Richard (Chris Rock) appears to have it all. He is a successful banking executive in New York City, lives in a posh home in the suburbs, and has the proverbial gorgeous wife and two kids. However, when a beautiful female acquaintance from former years crosses his path again, he begins to wonder if he is indeed missing something. Nikki is lovely beyond words and makes a big play for him, promising a supercharged sexual liaison. Richard toys with the idea, because it's true that his sex life at home has waned, what with the ongoing decisions about the children and the wall sconces for the living room. Should he risk an affair? This is an occasionally funny film with very attractive performers. Rock is a talented actor and he makes the most of the script's humorous situations. Just watch him cave into smoking a weed at a party or have a semi-serious encounter with a Viagra pill and you will be very mirthful. The trouble is, of course, that the film's comic moments are not in overabundance. The rest of the cast is very fine, with Steve Buscemi giving a nice little performance as a scummy colleague of Richard's. The two main female leads are colossally beautiful and arresting individuals, adding greatly to the movie's enjoyment. Costumes, sets, and production values are high. Beware, however, of some strong language from time to time, as the F-bomb is tossed around on occasion. All in all, this movie is not without humor or good messages yet can not be declared an outright winner. Nevertheless, it will do for an evening's entertainment or, more importantly, it would make a great counseling tool for those considering marriage in the near future. It's ultimate stance on marital commitment and the perils of infidelity are admirable indeed.
64 Reviews
certainly not as revelatory or grounded as Chloe in the Afternoon, but filtering through Rock's sensibilities it's not bad
Quinoa198417 March 2007
Chloe in the Afternoon, Eric Rohmer's much acclaimed 1972 film, will remain as a fine little pillar of the old story of a male character in infidelity and morality with living a life with a significant other, long after I Think I Love My Wife sits in the video stores and gets mass replays on TV. Chris Rock's film, as co-writer/director, is never one to really go down the path of dangerous contrivances or of the annoyances with the quirks in characterizations. This is mostly due to it being a comedy, and with Rock's own brand of sensibilities sort of filtering into this otherwise very straightforward examination of truth and desire in marriage, which is also very easy in some ways.
In fact, as one who may pay attention to Rock's stand-up, at least ten to fifteen minutes of material in the film- from the line near the start "married and bored out of my f***ing mind", to the scene where the married couples have finner- can be found in the 2004 stand-up special Never Scared. This isn't a bad thing, though, and there's even a hilarious wink to moments that come unexpected, either from past Rock bits like the table-dance song in the club or the unfortunate, ecstatically tasteless scene in the ambulance van.
But more than anything it's Rock, as star and filmmaker, an attempt at making a vehicle that knows it's being a little silly at times, and still reaching truths that are worthwhile. The joist of the plot concerns Richard Coopper, Rock, as an investment banker in New York city, married with two kids and quite successful, tempted by the suddenness of Niki Tru (Kerry Washington, almost a 180 of the bland 'good girl' type of woman in Ray), who as Steve Buscemi's character describes to Richard: "she's f***ing you, you just don't know it." At the core of the film there is some momentum in the fact that Richard doesn't go on to cheat, even as one might think this is the 'safe' route.
There is more of a safe turn that happens, which is to be sort of expected, where Richard has a change of mind after letting go of the temptation, and this part loses its credibility in relation to the rest of the picture. But this isn't too much of a hindrance, so much of there being something small, though noticeable, that is even less credible. It reminds one of a similar problem in the Last Kiss, last year's similar romantic-morality tale of tranquility broken by another woman, because on the two sides neither is entirely satisfying. Niki is a cold, tramp kind of girl who actually gets exposition even though, despite Washington's portrayal, is annoying, yet Gina Torres's Brenda, Richard's wife, doesn't get much put into her as a noticeable character, except as a slightly blasé, male portrayal of her being a good mother, yet disengaged in the sexual sense.
Yet there is some good that comes out of Rock's connections to both women that wasn't like the Last Kiss- he's able to garner a successful tone of balance between the drama and comedy, and to the degree that both are neither trying for anything great stay believable up to a point. Buscemi's character is one who's added for a slight change in tone, as at first the straight-laced friend for Richard, but then with his own special idiosyncrasies, really involving Viagra and his own complex with marriage. Meanwhile, Rock goes through his motions of faces in his performance, and it's almost too perfunctory, like his direction. It's definitely amiable and sympathetic, however, so it's not really anything that makes it a bad excursion as a date movie. There's some great songs mixed in, and a fantastic seduction scene towards the end, plus a possible tip of the hat to The 40 Year Old Virgin's end scene.
If you need a good date movie right now, this would surely be one that doesn't offend, and doesn't really make you call everyone you know to see it, but it is smart enough for what it's worth, as opposed to any other lot of romantic comedies where the characters are positively sociopaths. Most you'll find here is a jealous hoodlum who puts a stomping to Richard at one point (which is actually very, very funny, even as a loose end). Not a bad remake, but not one to be put on the same pedestal either.
In fact, as one who may pay attention to Rock's stand-up, at least ten to fifteen minutes of material in the film- from the line near the start "married and bored out of my f***ing mind", to the scene where the married couples have finner- can be found in the 2004 stand-up special Never Scared. This isn't a bad thing, though, and there's even a hilarious wink to moments that come unexpected, either from past Rock bits like the table-dance song in the club or the unfortunate, ecstatically tasteless scene in the ambulance van.
