What a treat to catch this movie on a HD channel recently; yes, it is "Schlocky-wood", but it's done as a carefully crafted ensemble piece. And what an ensemble! The cast has some great moments, especially for Demi Moore and Jeff Daniels. But there are some "characters in the background" who would become well known for performances yet to come (e.g., Frances McDormand in "Fargo" and Miriam Margoyles as Prof. Sprout in the Harry Potter series). This is an enjoyable, humorous, ironic, feel-good movie... you surely won't have to apologize for crude language or over-the-top violence in any scene (well, you will have to get used to Demi's full length blonde hair, and after "G. I. Jane" that may be tough to do).
36 Reviews
Sweet, but predictable
LeMarchand29 December 2002
Demi Moore (with a blonde do) plays Marina, a clairvoyant who marries a New York butcher believing him to be the man of her dreams. Once she gets to New York she finds out that while her powers seem to be accurate when she advises other people, she may not have made the right choices for herself...
I was forced to watch this movie by my girlfriend and found myself pleasantly surprised. It's no classic, but is a sweet, enjoyable film (though it's fairly easy to spot how things will work out early on).
Over here in the UK the film received a "15" certificate, presumably for the one instance of strong language that actually jars with the rest of the film, and possibly for the lesbian character/s (though they barely touch each other on screen).
I sympathised with most of the characters, especially Mary Steenburgen's would-be singer (she has a surprisingly good voice, by the way). Marina's complete accuracy when it comes to predictions that don't involve her is a little far-fetched, especially when she gets her own life in such a mess.
Worth a look if you like low-key romantic comedies with a slightly magical twist (not a large genre!), or if you liked "Simply Irresistible" (1999) with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Not really one for most guys, though.
I was forced to watch this movie by my girlfriend and found myself pleasantly surprised. It's no classic, but is a sweet, enjoyable film (though it's fairly easy to spot how things will work out early on).
Over here in the UK the film received a "15" certificate, presumably for the one instance of strong language that actually jars with the rest of the film, and possibly for the lesbian character/s (though they barely touch each other on screen).
I sympathised with most of the characters, especially Mary Steenburgen's would-be singer (she has a surprisingly good voice, by the way). Marina's complete accuracy when it comes to predictions that don't involve her is a little far-fetched, especially when she gets her own life in such a mess.
Worth a look if you like low-key romantic comedies with a slightly magical twist (not a large genre!), or if you liked "Simply Irresistible" (1999) with Sarah Michelle Gellar. Not really one for most guys, though.
nice. and nothing more
Kirpianuscus16 July 2016
few drops of fairy tale. few clichés from classic romantic comedies. Demi Moore in a role with high potential and decent solutions. different family/personal crisis. solutions who remind old truth. nothing new. but a nice story about magic, expectations, true love. useful after a long work day. and for the fans of Demi Moore. boring for the predictability. because the few ornaments not are so attractive for ignore an old story, sweet, pink, lovely but far to be great about dreams and their clash with reality, compromises and the happiness as result of self definition. the different stories are a not bad spice. and the performances are far to be bad. but , after its end, the strong feeling - it deserves be better- is the basic gift from this version of fairy tale.
Demi Moore stars in a another classic......not.
CharltonBoy12 November 2001
If the Title "The Butchers Wife" puts you off watching this film count yourself lucky, take the hint and dont bother with this rubbish. The film is about a simple clairvoiant who marries a butcher after she dreams that her future husband will walk out of the sea.When she moves to New York she meets a group of people who she gives spiritual and relationship advice that turns all their lives around including her and her new husband's. If that description sounds dull you would be right to think so. This film is like an overlong , dull sit com that has no humour or pattern to it whatsoever. Is there anything good i can say about this film?.......no not really. 4 out of 10.
Harmless Fun
Better_Sith_Than_Sorry14 February 2019
Plot in a Nutshell: Clairvoyant Marina (Demi Moore) impulsively marries Leo the butcher, moves with him to New York City and begins to change people's lives for the better with her 'homespun' but sage advice - much to the annoyance of their psychiatrist (Jeff Daniels).
