemsworth out there. Dreyfus is the kind of actor who can make a ton of asshole mistakes and still be winning (witness her brilliant turn on every episode of VEEP for the prime example). Watching her slow burn aggravation over her thoughtless, self-obsessed clients is one of the great pleasures of this film. Keener, a Holofcener mainstay, does nice work , but this isn't a role as juicy as those she had in PLEASE GIVE or FRIENDS WITH MONEY, two earlier, better Holofcener films. Keener is also given short shrift at the end, where I would have liked to have seen some resolution between her and another character.
I also have a problem with Dreyfus' character, who is supposedly struggling yet living in a beautiful Santa Monica house. Do you know how many aching knots she would have to relieve to live in that style? Regardless, if you're tired of everything blowing up in 3D and want to see how the second half of your life could unfold, with failed relationships and new beginnings in the cards, then ENOUGH SAID is for you. All told, this is a slightly insubstantial work, but filled with wonderful pleasures nonetheless.
themoviewaffler.com
Super Reviewer
October 10, 2013
It's becoming all too rare to come across an American comedy whose characters at no point fart, vomit, urinate or lose control of any other bodily functions. Rarer still is to find a comedy that not only appeals to those of us with a mental age above 14, but manages to pack in some biting social commentary in the process.
Comedy and horror may be the most critically maligned of genres but, traditionally, they've been the first to tackle those more uncomfortable social issues. From a female perspective (had 'Enough Said' come from a male film-maker, accusations of misogyny could easily be leveled), Holofcener looks at how the metro-sexualisation of our culture has meant men are now increasingly judged on their appearance in the same manner women have been for generations. 20 years ago, the billboards of our cities were plastered with images of scantily clad young women whereas today you're more likely to see a 20 foot tall six-pack than an exposed cleavage. We even have a popular high street clothing chain that only employs young men with perfectly toned physiques, even forcing them to work shirtless. It's becoming increasingly difficult for men to get by on charm alone and the sad fact is if you're a physically unattractive male, who doesn't pull in a large salary, you're probably destined to spend your life single.
Have women really become so shallow? No. Of course, most women, like Dreyfuss' protagonist here, still favor a man who can make them laugh over one who obsesses over his appearance like a teenage girl. The problem is that, while most men couldn't give a damn how society views them, for too many women today, pleasing their peers has become more important than pleasing their own hearts. This is the dilemma Dreyfuss faces here; whether to please herself by sticking with a man who makes her happy or give in to the judgmental nature of contemporary society. Holofcener approaches it in a realistic and relatable manner, her characters behaving with a cruelty we all too often indulge in. A particularly sadistic scene, in which Dreyfuss humiliates Gandolfini at a dinner gathering, recalls Matthew Modine's cruel beating of Vincent D'Onofrio in 'Full Metal Jacket' or how schoolkids indulge in bullying out of fear of their own victimization.
I must admit I too fell into this judgmental state upon hearing Gadolfini was to play a romantic lead. Within minutes of his appearance here, however, I could see how easily a woman would find him attractive, thanks to the great witty and lovable persona Holofcener creates for the actor. His last role before his premature death earlier this year shows what great range Gandolfini has and his constant type-casting in tough guy roles explicitly illustrates the point Holofcener is making here. Hollywood casting directors, it seems, are as superficial as the rest of us.
Divorced masseuse Eva (Dreyfuss) struggles to find a man who can be her equal in terms of wit and sense of humor until, at a party, she meets Albert (Gandolfini), who asks her out for a meal. While she finds him physically unappealing, Eva is charmed by his personality and agrees to the date. The two quickly fall for each other and Eva is the happiest she's been for years until she learns that Albert is the ex-husband of Marianne (Keener), a client Eva has struck up a friendship with. Listening to Marianne's constant bad-mouthing of Albert leads Eva to question whether she herself can have a future with him.
It's becoming all too rare to come across an American comedy whose characters at no point fart, vomit, urinate or lose control of any other bodily functions. Rarer still is to find a comedy that not only appeals to those of us with a mental age above 14, but manages to pack in some biting social commentary in the process.
Comedy and horror may be the most critically maligned of genres but, traditionally, they've been the first to tackle those more uncomfortable social issues. From a female perspective (had 'Enough Said' come from a male film-maker, accusations of misogyny could easily be leveled), Holofcener looks at how the metro-sexualisation of our culture has meant men are now increasingly judged on their appearance in the same manner women have been for generations. 20 years ago, the billboards of our cities were plastered with images of scantily clad young women whereas today you're more likely to see a 20 foot tall six-pack than an exposed cleavage. We even have a popular high street clothing chain that only employs young men with perfectly toned physiques, even forcing them to work shirtless. It's becoming increasingly difficult for men to get by on charm alone and the sad fact is if you're a physically unattractive male, who doesn't pull in a large salary, you're probably destined to spend your life single.