But more than anything it's Rock, as star and filmmaker, an attempt at making a vehicle that knows it's being a little silly at times, and still reaching truths that are worthwhile. The joist of the plot concerns Richard Coopper, Rock, as an investment banker in New York city, married with two kids and quite successful, tempted by the suddenness of Niki Tru (Kerry Washington, almost a 180 of the bland 'good girl' type of woman in Ray), who as Steve Buscemi's character describes to Richard: "she's f***ing you, you just don't know it." At the core of the film there is some momentum in the fact that Richard doesn't go on to cheat, even as one might think this is the 'safe' route.
There is more of a safe turn that happens, which is to be sort of expected, where Richard has a change of mind after letting go of the temptation, and this part loses its credibility in relation to the rest of the picture. But this isn't too much of a hindrance, so much of there being something small, though noticeable, that is even less credible. It reminds one of a similar problem in the Last Kiss, last year's similar romantic-morality tale of tranquility broken by another woman, because on the two sides neither is entirely satisfying. Niki is a cold, tramp kind of girl who actually gets exposition even though, despite Washington's portrayal, is annoying, yet Gina Torres's Brenda, Richard's wife, doesn't get much put into her as a noticeable character, except as a slightly blasé, male portrayal of her being a good mother, yet disengaged in the sexual sense.
Yet there is some good that comes out of Rock's connections to both women that wasn't like the Last Kiss- he's able to garner a successful tone of balance between the drama and comedy, and to the degree that both are neither trying for anything great stay believable up to a point. Buscemi's character is one who's added for a slight change in tone, as at first the straight-laced friend for Richard, but then with his own special idiosyncrasies, really involving Viagra and his own complex with marriage. Meanwhile, Rock goes through his motions of faces in his performance, and it's almost too perfunctory, like his direction. It's definitely amiable and sympathetic, however, so it's not really anything that makes it a bad excursion as a date movie. There's some great songs mixed in, and a fantastic seduction scene towards the end, plus a possible tip of the hat to The 40 Year Old Virgin's end scene.
If you need a good date movie right now, this would surely be one that doesn't offend, and doesn't really make you call everyone you know to see it, but it is smart enough for what it's worth, as opposed to any other lot of romantic comedies where the characters are positively sociopaths. Most you'll find here is a jealous hoodlum who puts a stomping to Richard at one point (which is actually very, very funny, even as a loose end). Not a bad remake, but not one to be put on the same pedestal either.
Life Is Made of Choices
claudio_carvalho17 January 2008
The suburban middle class investment banker and family man Richard Cooper (Chris Rock) has been married for eight years with his wife Brenda (Gina Torres) and they have two children. Their marriage is in crisis due to the lack of sex, and Richard is feeling completely bored and dreaming on having sex everywhere with other women. When his sexy single friend Nikki Tru (Kerry Washington) that he has not seen since he was single stumbles in his office in Manhattan asking for a recommendation letter for a job, Chris has lots of fun with her, but he omits her visit to Brenda. Nikki visits Richard on the next afternoons, jeopardizing his position and making Richard rethink about his choices in life.
"I Think I Love My Wife" is an entertaining movie about a universal situation the change of the sexual life between couples after years of marriage. Kerry Washington is extremely sexy and is perfect in the role of the smart single girl that uses her friendship seeking for fun. It is very pleasant to see the scenes with this gorgeous actress. Chris Rock plays a silly suburban character that fights for not cheating his wife. However the situations are inconsistent since Richard does not have sex with his wife and has daydreams with women; and when he meets a woman like Nikki he does not have sex with her? Brenda, performed by Gina Torres, is an unpleasant character with her denial of having sex. The moralist conclusion, with Richard and Brenda singing, is simply awful. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Acho Que Amo Minha Mulher" ("I Think I Love My Wife")
"I Think I Love My Wife" is an entertaining movie about a universal situation the change of the sexual life between couples after years of marriage. Kerry Washington is extremely sexy and is perfect in the role of the smart single girl that uses her friendship seeking for fun. It is very pleasant to see the scenes with this gorgeous actress. Chris Rock plays a silly suburban character that fights for not cheating his wife. However the situations are inconsistent since Richard does not have sex with his wife and has daydreams with women; and when he meets a woman like Nikki he does not have sex with her? Brenda, performed by Gina Torres, is an unpleasant character with her denial of having sex. The moralist conclusion, with Richard and Brenda singing, is simply awful. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Acho Que Amo Minha Mulher" ("I Think I Love My Wife")
Something to ponder about
ichocolat24 August 2007
For those who want to watch a comedy movie, then this is not what you are looking for. Yeah it has Chris Rock as the main actor, but in this movie he is not the stand up comedian, and he doesn't wish to make you laugh out silly like he usually does in his TV shows.
The story is about a man, who has been married for seven years, and has become a sex-deprived man because he has not make love for a long time. Things got messier when he met his old flame and he suddenly got attracted to her. She was supposed to be a temptress but I think she looked more like a prostitute looking for customers in broad daylight. But heck, he was still attracted to her, mainly because she offered to give him the thing that his wife wouldn't want to give him anymore. Catch my drift? So the story goes that he began to lose focus in his life, particularly with his family and his job in a bank. All because of the temptress and his stupidity to fall for her charm (and partly due to his other head too).
This story addresses the problem faced by many married couple and I think this movie did a good job in portraying the problem. Sometimes it is hard to understand why many married couple choose to end their marriage, and this movie certainly shed some idea on the problem. Without doubt, a good watch.