Why I rated it a "7": It's charming and cute. Doesn't try to be something it's not. This is no Oscar contender, but then it was never intended to be. Falls squarely in the "Rom-Com" and "Chick Flick" genres, but does so comfortably. The supporting cast shines - especially Mary Steenburgen and George Dzundza. There is enough light comedy to keep the pace moving. Seeing Demi Moore with long, blonde, permed hair was a twist. I saw this years ago and remembered liking it. Seeing it again recently did not change my opinion, it's still harmless fun.
Best Line: Leo (to Dr. Tremor): "Stop (messing) with my life!" Dr. Tremor: "I never touched her!"
Would I watch again (Y/N)? Yes.
Why I rated it a "7": It's charming and cute. Doesn't try to be something it's not. This is no Oscar contender, but then it was never intended to be. Falls squarely in the "Rom-Com" and "Chick Flick" genres, but does so comfortably. The supporting cast shines - especially Mary Steenburgen and George Dzundza. There is enough light comedy to keep the pace moving. Seeing Demi Moore with long, blonde, permed hair was a twist. I saw this years ago and remembered liking it. Seeing it again recently did not change my opinion, it's still harmless fun.
Best Line: Leo (to Dr. Tremor): "Stop (messing) with my life!" Dr. Tremor: "I never touched her!"
Would I watch again (Y/N)? Yes.
A Good Performance by Demi Moore
Uriah436 September 2019
"Marina" (Demi Moore) is an attractive young woman who lives on an isolated island off the Carolina coast and is both single and-as it turns out-clairvoyant. So that being the case, one day she becomes overjoyed with a vision she receives which has her future husband coming to the island on a rowboat. Sure enough, not long afterward she finally gets to see the supposed man of her dreams in person and he turns out to be nothing like she had imagined. But being convinced of her vision she marries "Leo Lemke" (George Dzundza) and goes off to New York City with him. Yet even though she tries to be the best wife possible she finds it difficult to keep her visions to herself and that's when things get extremely interesting to everyone living around her. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a pretty good comedy which kept my interest from start-to-finish. Admittedly, it had some slow scenes here and there but it definitely had its moment and I thought that Demi Moore played her role to near perfection. Be that as it may, I thought that this was a refreshing, little comedy and have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Sitcom-ized "Marty" with an unmagical silver lining and a miscast star
moonspinner5521 February 2008
Television director Terry Hughes tried his hand at features with this improbable and uneven modern updating of "Marty", with magical overtones and quirky eccentricities--not the least of which is a miscast Demi Moore as a psychic sprite with absurd golden locks. Moore believes she is fated to marry a lonely but charming butcher (the wonderful George Dzundza, looking a lot more handsome than we're supposed to think he is); after the nuptials however, she begins to have real feelings for another man, yuppie psychiatrist Jeff Daniels. It's this kind of thinking in Hollywood--that a younger, slimmer man would be a better catch for Demi Moore than a balding, chubby guy like George Dzundza--that sinks most romantic comedies, and nearly does this one in as well. Daniels is exasperating while trying to shrink Moore's head, while Dzundza's fire is lighted by local spinster Mary Steenburgen, a closet chanteuse. The film is not the merry romantic mix-up it wants to be, and Demi is too callow to be passed off as this blonde sweetheart (she fails to connect with anyone on-screen, not to mention the audience). Perhaps happily-ever-after stylist Hughes was just the wrong pick as director: he turns a promising scenario into a flat-footed sitcom. ** from ****
Charming Is The Word
atlasmb13 July 2020
If you like romantic films and you like Marina, you will probably like this film. Marina, played by Demi Moore, is the titular character around which the entire film revolves.
Marina is from Ocracoke Island. When she meets Leo (George Dzundza), she immediately knows he is her soul mate, because his coming has been foretold. Marina lives in a world of portents where natural events determine destinies. And that is the world of this film.
She marries George and moves to his island, Manhattan, where she works in the butcher shop and hands out clairvoyant advice on the side.
The film is charming because of its premise and its core of benignity. Even when complications arise in the lives of its characters, the viewer knows this is a world in which fate has kind purpose and love will ever win out. However, there is one erroneous prediction that threatens to disrupt the perfect order. Will it result in unhappiness or romantic chaos?
