While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

OK.... I get the negative reviews if you're trying to process this movie straight on... If your expectation is cheesy romcom or a serious reflection of what marriage truly looks like then perhaps you might have some harsh comments to make. In my opinion, this movie does an excellent job of balancing between the two... Which to some may make it feel disjointed and not as smooth but I think it adds to the charm. I think one needs to consider how this movie could have been made. Yes it could have taken to the heights of what may be considered serious issues that arise through the course of 15-20 years of marriage ... But is that going to be entertaining and a pleasant way to spend your evening? Instead you see that the highlighted issues between Katie and Ben may seem initially trivial, comical, unrealistic (insert your own descriptor here), but does the heart of that issue not reflect some truth in what partners battle when being married for eons? I found it cleverly hidden to allow for people to identify and interpret as something that they could relate to... Not lets take the whole argument literally as that's exactly what happens to everyone, or on the other end of the spectrum... This mirrors your real life so much why the hell would you want to pay the price of a movie ticket to watch it on a big screen...Yes there is arguing... A lot of it... And certainly you probably need to have a certain sense of humour to get Willis and Reiner and their tops of the legs humour (which I personally found hilarious... Then again my humour is quite broad). Michelle's touching speech at the end is a bit hammy.... Again... I think it was meant to be. Touching, thought provoking, poignant, with some air and humour and lightness. In a nutshell, it's all about the expectations you have. If you open yourself up to it, it's a very enjoyable movie. You get to see a side of Bruce that isn't common, Michelle is gorgeous to watch throughout, she is delightful and resonates all that is pfeifferesque - essentially why pfans will watch whatever she decides she wants to star in.

After fifteen years of marriage, Southern California comedy writer Bruce Willis (as Ben) and crossword puzzle constructor Michelle Pfeiffer (as Katie) appear close to divorce. They pretend to be happily married while teenage children are home from school or summer camp, but otherwise Mr. Willis and Ms. Pfeiffer shout obscenities at each other. They are not happy. Flashbacks reveal a pursed-lipped Pfeiffer met playful Willis as a "temp" in his office. They were mutually attracted and created two children. Their marriage unravels in a series of clichés, which many couples should recognize. A core problem is not evident, however...Never cared if the characters played by Willis and Pfeiffer stayed together, or divorced. Not sure why this marriage dissolved - boredom, incompatibility, lack of communication… They do finally make a decision, with the female half apparently resolving something (in an ending epiphany). The highlight could be director Rob Reiner's on-screen character redefining the word "ass". Dirty restaurant talk. Also watch for the therapist with a prostrate problem; he says there are six people in your bed - which leads to a cameo for Red Buttons, Jayne Meadows, Tom Poston and Betty White. They're good for a momentary chuckle.**** The Story of Us (10/13/99) Rob Reiner ~ Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rob Reiner, Rita Wilson

Okay, let's set the stage: I hate Lifetime movies for their poor acting, cheesy scripts, lack of realism, and ridiculous soap-opera style plots and "emotions." (And I just ain't into all that Kleenex.) Can't stand mush and not much on tearjerkers. But I truly can't relate with those saying this was an awful movie. I laughed my tail off! Hilarious! So real (well, for the most part); you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hold your breath, you'll just want more. The "moments" were very real and well-done and I agree that Willis and Pfeiffer rendered stellar performances. It WAS a romantic comedy. (Did YOU see it?!) Such a well-written script and excellently directed. Virtually no complaints from start to finish. (Although, admittedly, I watched an "edited" version and missed all the language.) Anyone who's been married any length of time (and especially for a number of years) will appreciate the reality and depth of emotion and meaning in this poignant movie. Sense of humor required.Totally worth seeing again and again!

This has to be one of my favorite movies. My husband and I watch this and we both end up in tears (at different points) and can identify with the characters. We appreciate each other more (at least for a little while) after watching this movie. Marriage is not easy and the road that this couple travels together hits home with us. When feeling like things are getting too hard and giving up would just be easier, watching this movie puts things into perspective. Do I think that this movie is good for people having marriage difficulties? Maybe. But I do think that this is a good movie for anyone who has ever been married, or wants to be married, or is married. The fact that this movie has Bruce Willis in it was an added bonus, I mean, how can you go wrong with him in a movie?