The story is about a man, who has been married for seven years, and has become a sex-deprived man because he has not make love for a long time. Things got messier when he met his old flame and he suddenly got attracted to her. She was supposed to be a temptress but I think she looked more like a prostitute looking for customers in broad daylight. But heck, he was still attracted to her, mainly because she offered to give him the thing that his wife wouldn't want to give him anymore. Catch my drift? So the story goes that he began to lose focus in his life, particularly with his family and his job in a bank. All because of the temptress and his stupidity to fall for her charm (and partly due to his other head too).
This story addresses the problem faced by many married couple and I think this movie did a good job in portraying the problem. Sometimes it is hard to understand why many married couple choose to end their marriage, and this movie certainly shed some idea on the problem. Without doubt, a good watch.
I think I'd like my money back
Smells_Like_Cheese31 August 2007
I was really looking forward to I Think I Love My Wife, I saw the commercial advertisement for the DVD and this movie looked like so much fun. So I finally got the rental and watched it this morning and I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with it. You know what lost the major points with me? Now, I know Chris Rock's humor, I know he likes to joke about the white man, but this movie just seemed to keep mentioning the white race which I wasn't impressed with. Just because if it were the other way around with a certain line like "Is your wife white?", now if it was a white woman saying "is your wife black?", most people would have been insulted. I'm just sick of the humor, it's getting old and we need to grow up. The story is just the typical man with a mid life crisis with a typical marriage, at the least the horror version.
Richard Cooper is a married man with two beautiful children, awesome job with good pay, a big house, sounds like the perfect life, right? Well, wrong! Him and his wife do not have sex any more and his life has become a bit predictable, that is until he meets and old crush, Nikki and temptation is knocking down the door. Richard plays naive at first acting completely oblivious to her moves, yet when he realizes what she's after, he just keeps hanging out with her risking his job that she visits constantly and family. But Richard tries to remain tough while living a life that he's already over since he's been married.
Over all, I Think I Love My Wife isn't a bad film, it just wasn't what I expected. The acting was fine, it was just the story that seemed unbalanced and not to mention the racial lines that were just unnecessary. So if you're looking to watch this film, I would say to give it a look, I think me taking those lines seriously is a bit much, but I'm just sick of that "humor", I think we need to grow past it if we want a better future, you know? But judge for yourself, other than what I mentioned, it's just an average mid life crisis movie, nothing more.
3/10
Richard Cooper is a married man with two beautiful children, awesome job with good pay, a big house, sounds like the perfect life, right? Well, wrong! Him and his wife do not have sex any more and his life has become a bit predictable, that is until he meets and old crush, Nikki and temptation is knocking down the door. Richard plays naive at first acting completely oblivious to her moves, yet when he realizes what she's after, he just keeps hanging out with her risking his job that she visits constantly and family. But Richard tries to remain tough while living a life that he's already over since he's been married.
Over all, I Think I Love My Wife isn't a bad film, it just wasn't what I expected. The acting was fine, it was just the story that seemed unbalanced and not to mention the racial lines that were just unnecessary. So if you're looking to watch this film, I would say to give it a look, I think me taking those lines seriously is a bit much, but I'm just sick of that "humor", I think we need to grow past it if we want a better future, you know? But judge for yourself, other than what I mentioned, it's just an average mid life crisis movie, nothing more.
3/10
Boring married life ... and then Temptation
Vic_max3 June 2008
... And, it's Chris Rock at center. The movie was amusing to watch. There are some good laugh-out-loud moments, but it was mostly interesting because of his edgy narration throughout the movie. We hear his inner thoughts and clever wit - and we wait to see if he (a married man) will eventually give in to the endless temptation of a female friend.
Here's the setup: Rock plays a banker who has an effectively empty marriage ... his wife is focused on raising their two kids and is at the point of shunning any kind of physical intimacy. Out of the blue, a female friend from his past shows up and is pretty much everything his wife is not ... he can never say 'no' to meeting her, but where is it leading? Watching Chris kind of narrate his thoughts and feelings was fun to watch. All the other characters are kind of 1-dimensional, but they are so well acted, they are interesting to watch.
Whether or not you're a Chris Rock fan, this movie is pretty good based on its own merits: it's funny and insightful.
Here's the setup: Rock plays a banker who has an effectively empty marriage ... his wife is focused on raising their two kids and is at the point of shunning any kind of physical intimacy. Out of the blue, a female friend from his past shows up and is pretty much everything his wife is not ... he can never say 'no' to meeting her, but where is it leading? Watching Chris kind of narrate his thoughts and feelings was fun to watch. All the other characters are kind of 1-dimensional, but they are so well acted, they are interesting to watch.
Whether or not you're a Chris Rock fan, this movie is pretty good based on its own merits: it's funny and insightful.
Pootie Tang aspires for more.
IRateFilms15 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
As Pootie Tang meets the marital comedy of Louis C.K.'s HBO show, I Think I Love My Wife, turns out to be slightly funnier than it looks. Although Chris Rock delivers lines in his films the same way he does in stand-up, making his performances less than mediocre, he turns out to be a more than competent director. Unfortunately that is where praise for this conventional, formulaic, and proclaimed remake of Chloe in the Afternoon stops. Rock vents much of his hostility towards women, married women in particular, in an attempt to excuse male chauvinism and infidelity. It seems the only message Rocks wants to get across is that life ends once a man is married, and the only way to reinvigorate this pre-marital excitement is to find a younger, crazy, attractive women to obsess over you. Rock plays an investment banker living in suburbia, working in the city as he narrates all the downsides of being married and domesticated, like one of his old sketches on SNL.
