(1989)
3.5
Derek Armstrong
Since its two leads become "family" by marriage, a union between a mother and an uncle that occurs after everyone in question is over 35, Cousins hardly seems an appropriate title for this romantic comedy from director Joel Schumacher, a remake of the French hit Cousin, Cousine. Three Weddings, a Funeral and a Wife Swapping might get a little closer to its true nature. This isn't to say the buoyant spirit of the French original doesn't carry over, but the most interesting family relations on display are not those of "kissing cousins," but across generations within the same family. In fact, the best duo in the movie isn't Ted Danson's Larry Konzinski and Isabella Rossellini's Maria Hardy, but rather, a dyspeptic grandfather (Lloyd Bridges) and grandson (Keith Coogan), whose camaraderie steals the show. Danson and Rossellini do have some nice scenes together, despite not being blessed with very much chemistry. Both are likeable almost to a fault, making it more difficult to accept that they're married to such losers -- a skirt-chasing car salesman (William Petersen), as if that character could get any more stereotypical, and a train wreck of a floozy played by Sean Young. In a true attempt to make Larry and Maria seem like saints, they only dip their toes in the waters of infidelity long after their spouses have repeatedly made themselves into public nuisances. Extremes like these inform much of the proceedings, but Cousins does find its quieter moments, when it becomes a charming showcase for its two appealing stars.
Cousins on AllMovie
Cousins (1989)
