On the Rocks is the new comedy drama from writer and director Sofia Coppola. Set in New York this fine, little film is a more than decent option for a date night on the couch. Sophia Coppola writes organic dialogue then allows her actors to deliver it at their own pace. It never feels heavy handed, as if they are being guided, not directed. Bill Murray and Rashida Jones are a fun daddy/daughter, on-screen duo to watch. (continued below)
ON THE ROCKS is an Apple Original Films and A24 Release. It will be available on Apple TV+ starting Friday, October 23! ON THE ROCKS marks the first film produced under the Apple/A24 partnership.
Synopsis: A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city—drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots. Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.
Rated R for some language/sexual references
(continued) This film reminds me so much of a Woody Allen movie. And I mean that as a sincere compliment to Coppola. The way she uses New York as if it were a part of the cast and how the dialogue is wordy yet feels real and translucent. Her characters all have issues that we can relate to on some level. The story is funny and eccentric while at the same time whimsical and full of heart. We can’t choose our parents but have to take them with all their quirks and baggage. Then when we become parents we try not to make the same bad choices. Laura (Rashida Jones) has a dad, Felix, (Bill Murray) who at times is more child than parent. He is a wealthy, lover of women and his old school charm flies in the face of today’s politically current climate. Though you might find him at times offensive for some reason it comes off as lovable and carefree more than creepy. A lot of that has to do with Murray himself. As always he just shines with that easy going personality. He feels almost too comfortable in this role as if this is sort of how he lives day to day.
The story revolves around Laura and her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans). Their marriage has become a tad stagnant and Laura is mildly concerned that Dean may be having an affair with his new co-worker. Felix jumps at the opportunity to do some investigating into the matter and you sense that it is as much for his own excitement as to help his daughter. Laura reluctantly goes along with the idea and the two of them launch a makeshift spy mission. Coppola then uses these moments to allow some meaningful and much needed conversations between the two. While secluded in the car or staking out Dean, Laura and Felix have time to talk about relationships and past hurts. It is as if Laura gets to hear from Felix for the first time and get a better understanding of the person he is.
I love New York based films. Those that walk the neighborhood streets and shine a light on the culture, diversity, and never sleeping atmosphere. Felix is a man about town and his conversations always include hot spots and trendy places. But again these are worked into conversations organically. As Felix and Laura drive around town it made me miss the city and long to get back. Coppola using that as a backdrop added depth to her movie and grounded it nicely.
No two Sophia Coppola films are the same. Unlike Woody Allen who I compared this film to, her movies are not immediately recognizable. But they always deliver. Does On the Rocks have the perspective of Lost In Translation or the brash of Marie Antionette? No. But it is its own creation and walks as strongly as anything in the past. I think that is one thing I admire most about Sophia is her ability to almost reinvent herself as a writer every time. The risks she takes and the desire to write what she wants and not what people expect.
I give ON THE ROCKS a B for Bill. It is an enjoyable film and will be a wonderful treat for fans of Bill Murray. He is as iconic to the screen as New York is to America and it was a blast watching the two come together in this one.
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