Domestic Disturbance
reviewed by: ReelReviewz@aol.com

MOVIE BIASES: Like Travolta, really like Vaughn, but will this premise pack a punch?

MAJOR PLAYERS: John Travolta (Swordfish), Vince Vaughn (Made), Teri Polo (Meet the Parents), Steve Buscemi (Con Air), and director Harold Becker (Malice).

Upon first hearing six months ago about the pairing of John Travolta, Vince Vaughn, and Steve Buscemi in a major motion picture, I was excited. Three different styles, three red hot talents. When I heard about the premise, I was a little iffy but still awed by the potential of all that talent in a film. So with all this anticipation built up despite the ordinary looking trailers, I went into "Domestic Disturbance" with an optimism this movie neither deserved nor earned. Like people most of the time, this movie was incredibly disappointing.

Frank Morrison (Travolta) is a struggling boat builder in a seaside Maryland town. Although his son Danny (Matthew O'Leary) loves him, his ex-wife is getting married to an affable, wealthy outsider named Rick Barnes (Vaughn). Danny, having been known to cry wolf in the past by drawing attention to himself through lies and lightly criminal behavior, doesn't like Rick because he isn't Frank. But when Danny witnesses an act of REAL criminal behavior by Rick, Danny has a hard time getting anyone to believe him, including his father. Will Frank come around in time to save Danny and his ex-wife from imminent danger?

For all of the attachments to this project, "Domestic Disturbance" is appallingly bland. There are no thrills or disturbances - domestic or otherwise - until the film's final 25 minutes. Travolta looks like he's sleepwalking through an oral reading of the tax code. Vaughn has played more dangerous characters in a game of bid whist. Steve Buscemi is neither creepy nor hilarious; he's just there. The direction, like this routine script, is unremarkably inconsequential.

This is an unforgivably average thriller without much steak or sizzle. I was bored. In fact, I'm bored just writing about it to you. With so many movies out there vying for your entertainment dollar, to be bored by one is inexcusable, and contradictory to the word "entertainment." Wake me up when this movie - and this review - is over.

@@@ REELS (THREE REELS)
It's pretty hot - go give it a shot.
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BIASES: mid 20s black male; frustrated screenwriter who favors action, comedy, and glossy, big budget movies over indie flicks, kiddie flicks, and weepy Merchant Ivory fare
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