Highly Overrated But Still Good

Captivating movie !

An Exercise In Nonsense

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Lovely film ! Wonderful comedy ! Clearly written/directed by a woman who understands feminine angst. This review is short. I am only writing it to express my appreciation for the film and its wonderful acting by Harden and company.Marcia Gay Harden's Madelyn is worth the price of admission itself against which Leonora Watling's Lucy holds her own. It is basically a two women play.....and does recall many of the earlier Broadway-inspired Hollywood productions which involve emotionally unwieldy triads. But is it hackneyed?--not at all. It's human drama which at its base never loses freshness nor its inherent humor and pathos.I enjoyed it. My wife enjoyed it. You'll probably enjoy it as well.

Marcia Gay Hardin is out of this world fabulous in "If I Were You" from 2012.Hardin is Madelyn, a married career woman who finds out her husband is having an affair with a young woman - she spots them at a restaurant. Panicked as her husband leaves the restaurant, she ducks into a store, and so does the girlfriend Lucy (Lenore Watling).Madelyn spots her rival buying a rope and booze, so she follows her home to make sure she isn't committing suicide, which she is. The two talk and become friends, though Madelyn has a hidden agenda. The two make a pact about their men (the same man) - each will tell the other what to do about her problem.Then, by complete accident, Madelyn and Lucy are cast in a production of King Lear, even though Madelyn is not an actress. Madelyn is Lear.I love the story - it's fresh, it's funny; it's also poignant, sad, and inspiring. The acting is terrific. Hardin really carries the film with her comedy coming out as a result of her character's situation. Nothing put on or going for laughs. It's streaming on Netflix. Though it drags a little in the middle, keep with it and whatever you do, don't miss King Lear.

This is a real gem of a movie written and directed by Joan Carr-Wiggin, who did an outstanding job at both. The writing was witty, highly intelligent and crisp, without being snappy or predictable, but embodying mature depth and strength. This film is one of those unforgettable films that reach into the inner core of the heart - yet is handled unconventionally and with more savvy than one has come to expect in these genres.Marcia Gay Harden is outstanding in this film. Outstanding, deep, multifaceted. It was a joy just to watch her. There is so much about this movie that felt rich - certainly not your average shallow Hollywood product.I look forward to more films by Joan Carr-Wiggin.

"If I were You" is a frustrating film to watch, though I do recommend it. Why frustrating? It's because it is almost like two or three different portions of films tossed together--and this is disconcerting. For example, the film starts off as a funny little comedy but then later it's depressing and maudlin and later it's a romance! I really wish the film had maintained a tighter focus--perhaps then it would have made money. Still, with some wonderful acting from Marcia Gay Harden and many wonderful moments, it is still very good.The film begins with a woman (Harden) discovering that her husband is cheating on her. However, in a weird (and funny) twist, she sees the mistress about to kill herself and must intervene. No matter how much she hates her, she has some compassion and won't just stand back and see her die. Soon, in a weirder twist, the two become very good friends--though the mistress has no idea that her new friend is her lover's wife! There is MUCH more to the film than this--and as I said before, the film has great difficulty maintaining focus in style or plot. It's a shame, as the film is VERY funny in places.So would you like my advice? Well, you are reading this, so I assume you do. First, don't let kids watch the film--it's just too adult. Second, watch it if you are willing to look over the uneven bits, as there is so much good in this one.By the way, if you like this film, try watching Harden in "Canvas"---another small and overlooked film in which her acting really, really shines.