Did You Hear About the Morgan’s?: Been There, Done That.

Okay, I admit it, romantic comedies rank up there as one of my favorite movie genres. While You Were Sleeping, One Fine Day, You’ve Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama are a few of my favorites. So when I saw the preview and the cast list, I thought this new movie had potential. Unfortunately, Did You Hear About the Morgan’s has a very predictable plot and falls short when compared to other classic movies of the same genre.

Successful NYC couple, Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) and Meryl Morgan (Sarah Jessica Parker), have recently separated due to Paul’s one nightstand. Paul is a lawyer while Meryl is the president of a real-estate firm. Realizing his mistake, Paul desperately tries to win her back and showers Meryl with various odd presents like an ice sculpture and a constellation of stars named after her. Paul convinces Meryl to go to dinner with him to talk about their situation. Afterwards, while walking to meet one of Meryl’s clients, they witness her client being murdered. The Morgans learn that Meryl’s client was an arms dealer who made a deal to help the FBI. After a hit-man tracks Meryl down and tries to kill her, the Morgans are convinced to enter witness protection until he is caught.

The Morgans are shipped off to the tiny town of Ray, Wyoming under the protection of U.S. Marshall Clay Wheeler (Sam Elliott) and his gun-toting wife Emma Wheeler (Mary Steenburgen). They must try to adjust to country living and kiss their blackberries and assistants goodbye. As a vegetarian and a member of PETA, Meryl must deal with the Wheeler’s proud display of mounted hunting trophies and a fridge full of meat. The Morgans struggle with bears, horseback riding and the lack of both cable and the internet. We also get a further glimpse into their rocky relationship and why Paul strayed.

The acting was decent. Sam Elliott and Mary Steenburgen did a convincing job as the country Wheelers. The assistants, Jesse Liebman and Elisabeth Moss were comedic relief. I am not sure I was sold on Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant as a couple. For me, the chemistry just wasn’t there. Hugh Grant does a great job as this type of bumbling leading man with constant humorous lines. Although he pulls it off, it seems like he’s been typecast into this type of character. Finally, I really like SJP as an actress but sometimes her lines were too long and ran on to such a degree I’d lose interest in what she was saying.

Was it at times corny and very predictable? Definitely! It really used the classic cliché of city vs. country and what happens when people are forced to adjust to a new and foreign way of living. Yes, it did have some funny parts and a few feel good moments. But overall, it was not a great movie; it was just okay. I am sure that dedicated SJP and Hugh Grant fans will turn out for the film but my recommendation is if you really want to see it, wait & rent it.