Have women really become so shallow? No. Of course, most women, like Dreyfuss' protagonist here, still favor a man who can make them laugh over one who obsesses over his appearance like a teenage girl. The problem is that, while most men couldn't give a damn how society views them, for too many women today, pleasing their peers has become more important than pleasing their own hearts. This is the dilemma Dreyfuss faces here; whether to please herself by sticking with a man who makes her happy or give in to the judgmental nature of contemporary society. Holofcener approaches it in a realistic and relatable manner, her characters behaving with a cruelty we all too often indulge in. A particularly sadistic scene, in which Dreyfuss humiliates Gandolfini at a dinner gathering, recalls Matthew Modine's cruel beating of Vincent D'Onofrio in 'Full Metal Jacket' or how schoolkids indulge in bullying out of fear of their own victimization.
I must admit I too fell into this judgmental state upon hearing Gadolfini was to play a romantic lead. Within minutes of his appearance here, however, I could see how easily a woman would find him attractive, thanks to the great witty and lovable persona Holofcener creates for the actor. His last role before his premature death earlier this year shows what great range Gandolfini has and his constant type-casting in tough guy roles explicitly illustrates the point Holofcener is making here. Hollywood casting directors, it seems, are as superficial as the rest of us.
Chrisanne C
Super Reviewer
December 8, 2013
Sweet, charming and engaging, Enough Said is an adult comedy that boasts of great chemistry and believable characters. It is an honest and realistic look into wanting to be loved, yet finding ourselves poisoning the very beautiful relationships we have in the most foolish ways possible due to our very own insecurities and fears. Great casting, great script, powerfully relayed by elegant and understated acting. A must watch for grown - ups.
SC007
Super Reviewer
October 8, 2013
Gandolfini shines in one of his last performances on the big screen. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is great here. She didn't remind me of her Elaine character from Seinfeld. I could have also seen Tina Fey play that role too. Ben Falcone, Toni Collette, and Catherine Keener provide solid supporting work here.
I definitely recommend this film.
This is a definite must see. It is a pure gem. What makes it work are the performances, especially by Gandolfini and Dreyfuss. They have a great on screen chemistry. The film reminded me of movies like The Tao of Steve, Cyrus, and Something Borrowed. The pacing of the film is a little off, but it didn't bother me. The dialog is very good here.
Gandolfini shines in one of his last performances on the big screen. Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is great here. She didn't remind me of her Elaine character from Seinfeld. I could have also seen Tina Fey play that role too. Ben Falcone, Toni Collette, and Catherine Keener provide solid supporting work here.
I definitely recommend this film.
Anthony L.
Super Reviewer
September 28, 2013
The real question everyone wants to ask is, "How was James Gandolfini in his final role?" and the answer is pretty damn spectacular. After a career of being known as Tony Soprano, and playing mobsters, Gandolfini ends with a beautiful, heartwarming tale of two middle aged, divorced individuals, who, by the fate of the world, meet at a part, wherein they state there's "no one [there] who attracts [them]." Why does this film work so well? Because of the chemistry between Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Both actors give flawless performances; this being, in my opinion, the best Gandolfini has been in his entire career. If Nicole Holofcener hasn't convinced you that she's a serious director after having made 'Please Give,' this film is sure to establish her amongst one of the funniest, and best directors of the 2000's. The script, also written by Holofcener is magnificent, and ultimately, what makes the film. It's hilarious and bittersweet; overall marvellously written. It's a disappointment, though, that when I saw this film, everyone other than me was over the age of 65. It's really not a film that should be preserved to that age group, because anyone can relate to it. For this opening weekend, if one of your local theaters is blessed with this film, see it. On a weekend with Rush, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, and Don Jon opening, Enough Said is the shining star of the four.
JC
Super Reviewer
September 26, 2013
Enough Said proves that a smart romantic comedy does exist for those of us of a certain age. Both Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini skillfully tell a tender tale of relationships good and bad by creating wonderful characters caught in the middle-aged mating dance. Nicole Holofcener creates one of the best comedies of 2013. (9-26-13)
hawkledge
Super Reviewer
November 14, 2013
Nice moments. Gandolfini and Julia Louis-Dreyfus turn on the charm.
January 13, 2014
A great way to say goodbye to James Gandolfini, and a terrific performance from J L Dreyfuss. I haven't been a big fan of hers, but really liked her here.