Rock's second chance behind the camera finds him directing a script filled with some chuckles, but plagued with undeniably bitter misogyny. His direction does feel clumsy and misguided, especially in many of the higher budget crane shots and slow motion tracking shots. The rest of the movie is hovered by whether or not Rock will cheat on his wife, while progressively straying away from his comfortable life at home.
And all of this conflict, and soul searching stems from his wife's refusal to have sex. Why she won't have sex with him is all explained in a short montage of rejections for unexplained and ridiculous reasons, ("My head hurts.") Steve Buscemi manages to bring some flair to film, despite the lighter fair of material he has to work with. Ultimately Rock has shelled out a falsely inspired comedy that will surely please fans of the venerated comedian.
Rock's second chance behind the camera finds him directing a script filled with some chuckles, but plagued with undeniably bitter misogyny. His direction does feel clumsy and misguided, especially in many of the higher budget crane shots and slow motion tracking shots. The rest of the movie is hovered by whether or not Rock will cheat on his wife, while progressively straying away from his comfortable life at home.
And all of this conflict, and soul searching stems from his wife's refusal to have sex. Why she won't have sex with him is all explained in a short montage of rejections for unexplained and ridiculous reasons, ("My head hurts.") Steve Buscemi manages to bring some flair to film, despite the lighter fair of material he has to work with. Ultimately Rock has shelled out a falsely inspired comedy that will surely please fans of the venerated comedian.
One of the better of the genre...'pretty good'.
Panterken12 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
It may not be the funniest movie ever but it scores well on a great number of other points. You can count the good romantic comedies on one hand, and I'm glad to say this is one of the better ones. It's not brilliant, but it's certainly enjoyable. The phrase 'pretty good' goes through my mind every time I watch a Chris Rock movie and so it was in this case too. A bit cliché at times, but never over-the-edge. Buscemi has a great character, the completely amoral SOB who's still a good guy deep inside. He pulls it off, though I don't know if he should do this kind of movies too often. He works better in black comedies IMO. Chris Rock is not the greatest actor of all time, in fact he seems to play pretty much the same character every time. The humor is (almost) never too low-brow, and for that the movie deserves praise. Not the best of movies, but one of the better of the genre, I Think I Love My Wife deserves a watch.
Chris Rock just can't seem to make a good movie
MLDinTN30 March 2008
Chris Rock, whom made his living as a comedian, tries to go dramatic, and as one would expect, it just doesn't work. He doesn't seem to be able to star in a hit film. Perhaps he should just stick to TV work where he was great on SNL. Rock plays Richard, a middle aged family man whom has become bored with his wife, whom just isn't interested in sex any more. One day an old friend stops by his office. Nikki still looks great and seems to be having fun stringing Richard along even though she has a boyfriend. She begins inviting him out to lunch and to just go places. And Richard, just seems not able to say no. He doesn't really want to cheat on his wife, yet he wants to bring some excitement to his life. And Nikki seems safe since she has a man. But, Nikki breaks up with her guy and wants to spend even more time with Richard. Richard starts the lies with his wife, but still manages not to get caught. And I guess if you want to say there is a big dramatic scene, it is whether or not Richard will cheat.
As I've said, Rock is a comedian and not a dramatic actor. He doesn't bring a lot to this role. And this movie is not some romance comedy.
FINAL VERDICT: It's OK, but the story is nothing great and Rock is miscast. It's not worth renting.
As I've said, Rock is a comedian and not a dramatic actor. He doesn't bring a lot to this role. And this movie is not some romance comedy.
FINAL VERDICT: It's OK, but the story is nothing great and Rock is miscast. It's not worth renting.
I liked this movie
sheruer17 August 2013
I knew nothing about this movie but wanted to watch it because Kerry Washington co-stars in it and I like her; from myself being a fan of the TV Series Scandal that Kerry stars in.
I Think I Love My Wife is an enjoyable movie; Chris Rock was good. I liked the semi-comedy affect of the movie and that it gave the rather comedic of a husband experiencing marriage problems from more of a Black cultural point of view than most movies will.
However, the husbands problem was his wife's disinterest in sex and for that either she should have given a clear reason, opposed to just refusing or her husband (Chris) had a true justification to cheat (with Kerry) or divorce. It's wrong for a spouse to withhold sexual gratification without an explanation; marriage includes sex and its torture for the other spouse when its withheld.
I Think I Love My Wife is an enjoyable movie; Chris Rock was good. I liked the semi-comedy affect of the movie and that it gave the rather comedic of a husband experiencing marriage problems from more of a Black cultural point of view than most movies will.
However, the husbands problem was his wife's disinterest in sex and for that either she should have given a clear reason, opposed to just refusing or her husband (Chris) had a true justification to cheat (with Kerry) or divorce. It's wrong for a spouse to withhold sexual gratification without an explanation; marriage includes sex and its torture for the other spouse when its withheld.
Too little, too late
sylvar20 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Chris Rock is known for insightful and uproarious social commentary. In this picture, he makes one hackneyed observation -- married people don't have much sex -- and can contribute little else of merit.
I asked MY wife to wake me up when the movie got funny or interesting, and if it had not been for a singularly unfunny scene in an ambulance, I might have gotten a decent nap.
