Rumor Has It

Jackie Mason: “It ruled.”

some spoilers, but not more than were let on in the trailers Rob Reiner and Jennifer Anniston prove once again that romantic comedies don't have to boring "chic flicks". They can be clever, adventurous, well written, and explore real human emotion rather than fairy tale feelings. While Reiner's previous When Harry Met Sally, and The Story of Us, and Anniston's The Break Up were so realisitic they drudged up emotions so raw and basic and heavy, Rumor Has It is a dash lighter and more playful while still touching on those unglamorous real life relationship feelings.

Sarah Huttinger (Anniston) returns home to Pasadena for her sister's (played by Mena Suvari) wedding. She has just accepted her boyfriend's proposal and is wrought with modern day confusion over whether she should marry this man who seems perfect, or continue to make an "adventure" out of her life by not tying herself down. She soon finds out from a pep talk with her grandmother (expertly played by Shirley MacLaine) that her mother (who died while Sarah was young) had the same reservations before her marriage to her father and ran away for a weekend with the mysterious Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner), an old flame from her high school days. Before long, it is revealed that Sarah's grandmother also had a fling with Burroughs and their family story inspired the book on which "The Graduate" was based. Sarah freaks when she realizes that the timing of her mother's tryst may have resulted in this Burroughs being her biological father. She then sets off on a journey to find Burroughs, determined to figure out her paternity. The humorous chain of events lands her full circle by the end of the movie having to face the original problem over her engagement cold feet and helps her shed new light on her feelings.

This movie is well directed and well cast. It is nice to see Kevin Costner in a comedic role. His character is so cool and elusive, you don't even recognize who is playing him at first. The film is light hearted and enjoyable. In traditional Reiner and Anniston fashion, it deals with real relationship feelings and problems. But it does so in a whimsical Shakespearean "Much Ado About Nothing" kind of way.

− January 4, 2009 • more by Jackie • log in or create an account to reply