Ms. Moore captures the accent of Ocracoke and, despite her personal distaste for her experience making this film, portrays a likable and convincing character. The rest of the cast is strong. Watch for some enjoyable cameos.
Marina is from Ocracoke Island. When she meets Leo (George Dzundza), she immediately knows he is her soul mate, because his coming has been foretold. Marina lives in a world of portents where natural events determine destinies. And that is the world of this film.
She marries George and moves to his island, Manhattan, where she works in the butcher shop and hands out clairvoyant advice on the side.
The film is charming because of its premise and its core of benignity. Even when complications arise in the lives of its characters, the viewer knows this is a world in which fate has kind purpose and love will ever win out. However, there is one erroneous prediction that threatens to disrupt the perfect order. Will it result in unhappiness or romantic chaos?
Ms. Moore captures the accent of Ocracoke and, despite her personal distaste for her experience making this film, portrays a likable and convincing character. The rest of the cast is strong. Watch for some enjoyable cameos.
simply rotten (web)
leplatypus14 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
From the cover, I thought it was a sort of fairy tale in small town USA at Christmas and i was wrong : it starts indeed in the coast but then the action goes to a neighborhood in NYC at summer. In a way, it reminds me then about « Do the right thing » because we see the inner dynamic of the locals. It's also very similar to King's « Needful things » as a newcomer disrupts a small community by « magical » means ! But soon the movie turns horrible, insipid and totally boring as those characters are really repulsive : the stupid and cheating husband, the suspicious shrink, the old witches, the young rebel, the blues catholic, the lesbian couple ! After one half-hour, i had enough of those silly characters, endless talkative scene without any action and repetitive guessing waves. Beyond, i wonder why the need to marry them if they have to split immediately! Moore can be pretty as a blonde but totally fails when it comes to energize the movie ! As i picked up the movie to complete my run about Frances, i push the forward button to her scenes and wasn't surprised by her new life that fits perfectly in a so dumb movie !
Now you know what's the butcher will give you so don't complain if you have stomach pains afterward !
Now you know what's the butcher will give you so don't complain if you have stomach pains afterward !
Demi Moore bold to go with the little known Ocracoke, NC accent...
trellis12 April 2004
I think that Demi Moore was bold to go with the little known Ocracoke, NC accent because most people will probably (wrongly) think that she was doing a very bad job at a North Carolinian/Southern USA accent.
Ocracoke is a small, fisherman's island at the bottom of the North Carolina Outer Banks island chain and is only accessible by ferry. This isolation has kept the accent there mostly unaltered since the 17th century days when it was inhabited by British seamen. The Ocracoke accent sounds like a mixture of Brit and Yank, so what you hear Demi Moore doing in this movie is really quite accurate.
I also enjoyed the cozy portrayal of the Manhattan (NYC) side street neighborhood life. The NYC avenues tend to be wide, impersonal and busy, but the narrower, townhouse and small shop filled side streets can be quite friendly. It gives me some nice, childhood nostalgic memories to see the happier, day-to-day aspect of NYC life shown in this film.
I watch this romantic comedy whenever it is on TV, and I have no complaints about it at all. I find it to be a sweet, feel-good film with occasional hints at magic realism, but without plunging too far into that iffy genre.
I feel that all the players did good jobs, and that the locations and settings felt very true. Nice production values too.
If you like "Moonstruck", then you will probably like "The Butcher's Wife" too.
Ocracoke is a small, fisherman's island at the bottom of the North Carolina Outer Banks island chain and is only accessible by ferry. This isolation has kept the accent there mostly unaltered since the 17th century days when it was inhabited by British seamen. The Ocracoke accent sounds like a mixture of Brit and Yank, so what you hear Demi Moore doing in this movie is really quite accurate.
I also enjoyed the cozy portrayal of the Manhattan (NYC) side street neighborhood life. The NYC avenues tend to be wide, impersonal and busy, but the narrower, townhouse and small shop filled side streets can be quite friendly. It gives me some nice, childhood nostalgic memories to see the happier, day-to-day aspect of NYC life shown in this film.
I watch this romantic comedy whenever it is on TV, and I have no complaints about it at all. I find it to be a sweet, feel-good film with occasional hints at magic realism, but without plunging too far into that iffy genre.
