So you have probably heard the term “Stepford Wife” over the years. I know I have. It wasn’t until years later I found out it was from the book and subsequent movie “The Stepford Wives” by Ira Levin. The remake came around last summer, starring Nicole Kidman. Last night Marcia and I watched it.
I didn’t expect too much, knowing this was a remake and a comedic version. At least I believe the book and the first movie were not. But with a cast that included Kidman (hubba-hubba), Matthew Broderick, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close, Bette Midler, and Jon Lovitz, my hopes started to get a little bigger.
The plot is this; Joanna Eberhart (Kidman) is fired as president of a major TV network. She has a major breakdown, so hubby Walter (Broderick) finds a nice little town in Connecticut to move to and make a new start. They come to find all the woman looking like they stepped out of the late 50’s, always doting on their husbands, always cooking, always cleaning, being the stereotypical “perfect housewife”, yet still maintaining other qualities men like in women. Joanna isn’t buying this, and neither is her new friend and fellow resident Bobby Marco (Midler).
The movie was entertaining, but not overly funny. It was a mix between thriller and comedy. Not a waste of time to watch, mind you. There is a same sex couple in town which adds to the humor of the whole idea “Stepford Wife”, and what interplay between Midler and Lovitz there is (Lovitz plays Bobby’s husband) is good, too. And seeing Midler walk around with a Deep Purple t-shirt was enough of a laugh.
I would like to see the first movie, and maybe read the book, but then again I have too large of a “to read” list that I think I will stick with this version and call it a day.
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