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This dark comedy stars Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick
as Joanna Eberhart and Walter Kresby, a couple who move to Stepford after Joanna has a
near breakdown. Once a high-powered TV executive, Joanna loses her job after a reality
show contestant attempts to shoot her during a high-profile event. The man lost his wife
after participating on the show, and he blames Joanna for ruining his life.
In an effort to save face, the company fires Joanna, and she spirals into a
funk. In a show of support, Walter gives up his own position with the network, and he
moves the family to Stepford to salvage their sanity.
The small suburban
town seems to be straight out of an old ‘50s magazine—or from the set of The Donna
Reed Show. The women are all cut from the same material, and it seems that the new
arrivals, Joanna, Bobbie (played by Bette Midler), and the gay man, Roger (played by
Roger Bart), are the only ones who aren’t subservient and ultra-conservative.
The men, on the other hand, all seem to share a special secret and are led by
Mike Wellington, played by Christopher Walken. When Walter discovers the key to
everybody’s behavior, he faces the choice of joining their ranks or exposing the dark
truth.
This movie was better than I expected, and I loved the twists that
happen throughout. The finale is extremely satisfying, and I was even caught off-guard
by what happens. I certainly recommend seeing this film at least once—and, given the
cost of renting, you should consider owning it.
Extras on the DVD include
several featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and movie trailers.
GRADE: B (movie) B (DVD)
