I’m coming to trust Marc Lawrence to write witty comedies time and time again. And each time it will star Hugh Grant. Did you hear about the Morgans (2009) was no exception. Hugh Grant plays a lawyer who’s separated from his wife (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) because he’s cheated on her. But he deeply regrets this mistake and wants to make it up to his wife. It’s at this point that they both witness a murder, are spotted by the murderer, and are subsequently taken into protective custody by the police. During this time their relationship is put to the test, while the murderer plots to find them at their secret location. For the rest you’ll have to watch the movie.
What struck me immediately was how Hugh Grant’s character had the exact same personality of the characters he played in Two Weeks Notice and Music and Lyrics. Incidentally both of those were also written by Marc Lawrence. Seems to me this guy is writing his movies specifically with Hugh Grant in mind. Not that that’s a criticism. I love this type of character if he’s played by Hugh Grant. He does such a good job of it.
One thing that might be considered a criticism is that it’s rather slow-paced. There’s no real action until the very end. But I guess that’s just a matter of taste. Personally this didn’t bother me. The movie is more about the relationship between the two characters anyway. It’s about how they deal with their issues.
Marc Lawrence’s humour is always something I enjoy. It’s mostly a few levels (intellectually) above the humour in your usual comedies nowadays. I just love it when someone makes the effort to think of a clever joke instead of resorting to material of “below-the-belt” nature. For that I applaud Marc Lawrence.
If you liked Two Weeks Notice and Music and Lyrics, this one will not disappoint. It’s not necessarily better than the two aforementioned movies, but it’s definitely a good watch.