Everyone has a bad day every now and then; the ending certainly brought a quarter's worth of shine to a table's worth of gloom. But a quarter would be a fair price for a ticket to I Think I Love My Wife. Those who download this movie illegally will have only themselves to blame for wasting bandwidth.
I asked MY wife to wake me up when the movie got funny or interesting, and if it had not been for a singularly unfunny scene in an ambulance, I might have gotten a decent nap.
Everyone has a bad day every now and then; the ending certainly brought a quarter's worth of shine to a table's worth of gloom. But a quarter would be a fair price for a ticket to I Think I Love My Wife. Those who download this movie illegally will have only themselves to blame for wasting bandwidth.
A typical middle class man faces a relatable crisis
heartandsoul22 March 2007
I wasn't going to comment until I saw all the negative and I thought unfair comments about this movie. I've always said that movies reviews often show what's going on inside us as much as what's went on on the screen. I for one was at first reluctant to see this movie because I thought Chris Rock's other movie attempts were juvenile. But when I read his announcement that this was his first "adult" movie, I became interested. I appreciated that this was a slice of life movie. I heard a complaint that there was no plot but since when does life present a neatly contrived plot? The movie represented a period out a man's life, a particularly rough patch in his marriage. It was exaggerated where it needed to be for comic effect, which for me, I'm happy to say was very successful, since most attempts at comedy leave me stone faced. In general both my boyfriend and I have discriminating tastes in movies. It's tough to surprise us, please us, make us laugh, while at the same time presenting a realistic life issue that makes one think. This movie did that. It wasn't strictly formula. My suggestion is to not automatically believe the negative reviews. Don't even take my review as gospel. But I think any movie that creates such divergent reactions deserves a look. I would suggest you definitely check it out and decide for yourself.
I'm losin' my finger-lickin' mind over here!
lastliberal3 April 2008
Face it. When a man stops getting what he wants and needs at home, he will start looking elsewhere. The ending to this movie is so unrealistic as to be laughable. There is absolutely no way that it could end up like it did.
The movie was funny because you could see Richard (Chris Rock) getting deeper and deeper into trouble. You absolutely knew there was only one way this could end up. I haven't see Rock in a major role since Lethal Weapon 4, and I enjoyed his lines, but, if this is the kind of crap endings that he has in his movies, it will be a long time before I see another.
Besides Rock's lines, the best reason to watch this is Kerry Washington. That woman could make the Pope stray, so nor mere mortal man has a chance with her in the room. I was hoping for some She Hate Me action, but it's OK. Just watch her walk is pleasure aplenty.
Watch it for the lines, and Kerry Washington, but be prepared for a sucky ending.
The movie was funny because you could see Richard (Chris Rock) getting deeper and deeper into trouble. You absolutely knew there was only one way this could end up. I haven't see Rock in a major role since Lethal Weapon 4, and I enjoyed his lines, but, if this is the kind of crap endings that he has in his movies, it will be a long time before I see another.
Besides Rock's lines, the best reason to watch this is Kerry Washington. That woman could make the Pope stray, so nor mere mortal man has a chance with her in the room. I was hoping for some She Hate Me action, but it's OK. Just watch her walk is pleasure aplenty.
Watch it for the lines, and Kerry Washington, but be prepared for a sucky ending.
I think I hate this movie.
dunmore_ego27 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Chris Rock is a powerful force. I love the guy. But in I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE, this mighty black man looks mighty beige.
Even in the lamest of his starring vehicles, Rock's individual voice and common sense messages shine through. But the character he plays in LOVE MY WIFE is a wishy-washy departure that demeans him, his fans and his perceptive observations on relationships.
Rock has risen from an underprivileged racial comedian to the most energizing and insightful African-American/comedic voice since Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Remember the furor over his hosting of the Academy Awards in 2005; how the producers quivered at his renegade image as much as the crowd quivered at his vital energy? In tilting at the mainstream with this dull, vapid "comedy" it will be awhile before there's any more quivering around Chris Rock.
In I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE Rock is a "happily"-married ad exec who meets an old crush (Kerry Washington), who provides the laughs and sensuality that his wife (Gina Torres) doesn't. After being led along by the crush (and steadily pussified), he ends up breaking it off with her and staying with his boring wife, who suddenly, we presume, becomes unboring. Because the script says so.
There is only one good line - and it bleeds of the Rock of old: "You can lose a lot of money chasing women, but you'll never lose women chasing money." The rest of this simplistic, clichéd and tired movie can be summed up in one word: pussy-whipped, hypocritical, ball-less, suffocating, stultifying, deceitful, frustrating, emasculating, sexually-demeaning, gutless, mundane. Take your pick.
I'm terribly disappointed in him. He co-wrote, produced and directed LOVE MY WIFE, so full marks for designing the wheels, putting them on the vehicle and driving the vehicle - but if you're gonna drive into a tree, well... If he is satisfied being this unfunny and inoffensive and homogenized, he might as well be Julia Roberts.
Before SNL's formative years and before NEW JACK CITY (1991) put him on the movie landscape, Rock appeared in a standup collection, COMEDY'S DIRTIEST DOZEN (1988), also featuring the far more professional raconteur Bill Hicks (1961-1994) and a young, grunting - and funny - Tim Allen. Rock was a rough-edged angry black kid back then, still honing his chops.
But the grave lesson here is what happened to Tim Allen.