I feel that all the players did good jobs, and that the locations and settings felt very true. Nice production values too.
If you like "Moonstruck", then you will probably like "The Butcher's Wife" too.
Attempting - Does Not Make It So
OperaTarte14 November 2021
Lackluster attempt towards the 'screwball' comedies of the '30s & early '40s. Even the lesser films from that era rate higher for being original to that time. It never gains momentum - Mary Steenburgen gives her usual good performance & would have been much better in the role of Marina. Jeff Daniels is - Jeff Daniels.
There is fantasy and then again there is silliness.
Nozze-Foto29 January 2002
I tried very hard to like this movie because I love the fantasy genre, especially subtle entries like PORTRAIT OF JENNIE and MIRACLE OVER MILAN but this movie jumps the track. Why? Simple, you just cannot believe in the sincerity of the title character. Marina can see into people's minds (maybe even their hearts?) but while she is trying to be the guiding influence in the lives of her neighbors her own life is a shambles because she misinterpreted a prophecy concerning herself. Alas this barefoot girl with cheek to spare needed someone to advise her while she was advising others. Too bad this movie was not made 20 years earlier with Vittorio DeSica directing and maybe Monica Vitti in the starring role. Then we might be acknowledging it as a classic today. Well we can dream, can't we?
A movie with a little bit of charm.
OllieSuave-00713 February 2015
This is a somewhat charming little movie starring Demi Moore as Marina Lemke, who thinks she married the perfect husband. When she returns to her butcher husband's home in the city, she makes a lasting impact on its residents with her love advice, bringing her closer to the real man of her dreams.
From what I remember, it's a simple and cliché romantic comedy flick with lesser excitement and lesser suspense. However, the acting is quite good and you may get a few chuckles here and there from the light comedy.
The plot is not incredibly fast-paced, but for a movie at 107 minutes, it's really not too bad to watch.
Grade C+
From what I remember, it's a simple and cliché romantic comedy flick with lesser excitement and lesser suspense. However, the acting is quite good and you may get a few chuckles here and there from the light comedy.
The plot is not incredibly fast-paced, but for a movie at 107 minutes, it's really not too bad to watch.
Grade C+
Woody Allen's lost film?
elmsyrup16 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Mild spoilers below. This film is not very highly regarded, and there are some good reasons for that, but I enjoyed it a great deal.
Demi Moore was the wrong choice for the lead role. Her Southern accent is shaky, and her down-home folksiness can irritate. I don't like Andie MacDowell much but she might have been a better choice. At least her accent wouldn't have leapt all over the map.
However the supporting cast are mostly excellent, with interesting and quirky New York characters. I loved the psychiatric patient with the bowler hat, whose sessions keep getting interrupted. The plot is classic Woody Allen, a farcical series of partner-swapping japes, and the script is tight and funny. There are some great lines, for example: "I'm not a homewrecker! Well... that's not true... But I don't want to wreck YOUR home. I like your wife too much". And then later, from another character: "Why are you f'ing with my life"- to which the response comes back: "I never touched her!" There were parts of this film that were syrupy, but with the acidic script it avoided sugar-coma for the most part. At the end of the film, I was amused and touched. It's a fun watch, and I recommend it.
Demi Moore was the wrong choice for the lead role. Her Southern accent is shaky, and her down-home folksiness can irritate. I don't like Andie MacDowell much but she might have been a better choice. At least her accent wouldn't have leapt all over the map.
However the supporting cast are mostly excellent, with interesting and quirky New York characters. I loved the psychiatric patient with the bowler hat, whose sessions keep getting interrupted. The plot is classic Woody Allen, a farcical series of partner-swapping japes, and the script is tight and funny. There are some great lines, for example: "I'm not a homewrecker! Well... that's not true... But I don't want to wreck YOUR home. I like your wife too much". And then later, from another character: "Why are you f'ing with my life"- to which the response comes back: "I never touched her!" There were parts of this film that were syrupy, but with the acidic script it avoided sugar-coma for the most part. At the end of the film, I was amused and touched. It's a fun watch, and I recommend it.
sweet, charming and lovely!
menmoneychocolate19 February 2008
I just love, love, love this film. The cast is perfect, right down to all the bit-parts. At first I was bothered by DM's accent (& her blonde hair is a shame) but the sweet script transcends all that. All the characters are pitch perfect, the lines so funny & the message inspiring! The locations are also great, I don't know where this is in NYC, but I would love to live there! I think Jeff Daniels is simply brilliant in this film, and Mary Steenbergen too. The scene where DM tells her she's a singer is lovely & the sparky scenes between JD & DM are so sweet and funny too!
