Laura (Rashida Jones) feels like her life is On the Rocks. Her husband--Dean (Marlon Wayans)--is always out of town, her toddler takes up most of her time, she is struggling to write the book that she has already managed to sell, and she has a sneaky suspicion that Dean is cheating on her with one of his colleagues--Fiona (Jessica Henwick). Luckily, her father, Felix (Bill Murray), is here to save the day. Felix is larger than life, knows everyone and seemingly everything, and has a way with words. His particular set of skills will lead Laura through New York on a journey of redemption and clarity that she never knew she needed. Can her eclectic father save the day, or will her life end in shambles?
On the Rocks is, in nearly every way, simple. The story is one that millions around the world have dealt with. There’s no CGI, no tricks, just a straightforward story about a father and daughter that viewers immediately fall in love with. The admiration that viewers have for On the Rocks begins with Jones. She’s known for often playing comedic roles in sitcoms such as The Office and Parks and Recreation, but not necessarily for her more serious roles. Her beauty and her clear talent, however, intrigue viewers regardless of the role she plays. As On the Rocks begins, Jones dazzles the world with her ability to instantly transport them into her world of simple marriage and motherhood. While the film greatly resembles the real world, transporting viewers to any fictitious world is difficult, but Jones helps viewers to make this transition seamlessly and seemingly without any effort. Now, while Jones is just the first step toward loving the film, she does an exceptional job of reeling in the audience and refusing to let them go. Her calm, but expressive demeanor works well alongside Murray, and the two lead viewers through a beautifully written story of love.
Felix is everything that everyone wishes they could be. In the most difficult circumstances he always knows what to say, and, in general, he always has a trick up his sleeve to liven up any situation. Murray, in typical Murray fashion, portrays a sly, beautifully (and ironically) sophisticated individual who fills the screen with the ideal amount of comedy. However, unlike his usual, in your face comedy, On the Rocks sees Murray being much more subtle in his approach toward humor. Also, much like Jones, Murray never relents as he piles on the endless laughs. The combination of the two incredibly talented individuals engulfs viewers and refuses to release them, and as On the Rocks plays out in its beautifully relatable, but interestingly original fashion, viewers can’t help but to be thankful for what Jones, Murray, and writer-director Sofia Coppola are able to accomplish.
Nearly everything about On the Rocks feels close to perfect. The acting, led by the talented Jones and Murray, the direction, the simplistic, but welcoming and relatable settings, and the artistic and mesmerizing dialogue leave viewers in awe. On the Rocks is a sit back and relax, enjoy a cocktail type film, and it tantalizes those watching from beginning to end as they come to the realization that this story is meant to resonate with them and that this is Bill Murray at his finest.
Written & Directed by Sofia Coppola.
Starring Bill Murray, Rashida Jones, Marlon Wayans, Jessica Henwick, Jenny Slate, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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