"Prime"

Reviewed by Chris Cappola
Starring Uma Thurman, Meryl Streep, Bryan Greenberg and Jon Abrahams. Directed by Ben Younger. (2005, Focus)

'Prime' tells a very interesting and identifiable story of love. Two people fall in love but are from different worlds. Can these two find happiness with such disparate backgrounds? Does age matter? Does religion play a crucial role in longevity? 'Prime' addresses these questions and gets into the shoes of what happens when you are forced to find love again so late into the game. However, if you read the synopsis and watch the trailers, it's doesn't paint the film in this light - it might suggest this movie is about a woman dating her therapist's son. Is that the same movie? Absolutely! But 'Prime' really isn't about that idea, which is a subplot to a greater and more interesting tale that the advertising is too scared to have portrayed.

Uma Thurman who has never been better plays Rafi, a 37-year old career obsessed divorcee who meets a young man David (Bryan Greenberg) falls in love and then finds out that he is just 23 years old. Can they sustain a healthy relationship with such an age difference? Are their priorities different? Is David's strict Jewish upbringing going to hinder any future possibilities? In the midst of this, Rafi confides in her therapist Lisa (Meryl Streep) about her new found love unaware that she is in fact David's strict Jewish mother. 'Prime' is split between three ideas - the growing relationship between Rafi and David, the interaction between Rafi and Lisa; and Lisa's meddling in David's life.

Although there are some problems with the story structure, 'Prime' is surprisingly a very interesting story. Director Ben Younger who helmed the underrated 'Boiler Room' does a great job with the look and feel of the film set in New York and at times, it seems to feel like a Woody Allen film. It's very talky, uses no major gimmicks and relies on script and performance to carry the film. The screenplay also written by Younger is realistic, convincing and perceptive although it's not very funny and deeming it a romantic comedy would be stretching it a bit. The funniest scenes involve Streep's character but ultimately, it's not a necessary role and the interactions between Streep and Thurman are well played but aren't really what the film is about. It's as if the studio decided to change the idea of the film when they got Streep to play the therapist role and bumped the prominence of her participation because ultimately, anyone could have done the role and it's a fairly small one. The ads make out as if this is 'Monster in Law' all over as Streep battles with Thurman over her son but it's nothing like that and Streep isn't required to go on a 'Jane Fonda' rampage and ruin her son's relationship.

This is really a three man show although one supporting character gets some credit. Uma Thurman has simply never been as good as she is here and is very convincing and very likable. After the hideous 'Be Cool' and a tougher role in the 'Kill Bill' series, she gets a feminine role to sink her teeth into and she displays a balance of strength and vulnerability with the role, which is very effective. Meryl Streep is very good but was anyone really expecting anything less from the legend? Her scenes are good, she has some truly funny moments but one wonders what made her take the role because it's a small one. Bryan Greenberg in his first major role hasn't got the pedigree as his co-stars but he does an exceptional job in the role and has some tough scenes that could have become embarrassing but he does them with great justice. If he continues with such great range, he has a career ahead of him. The interaction between the three with one another also is very strong. Jon Abrahams in a small role as David's best friend has some funny moments too and the role may be pointless but it's a good comical breeze from the central ideas.

'Prime' is a perceptive film that excels in conveying a great character story but doesn't seem as interested in telling that tale than making this a retread of 'Monster in Law' or 'Meet the Parents'. When it's focusing on the relationship between Thurman and Greenberg's characters, it does it very accurately and convincingly but every time Streep intervenes into the mix, it loses focus and comes up with an ending that may seem realistic but doesn't give any closure. Aided by excellent performances, a perceptive script and some solid direction, 'Prime' is a surprisingly effective romance on love, life, religion, age and the other hurdles that every relationship is faced with.
out of 10
- Chris Cappola's Reviews

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