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INTOLERABLE CRUELTY (PG-13)

Plot Summary: When a beautiful, cunning gold-digger goes head-to-head with her husband’s talented lawyer, sparks fly as the two try to outwit each other in spite of their mutual attraction.

Reason for the Rating: Sexual content, language and brief violence.

The idea of a woman longing for independence is not unique.  Modern cinema has presented audiences with countless heroines who feel trapped by life and simply desire to be free.  In INTOLERABLE CRUELTY, we are introduced to another one of these women: Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones).  What’s unique about Marylin, however, is the way in which she goes about gaining her independence.  Her chosen occupation in life?  Gold Digger.

As the movie begins, everything is right on schedule for Marylin.  She has spent 5 years with a wealthy husband who finally cheats on her (Save your sympathy; this was all part of her plan.), and now she’s about to divorce him and take him for all he’s worth…that is, until she encounters Miles Massey (George Clooney), her husband’s lawyer.  Massey’s never lost a divorce case and never failed to win his client everything.  A battle between these two determined individuals is inevitable.

The plot doesn’t stop there, but it’s too full of bizarre twists to include them all.  Basically, Macy and Marylin have a love/hate relationship; they’re extremely attracted to one another, but they’re competing for power.  Love alone just might be outmatched when it is challenged by wealth and status.  This is the main theme INTOLERABLE CRUELTY evaluates, and it does so in a unique way.  It is extremely melodramatic and sometimes difficult to follow.  Some plot twists are so wacky that you wonder what just happened and, even more than that, WHY it happened.  It’s quite surreal—unlike any other movie now playing.  This peculiarity could be seen as positive or negative—some viewers may like it; others may not.

Regardless of whether or not this movie’s unique melodrama appeals to you, however, the fact remains that Intolerable Cruelty contains some pretty heady subject matter.  Almost every plot twist somehow depicts the lack of sacredness in modern marriage.  Although adults and some sophisticated teenagers may appreciate this as a commentary on the state of marriage today, many viewers will have trouble getting past the constant infidelity and innuendo that appear to be glorified on screen.  Personally, I thought the movie pointed out what marriage should be about, but even older teenagers are likely to miss this point, due to the fact that unhealthy aspects of marriage and divorce are given so much screen time.

FamilyFans.com Recommends: If you’re looking for something unique and a bit strange, INTOLERABLE CRUELTY is worth watching, but leave the kids at home

After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

---What, according to this movie, are the keys to a healthy marriage?

---What do you believe is important in marriage?

---What does the Bible teach us about love and respect, and how does that relate to this movie?

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