The gods of mediocrity ate Allen alive, seemingly missing the fresh-faced naive black kid with the lion pacing and racism jokes, but they have now come knocking ominously at his door, "Mr. Rock, your time has come."
The message that LOVE MY WIFE tries to convey is undermined by one of its very own characters: Steve Buscemi is Rock's friend, a married man and philanderer - yet portrayed as the most well-adjusted, likable, sensible, noble person in the film, despite the film saying that fidelity alone will make you all those things. If anything, Rock's forced, guilt-ridden fidelity drove him to become a soppy bitch who nearly ruined his family by almost losing his job.
Rock narrates the film's contradictory syrup message, "You can't chose who you love - but you can chose HOW you love." After trying to figure out the mathematics behind that idiocy, we realize the film *has* shown us "how to love" - with Buscemi's character: compartmentalize. Love someone wholly, but don't deny your manly urges on occasional fluff. After all, your woman was attracted to your manly urges - she didn't want a eunuch! - how can she demand that you quell those urges and then turn them on at her behest? Isn't that a form of psychological terrorism?
Rock narrates, "I want a woman who'll go to war with me and drag me and the kids out alive!" Sounds good - but metaphysical JUNK! Means nothing after Rock has established his marriage is sexless. You want a marriage or a Special Forces operative? Like a sycophantic Jell-O mold, Rock apologizes to his wife - even though he never did anything adulterous (even though he was thinking it, but was too gutless to act on it or even admit to thinking it - but that's another self-deceit encyclopedia) - and, we presume, lives out his days in obedient sexual frustration. Seems to be the only person quivering over Chris Rock in this movie is Chris Rock.
--Review by Poffy The Cucumber (for Poffy's Movie Mania).
Even in the lamest of his starring vehicles, Rock's individual voice and common sense messages shine through. But the character he plays in LOVE MY WIFE is a wishy-washy departure that demeans him, his fans and his perceptive observations on relationships.
Rock has risen from an underprivileged racial comedian to the most energizing and insightful African-American/comedic voice since Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. Remember the furor over his hosting of the Academy Awards in 2005; how the producers quivered at his renegade image as much as the crowd quivered at his vital energy? In tilting at the mainstream with this dull, vapid "comedy" it will be awhile before there's any more quivering around Chris Rock.
In I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE Rock is a "happily"-married ad exec who meets an old crush (Kerry Washington), who provides the laughs and sensuality that his wife (Gina Torres) doesn't. After being led along by the crush (and steadily pussified), he ends up breaking it off with her and staying with his boring wife, who suddenly, we presume, becomes unboring. Because the script says so.
There is only one good line - and it bleeds of the Rock of old: "You can lose a lot of money chasing women, but you'll never lose women chasing money." The rest of this simplistic, clichéd and tired movie can be summed up in one word: pussy-whipped, hypocritical, ball-less, suffocating, stultifying, deceitful, frustrating, emasculating, sexually-demeaning, gutless, mundane. Take your pick.
I'm terribly disappointed in him. He co-wrote, produced and directed LOVE MY WIFE, so full marks for designing the wheels, putting them on the vehicle and driving the vehicle - but if you're gonna drive into a tree, well... If he is satisfied being this unfunny and inoffensive and homogenized, he might as well be Julia Roberts.
Before SNL's formative years and before NEW JACK CITY (1991) put him on the movie landscape, Rock appeared in a standup collection, COMEDY'S DIRTIEST DOZEN (1988), also featuring the far more professional raconteur Bill Hicks (1961-1994) and a young, grunting - and funny - Tim Allen. Rock was a rough-edged angry black kid back then, still honing his chops.
But the grave lesson here is what happened to Tim Allen.
The gods of mediocrity ate Allen alive, seemingly missing the fresh-faced naive black kid with the lion pacing and racism jokes, but they have now come knocking ominously at his door, "Mr. Rock, your time has come."
The message that LOVE MY WIFE tries to convey is undermined by one of its very own characters: Steve Buscemi is Rock's friend, a married man and philanderer - yet portrayed as the most well-adjusted, likable, sensible, noble person in the film, despite the film saying that fidelity alone will make you all those things. If anything, Rock's forced, guilt-ridden fidelity drove him to become a soppy bitch who nearly ruined his family by almost losing his job.
Rock narrates the film's contradictory syrup message, "You can't chose who you love - but you can chose HOW you love." After trying to figure out the mathematics behind that idiocy, we realize the film *has* shown us "how to love" - with Buscemi's character: compartmentalize. Love someone wholly, but don't deny your manly urges on occasional fluff. After all, your woman was attracted to your manly urges - she didn't want a eunuch! - how can she demand that you quell those urges and then turn them on at her behest? Isn't that a form of psychological terrorism?
Rock narrates, "I want a woman who'll go to war with me and drag me and the kids out alive!" Sounds good - but metaphysical JUNK! Means nothing after Rock has established his marriage is sexless. You want a marriage or a Special Forces operative? Like a sycophantic Jell-O mold, Rock apologizes to his wife - even though he never did anything adulterous (even though he was thinking it, but was too gutless to act on it or even admit to thinking it - but that's another self-deceit encyclopedia) - and, we presume, lives out his days in obedient sexual frustration. Seems to be the only person quivering over Chris Rock in this movie is Chris Rock.
--Review by Poffy The Cucumber (for Poffy's Movie Mania).
Well composed drama
Gordon-1117 September 2007
This film is about a man having to make choices between his wife and kids, and a beautiful woman who suddenly appears in his life.