Married To The Butcher
DarthBill17 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
PLOT IN A NUTSHELL: An affable if starry eyed Southern Belle (Moore) marries an equally affable yet less starry eyed butcher from the North and, believing it to be a sign that he is "the one" she marries him and goes up north with him to help him at his butcher shop. Naturally, things don't go as planned as her as her borderline mystical nature starts to alter the lives of those around her, much to the chagrin of the local psychiatrist (Daniels). When the dust settles a number of love lives will never the same - including the life of the butcher's wife herself.
May not be a romantic comedy classic but it's pleasant, affable romantic comedy bolstered by a fine cast bringing much needed warmth and sincerity to the proceedings.
May not be a romantic comedy classic but it's pleasant, affable romantic comedy bolstered by a fine cast bringing much needed warmth and sincerity to the proceedings.
Great cast except for the celebrity!
Fasman10 June 2006
I guess they couldn't get Julia Roberts. This script was way above Demi Moore's capabilities. She was overshadowed by the talent surrounding her. Mary Steenburgen stole the show with her singing (don't forget, Jessica Lange was nominated for an Oscar in Sweet Dreams for not singing). Well, some have it, and some don't. I can't wait to see Meryl Streep do her own thing in Prairie Home Companion. The last time we heard her vocals was Postcards From the Edge. Jeff Daniels, Frances McDormand, and George Dzundza were fine. It was a good script and an interesting storyline. Butcher's Wife was well directed. Too bad it was brought down by the lead character. A perfect example of how Hollywood has sacrificed art for celebrity. Kudos to the movie and everyone in the cast with the exception of Moore.
I enjoyed the film
tltl226 June 2005
I have screened this movie for the 4th time.
Watching Demi Moore makes it hard to remember she is not acting (re. suspension of disbelief). Jeff Daniels' character plays a good neurotic.
On the pro side, I found the direction fair to midland and the supporting cast excellent.
The screenplay is sweetly romantic and sentimental.
I did not find the theme overtly pro-homosexual. Rather, it was a mature look of life and love and it's happenstance. I would enjoy talking with my youngsters about the film as it embodies life's essentials.
Watching Demi Moore makes it hard to remember she is not acting (re. suspension of disbelief). Jeff Daniels' character plays a good neurotic.
On the pro side, I found the direction fair to midland and the supporting cast excellent.
The screenplay is sweetly romantic and sentimental.
I did not find the theme overtly pro-homosexual. Rather, it was a mature look of life and love and it's happenstance. I would enjoy talking with my youngsters about the film as it embodies life's essentials.
nice fable but Moore not entirely natural
SnoopyStyle12 March 2015
Marina (Demi Moore) grew up on a North Carolina island with her grandma and clairvoyant powers. She sees signs of her other half coming and Leo Lemke (George Dzundza) rows his boat on shore. She immediately marries the butcher and moves to NYC. Everybody is shocked at the pairing. Marina tells Robyn Graves (Margaret Colin) to stand up to love. She asks her psychiatrist boyfriend Dr. Alex Tremor (Jeff Daniels) to marry her but he rejects her. Marina convinces Leo to hire troubled Eugene (Max Perlich). Grace (Frances McDormand) owns the dress shop and Stella Keefover (Mary Steenburgen) is reserved. Tremor is angered as everybody takes Marina's advise and Leo is beside himself.
Demi Moore is blonde. She's so very, very blonde. She's trying to play a southern unsophisticated mystic. If you could accept that, then this is a charming little film. It's such an odd turn for her that it's bound to rub some people the wrong way. It's admirable that she tries to be different but it doesn't feel entirely natural. There's a fine fable at its core if you get through the blonde outer core.
