The Story of Us (1999): Dir: Rob Reiner / Cast: Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rob Reiner, Rita Wilson, Tim Matheson: Drama about the endurance of relationships that might have worked had the couple not argued over the stupidest things. We could probably find quicker solutions to the dilemmas Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer face here. Instead their marriage is in pearl because they lack good communication skills. The film analyzes their marriage from the day they met to the birth of their children up to the problems they face now. She believes he is having an affair when she completely misunderstood and unable to take responsibility for her actions. Depressing and predictable directed by Rob Reiner who does his worst but this sort of theme is more appealing in his When Harry Met Sally. This ranks as one of his less appealing films. Willis and Pfeiffer bicker for two hours. He gets depressed while she takes up cooking and opens opportunity for an affair herself. An opening phone conversation where they talk over loud noise is completely contrived. In idiotic supporting roles are Reiner as Willis's advice giving friend and Rita Wilson who overacts as Reiner's wife. Tim Matheson is a complete waste as the potential new man in Pfeiffer's life. We yearn for his great comic work in Animal House where he was awesome. Strong marriage theme takes too long to arrive at the obvious point. Score: 4 / 10

This has to be one of my favorite movies. My husband and I watch this and we both end up in tears (at different points) and can identify with the characters. We appreciate each other more (at least for a little while) after watching this movie. Marriage is not easy and the road that this couple travels together hits home with us. When feeling like things are getting too hard and giving up would just be easier, watching this movie puts things into perspective. Do I think that this movie is good for people having marriage difficulties? Maybe. But I do think that this is a good movie for anyone who has ever been married, or wants to be married, or is married. The fact that this movie has Bruce Willis in it was an added bonus, I mean, how can you go wrong with him in a movie?

This movie holds so much truth; it cannot possibly be watched by anyone, man or woman who are or who have been in a serious relationship without any such crying at some point during it, or at least being strongly enough emotionally affected to do so. I cried. I cried before the opening credits song was more than a few lines in. It spoke to me like few movies have. It is the first movie about the subject of love that I've watched since I became this involved, physically and emotionally with my wife-to-be. That alone makes the movie have an impact on me, good or not. That it dealt with a subject that has so recently become so important to me. A successful marriage. But while I was this into the film, while it had this impact on me... I can't claim that it was great. The performances are. The editing is. The script is. Most of the parts are. But somehow, the sum, it just doesn't add up to being that... great. It might be that the ending feels flat. It might be that the movie offers no answers, only observations. The movie goes back and forth between present day chaos/unhappiness and fond memories... these were particularly difficult to watch without crying. This works to the film's advantage and creates a sense of more than a non-linear time-line; a life-time, years upon years of memories returning to this old married couple. The story of two people who love each other... they do. They've just tired of each other, of the differences, of the arguing. Comes very close to being great, but it just doesn't quite make it, I'm afraid. Worth watching for any fans of the genre, and has plenty of insights to offer. I recommend this to anyone who is or has been in a serious relationship. 6/10

THE STORY OF US, in my opinion, is a very sweet, touching, romantic, and kind of heartbreaking drama about the affect bickering can have on a married couple's children. Anytime Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) bickered, I felt really touched. It's hard for me to explain why. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say, "If you ask me, THE STORY OF US really shows you how kids can be affected by their parents bickering. " Now, in conclusion, I recommend this very sweet, touching, romantic, and kind of heartbreaking drama about the affect bickering can have on a married couple's children to all you Bruce Willis or Michelle Pfeiffer fans who have not seen it. You're in for some tears and a good time, so, go to the video store, rent it or buy it, kick back with a friend, and watch it.