I thought this film was a comedy, but it was not. It was a drama about a man in an less than satisfactory marriage. I think the negative comments about this film stems from the fact that people expected this to be a comedy, hence they got disappointed by what they see. Richard Cooper's confusion is well portrayed, and I am sure a lot of people can relate to the situation. If the film had a title that sounded less like a comedy, so that people knew what to expect, I am sure it would have enjoyed a better word of mouth.
I thought this film was a comedy, but it was not. It was a drama about a man in an less than satisfactory marriage. I think the negative comments about this film stems from the fact that people expected this to be a comedy, hence they got disappointed by what they see. Richard Cooper's confusion is well portrayed, and I am sure a lot of people can relate to the situation. If the film had a title that sounded less like a comedy, so that people knew what to expect, I am sure it would have enjoyed a better word of mouth.
Poor script helped by a by the numbers script sink a remake of a near classic
dbborroughs2 September 2007
Chris Rock remakes Chloe in the Afternoon. Man who's wife ignores him is put to the test by a free spirit ex-girlfriend.
If you can get past the competent but clichéd way the film is put together (clearly some one was following the numbers) you'll have to deal with a completely miscast cast who come off as abrasive rather than charming. Even the reliable Steve Buscemi grates on your nerves. The real problem and the thing that sinks this film is the script written by Rock and Lewis CK. I'm guessing it might have worked in better hands but here the gentle sex farce of the original is just smutty and vulgar.
An example of how not to put a movie together.
If you can get past the competent but clichéd way the film is put together (clearly some one was following the numbers) you'll have to deal with a completely miscast cast who come off as abrasive rather than charming. Even the reliable Steve Buscemi grates on your nerves. The real problem and the thing that sinks this film is the script written by Rock and Lewis CK. I'm guessing it might have worked in better hands but here the gentle sex farce of the original is just smutty and vulgar.
An example of how not to put a movie together.
To be tempted or not
chrichtonsworld11 July 2007
Even when I am not married I can understand the problems Chris Rock is having in his marriage! To have this sweet and beautiful wife who does love him but for some reason is not having sex with him anymore would drive any man nuts! I was really anxious to see how they would solve this problem! But we never get to see a real serious solution to this problem! I think there are many (married) couples who can relate to this subject and it couldn't have hurt to offer some advice! Once Chris Rock is faced with temptation you have sympathy for the guy! You will wonder if he will cross the line and go have an affair! It is obvious that Chris Rock is trying to be more mature in his comedies than he used to! It is not quite working for him! This becomes clear in the scene where he gets mad about eating chicken everyday and then goes out to some party! When he acts like this he is more in his element and much funnier! Too bad there weren't many scenes like this one! "I think I love my wife" is flawed but still a nice comedy!
Worst Move Ever
evella478 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was truly disappointed in Chris Rock and in this movie. It is full of curse words and bad language. There was nothing good about it. It is a waste of time to view. There is no plot and the whole movie is about SEX and a lack of it. The "f" word is their favorite word to use as if there is no other way to make your point. It was degrading. The girlfriend is portrayed like a black whore and has the mouth to match. Even as the other woman it was deplorable.
Maybe my expectations were too high. I think Chris Rock can be funny and I have enjoyed him in other pictures, so I thought that is what I would have look forward to in this movie. He was portrayed as a successful business man but unfortunately, still making the same stupid mistakes they all make ~~ never satisfied.
This is not a movie for the kids.
I want my money back.
Maybe my expectations were too high. I think Chris Rock can be funny and I have enjoyed him in other pictures, so I thought that is what I would have look forward to in this movie. He was portrayed as a successful business man but unfortunately, still making the same stupid mistakes they all make ~~ never satisfied.
This is not a movie for the kids.
I want my money back.
I Think I Love My Wife- 7 Year Itch Revisited **1/2
edwagreen5 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have to admit that this film was better than the 7 Year Itch. It tells the story of a guy who is bored with his marriage and begins seeing a woman, a girl he knew from his high school years. Though nothing happens between them, his meetings with her, especially when she comes up to the office, begins to affect his work and his marriage.
I found this film insulting to black people when Kerry Washington (the girl he rediscovers) will ask him if he is married, has children or children out of wedlock. She refers to marriage with children as that white thing. Am shocked that black people don't find this offensive.
Naturally, he follows her to Washington in a near mad cap escapade and is almost ready for a sexual tryst with her, when common sense and decency prevails.
Is this the true caliber of sexual mores and trysts in our society? Methinks not.
I found this film insulting to black people when Kerry Washington (the girl he rediscovers) will ask him if he is married, has children or children out of wedlock. She refers to marriage with children as that white thing. Am shocked that black people don't find this offensive.
Naturally, he follows her to Washington in a near mad cap escapade and is almost ready for a sexual tryst with her, when common sense and decency prevails.
Is this the true caliber of sexual mores and trysts in our society? Methinks not.
Terrible Film -- A Man needs to be a man and not a "pussywhip"
Mannypl669 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The only message I think this film really project is that the woman dominates the relationship and not the man. Chris Rock's role was portrayed as this wishy washy nice guy who gets constantly ordered and bullied around by his wife (shown in several scenes) while being taken advantage of by another woman. The whole movie was not about him lacking sex but the fact of the matter is that he was not a real man. A real man is suppose to take charge and authority and suppose to be the dominant part of the relationship and not take crap or let his wife bully him around but she should respect his authority but nowadays if a man shows himself too much of a pussy and not aggressive he is easily taken advantage of as you see in this film. Had he been aggressive and dominant as a real man should be the whole sex thing would not have been an issue. Chris Rock's character was weak and pitiful, A man needs to be a man and he needs to exercise his dominance and authority especially in a marriage. It's just sad that a lot of men are "Pussywhip".
