Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Okay, so this movie is predictable as far as its storyline, and some parts are a little cheesy. But Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant are great actors, and they make a good pair in this movie about a marriage on the rocks. Paul (played by Grant) and Meryl (played by Parker) are separated because Paul slept with another woman. But there is much more to their separation than meets the eye. Paul realizes he has made a mistake and he knows he loves Meryl. The problem lies in how to show her, how to gain her trust and how to get himself back in her good books. "I was so in love with you," explains Meryl in one scene. "But now I can't help but to wish you excruciating pain." (or something along those lines).

Lucky for Paul, a turn of events helps take Meryle away from regular life responsibilities and daily schedules. He gets more time to show her how sorry he is and how much he wants her back in his life. Truth, fears, anger, and new lessons come about to teach Paul and Meryl what is really important in life.

My favourite parts are the trip to the Bargain Barn, the moments of simplicity and the way the couple were forced to live life again without using the phone or computer. We should all try that some time! I think that in itself would solve so many relationship problems- just getting back to talking and spending real time together, rather than getting engrossed in texts and voicemails and emails.

There are funny lines, scenes filled with sarcasm and some cute smiles in this movie from time to time. But it is the subtle and serious reminders about relationships that kept this movie going for me-reminders of what a marriage is really about, what love is really about and what living is really about. It's not about your chauffeur, or your long list of business dates and the next client knocking at your door. It's about people, about enjoying life, about getting back to who we are without all the flashy clothes and titles.

I think this movie put a little hope in me because I've just been hearing so many stories from friends and family about less passion, less trust, less time spent together, more responsibilities and less ... well LOVE in what should be love-filled relationships, love filled marriages. Sure, I realize marriages take work, and they are not always perfect, but when people don't even know what to talk about anymore... that's when I just feel like something needs to change. And that's what this movie is about... a much needed change in scenery that allows for a change in perspective and a realization of what each person wants, what each person needs.

Ironically, all these changes take the couple back to a reminder of why they got married in the first place. I like the way this is portrayed more with some semblance of realism in this movie- acknowledging that people are imperfect, that we have to see what a person is genuinely like rather seeing them only the way we want them to be. I also love the acknowledgment that trust needs to be regained.

I wish I could tell everyone I know, especially the couples going through a rough patch in their relationships, about this movie. I guess I'll just start here. Go see Did You Hear About the Morgans!