10 Reasons Why you should watch The War of The Roses again or for the first time.
“Don’t try to ever compete with a woman when it comes to love or revenge.” lawyer, Gavin D’Amato (Danny DeVito)
I saw the “War of The Roses” back in 1989 and I really didn’t get it. I had been married for two years. A whole two years! How could I even begin to understand this masterpiece?
Starring Kathleen Turner as Barbara Rose and Michael Douglas as Oliver Rose, a powerful, Washington D.C. couple on the verge of divorce. The Rose’s outrageous antics are everything we dream of doing as a divorcing couple, but would never IRL. Therefore, we can live vicariously through Barbara and Oliver.
Because neither one of them is willing to move from the marital home, they end up living together under the same roof and what ensues is a battle worthy of inclusion in The Art of War. Is it when she feeds him dog food pate and he loves it and proclaims it to be her best? or when she finds out he has run over (accidentally) and buried her cat, so she locks him in the sauna, or when he saws off the heel of every one of her shoes? or when he literally takes a leak in her main course she is serving her clients, that is simmering on the stove.
It’s an absolutely viciously funny divorce movie if you’re in the mood for dark humor.
Danny DeVito hilariously plays the divorce lawyer who makes a cautionary tale of his client, Oliver. He tells the story of the Roses to warn potential divorce clients to re-think their divorce altogether. In lawyer Gavin’s defense, he rebuffs the beautiful Barbara’s advances to get him on her side of the battle. Ultimately, there is nothing more precious to the Rose’s than their home. Except for their pets, cars and trinkets…their grown children don’t seem to make the list. How do you fight with someone who knows your weak spots, and what exactly is precious to you? Well, the answer is, you really can’t.
1. 80’s fashion-Barbara’s style is preppy meets glam and she’s also back in style again.
2. The house-get some fabulous reno tips for classic Tudor style—and that chandelier!
3. Michael Douglas-not that he hasn’t aged well but the young MD is quite the hunk.
4. The cars-her souped up four wheeler, and his antique sports car—I won’t divulge what happens to them.
5. Danny DeVito-he’s at his best in this film. His wry, sassy humor and unique style suit this character of Ollie’s lawyer, perfectly.
6. The fighting-is bound to have you nodding and laughing but also the outrageous and cunning strategies each of them use against one another will keep you on the edge of your seat.
7. Because divorce-this one will have you thinking yours is ‘easy’ and your ex is wonderful.
8. You will re-think the importance of your material possessions.
9. The chandelier scene-one for the ages, but it doesn’t happen until the end of the film so you’ll have to hang in until the end.
10. Comedic relief-because we all could use a good laugh, especially at divorce. Why take it so seriously? (I know it’s serious but you know what I mean).
This is a crazy divorce romp that will have you laughing your ass off. As well, you will think twice about the value of your things. In addition, Turner and Douglas are both so hot that they make it easy on the eyes to what would normally be an ugly battle that is divorce.
have you seen this film? Are you a fan of dark humor?
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Fiona Manoon
December 20, 2018 at 12:23 amThe Blog is very interesting and effective.
Now i will definitely watch “The war of the roses”.
Thanks Lisa for sharing informative article.
Christine Carter
December 16, 2018 at 10:09 amI remember this one and omg it is HILARIOUS. What a great idea to share it with your readers, Lisa! You’re so right- it will bring some much-needed laughter and even relief for those going through their own awful divorce that it’s not THAT bad at least…
I am going to check this one out of the library to watch again because it’s been forever. I LOVE all the actors in it too.
lisa
December 17, 2018 at 12:47 pmYup, it definitely gives us some perspective on our own experience. The actors were well cast and great chemistry. Thanks for stopping over, Chris. Always nice to see your face here xx
Jane Thrive
December 14, 2018 at 12:32 pmOMG great recommendation, Lisa!! I do remember seeing it and was so in awe of the cunning behind the war, LOL. I remember thinking–I definitely would want to be the lawyer in this movie, NOT one of the parties! Ha ha ha!
lisa
December 17, 2018 at 12:39 pmThanks, Jane. I know. They were incredibly cunning and funny at the same time.
lisa
December 17, 2018 at 12:41 pmThanks, Jane. I know. They were incredibly cunning and funny at the same time. I would prefer to be the lawyer, too. 😉
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December 11, 2018 at 7:51 am[…] 10 Reasons To Watch The War of The Roses Again […]
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
December 7, 2018 at 4:50 pmOMG I loved this movie! I swear, some of the BEST movies came out of the 80’s!
lisa
December 8, 2018 at 10:12 amYes, it was so hilarious! I forgot how good…gotta love the 80’s 🙂
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer
December 5, 2018 at 3:26 pmWe watched this is the eighties too. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!
lisa
December 8, 2018 at 10:11 amYou’re welcome, Kim. It was a good one 😀
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
December 4, 2018 at 5:00 pmOh wow, I haven’t watched this movie in ages but I always loved the dark humor in it. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas were both just so good. Great post!
lisa
December 5, 2018 at 8:29 amHi Suzanne, same with me until it was on the retro movie channel without commercials. Turner and Douglas had amazing chemistry. Thanks for stopping over!
Kimberly
December 3, 2018 at 6:50 amOh my goodness…I haven’t watched that movie in YEARS! And I probably didn’t understand half of the things they were talking about when I watched it. I’ll have to go back and watch this one. I completely forgot about it!
lisa
December 4, 2018 at 9:46 amha, me too, Kim. I didn’t get it, way back when. Now? It’s wayyyy funnier.
m
November 30, 2018 at 1:05 amI watched it some time ago now and remember loving it.
I’d love to see it again, from a different perspective!
The actors are just fabulous.
Have a lovely day Lisa.
lisa
December 1, 2018 at 11:03 amYou’ll like it more the second time, M. I did. I actually wasn’t sure I thought it was funny the first time. I was too young to get it. Haha!
Balroop Singh
November 29, 2018 at 8:54 pmI haven’t seen this movie Lisa. Thank you for the inspiration to see what you call dark humour. 🙂
lisa
December 1, 2018 at 11:03 amHi Balroop, give it a try and be prepared for the outrageous!!
Chrys Fey
November 29, 2018 at 10:39 amI’ve never seen this movie, but I’d watch it just for the fashion and decor. lol 🙂
lisa
December 1, 2018 at 11:02 amI think you’ll like it, Chrys! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
LA CONTESSA
November 29, 2018 at 10:23 amTHANK YOU!
WE are ALWAYS looking for FUN humor filled movies!!!!!!!
I MISSED this one the first GO AROUND!
XX
lisa
December 1, 2018 at 11:02 amHi Contessa, I hope you two get some laughs. Be prepared for some dark humor though. 🙂