Can a ni**a get a table dance?!
voltK8 October 2007
I don't know why this movie got such a low rating. Usually, anything less than a 6 means it's a waste of your time, but that's not the case with this movie. It was very entertaining and I laughed my arse off. Really not a single dull moment. I don't know - maybe you have to be married to get into it. I thought it was a really refresing take on a topic that's been done many times. Chris Rock's dialogue is great. Not because it's profoundly deep or anything like that: simply because he's raw. Don't be worried by the low rating it got. If you're in the mood for something light and funny (and especially if you're married, and not terribly uptight) you'll enjoy this one. Trust me.
Buscemi sighting
DJJOEINC7 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I Think I Love My Wife - I know I love Chris Rock when he is on his A-game.His show on HBO was a must watch- and 2 of his comedy CDs are personal faves.But he has yet to translate his energy to a full length film that really captures his raw hilarious standup- I mean I enjoyed his cameo in I'm Gonna Get You Sucka and love CB4-but that was 10 years back and stuff like Down to Earth and Head of State are disposable but charming enough to endure once.This time Rock has adapted a 60s French film into a romantic comedy for guys- except that Rock manages to make this potentially ruanchy R-rated movie feel like a family film-fine that is where Rock's head is- OK.The basic premise is that Rock is happily married- until the sex stops- then he starts getting a wandering eye- and then an old friend- a drop dead gorgeous female starts trying to tempt him and proceeds to almost mess up his life-the movie has some funny moments and welcome stints from 2 folks from the Wire- but it is nothing I would revisit.The DVD has outtakes,making of featurette,commentary and deleted scenes.Better than most of the "comedies" that have been released this year- but not a laugh riot or even a giggle parade- but enough chuckles to pass the time. C+
Enjoyable Comedy!...Absolutely LOVED It!
kiacheri26 March 2007
This romantic comedy was different. For once, I was not able to predict the outcome of the situation nor the ending. I really enjoyed the movie. The character of Richard Cooper is believable and the issue that is presented is realistic, esp. in America. It deals with the temptation to cheat. And even focuses on the ancient issue of whether or not men and women can have a platonic relationship. As well as the question: Is this marriage going to work or stand the test of time or temptation? It definitely is a movie for adults esp. couples. I laughed the entire time. I give Chris Rock two thumbs WAY UP & mad KUDOS...I Absolutely LOVED It!
I think you should give it a chance
digital_bedouin4 November 2007
By far Rocks best film, he plays a married man who's become increasingly bored with married life and struggles not to cheat on his wife with an extremely beautiful old friend.
This film wasn't boring, it had its comedic moments and what man wouldn't want to watch Kerry Washington, who played Nikki, for at least an hour.
I am definitely not a fan of Chris Rock movies, but this one was a mature display and co inked by long time friend and Lucky Louie star Louis C.K.
Along with Steve Buschemi to throw in some lines, the movie can be tolerated, is entertaining and not as bad as you would think..
If you don't have anything to do, and have an hour or so to burn, then I think you should give it a chance.
It's not comedic genius, its just a movie, not every single film should be a runner up for an academy, this one qualifies as an entertaining ride into Chris Rocks mind...
This film wasn't boring, it had its comedic moments and what man wouldn't want to watch Kerry Washington, who played Nikki, for at least an hour.
I am definitely not a fan of Chris Rock movies, but this one was a mature display and co inked by long time friend and Lucky Louie star Louis C.K.
Along with Steve Buschemi to throw in some lines, the movie can be tolerated, is entertaining and not as bad as you would think..
If you don't have anything to do, and have an hour or so to burn, then I think you should give it a chance.
It's not comedic genius, its just a movie, not every single film should be a runner up for an academy, this one qualifies as an entertaining ride into Chris Rocks mind...
Chris Rock in uncomfortable morality play
SnoopyStyle11 September 2013
Richard Cooper (Chris Rock) is a comfortable middle manager banker. But his marriage is running in problems. He doesn't have sex with his wife Brenda (Gina Torres) anymore, and they are fighting over it. Then a sexy past acquaintance Nikki (Kerry Washington) re-enters in his life and turns it upside down.
I am a little shocked that the screenplay was written by Chris Rock, and Louis C.K. I didn't find any of it funny. It may have been too much for Chris Rock to write, direct, and star in this. First Chris Rock look horrible with the stache. The narration is annoying. But more importantly, the morality of this movie is too awkward. Chris and Louis are obviously trying to say something profound about marriage and life. It may have been a great 10 minute stand-up, but it doesn't make good rom-com. I won't spoil the ending, but it's less about love and more about fear.
I am a little shocked that the screenplay was written by Chris Rock, and Louis C.K. I didn't find any of it funny. It may have been too much for Chris Rock to write, direct, and star in this. First Chris Rock look horrible with the stache. The narration is annoying. But more importantly, the morality of this movie is too awkward. Chris and Louis are obviously trying to say something profound about marriage and life. It may have been a great 10 minute stand-up, but it doesn't make good rom-com. I won't spoil the ending, but it's less about love and more about fear.
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