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That Old Feeling

1997, Movie, PG-13, 105 mins

That Old Feeling: Review

THAT OLD FEELING
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A rather dark ode to the joys of infidelity, this coarse comedy of remarriage fails to capture the sophisticated, madcap spirit of classic screwball comedies. Drama queen Lily (Bette Midler) and mystery novelist Dan (Dennis Farina), acrimoniously divorced for 14 years, are reunited at the swank wedding of their sensible, rather prissy daughter (Paula Marshall) and an uptight junior politico (Jamie Denton). The battling exes make an embarrassing scene at the reception, then recklessly abandon their long-suffering spouses for a heedless, passionate fling that throws everyone else's love life into frantic disorder. The result isn't without amusing moments, but too much time is given over to ham-fisted social satire and shrill -- but not particularly clever -- cattiness, which still suits Midler far better than the stilted poshness she's occasionally called upon to affect. Writer Leslie Dixon, a longtime purveyor of frenetic, graceless, modern-day farces (including the hugely successful MRS. DOUBTFIRE, a wacky paean to paternal love driven by the notion that there is nothing like a dad, even if he's dressed like a frumpy dame) sets up a perfectly workable clash of cultures -- free-spirited bohemians vs. repressed WASPs -- but the details ring false. Why are '70s reprobates like Lily and Dan billing and cooing to Gershwin and Porter? Let's face it -- their song would more likely be "Me and Bobby McGee." leave a comment --Maitland McDonagh
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