Demi Moore is blonde. She's so very, very blonde. She's trying to play a southern unsophisticated mystic. If you could accept that, then this is a charming little film. It's such an odd turn for her that it's bound to rub some people the wrong way. It's admirable that she tries to be different but it doesn't feel entirely natural. There's a fine fable at its core if you get through the blonde outer core.
Choice cut!
Doriano17 November 2005
I know, I know, it's basically a boiler-plate piece of Hollywood fluff but I really loved this movie. I am a hopeless romantic and thought this movie captured the essence of falling in love and finding your split-apart...er...soul mate. :)
Jeff Daniels is wonderful as the shrink who can't help himself as his world unravels and falls apart thanks to the whacky Demi Moore character. Demi is perfect as the ditzy but charming butcher's wife. I really liked Mary Steenburgen in this story... she looked beautiful and sang like an angel. I liked all of the little characters too. The music at the end is haunting and perfect for the finale which wasn't surprising but who cares!!!
Jeff Daniels is wonderful as the shrink who can't help himself as his world unravels and falls apart thanks to the whacky Demi Moore character. Demi is perfect as the ditzy but charming butcher's wife. I really liked Mary Steenburgen in this story... she looked beautiful and sang like an angel. I liked all of the little characters too. The music at the end is haunting and perfect for the finale which wasn't surprising but who cares!!!
Revolting!
blaackbird19 August 2002
I wouldn't elaborate if I didn't have to. Demi Moore is a joke from the moment you clap eyes on her, especially in this film, and then of all things, she opens her mouth! That puts the last nail in the coffin, you might say. Blech.
And then she further appears in one big glob of wasted talent (herself excepted) that is as offensive as it is bewildering. I like my romantic comedic entanglement just a wee dram more innocent, I guess.
Downright vulgar, which is sad if only because that vulgarity is the only stand-out feature in the story. It's rather like a comedian who uses a lot of profanity and offensive jokes to cover a lack of talent. That's just what it is, in fact.
And then she further appears in one big glob of wasted talent (herself excepted) that is as offensive as it is bewildering. I like my romantic comedic entanglement just a wee dram more innocent, I guess.
Downright vulgar, which is sad if only because that vulgarity is the only stand-out feature in the story. It's rather like a comedian who uses a lot of profanity and offensive jokes to cover a lack of talent. That's just what it is, in fact.
Not again!
mark_r._mcdonald30 June 2000
Comment first for Ian: Small town? They make it pretty clear that the name of that town is NEW YORK CITY--specifically Manhattan.
So again, here we have a sweet tale with no sex or violence and very little language. But I would feel uncomfotable watching this with my kids in the room because of the strong pro-homosexuality message. Does somebody in Hollywood actually get paid to purposely spoil otherwise "G" rated movies by throwing in just enough immoraity to make them unsuitable for general consumption?
Demi Moore shows here that she can be a knockout WITH her clothes on, although I'm not partial to blondes and would ratehr have seen her with her natural color. Jeff Daniels does a good neurotic. My only criticism of the casting is that the role of Grace should have been given to somebody who could really sing like Bessie Smith, and then given a chance to do so.
So again, here we have a sweet tale with no sex or violence and very little language. But I would feel uncomfotable watching this with my kids in the room because of the strong pro-homosexuality message. Does somebody in Hollywood actually get paid to purposely spoil otherwise "G" rated movies by throwing in just enough immoraity to make them unsuitable for general consumption?
Demi Moore shows here that she can be a knockout WITH her clothes on, although I'm not partial to blondes and would ratehr have seen her with her natural color. Jeff Daniels does a good neurotic. My only criticism of the casting is that the role of Grace should have been given to somebody who could really sing like Bessie Smith, and then given a chance to do so.
Magic of Butcher's Wife never gets off the ground.
movieman96 March 1999
It's always a depressing experience when you can feel magic happening in a film, and then it's never used to its full advantage. These were exactly my feelings after seeing THE BUTCHER'S WIFE, a romantic comedy with blond-haired Demi Moore. She plays a clairvoyant with an overactively romantic spirit, who uses her gift for telling the future to act as a matchmaker to assorted residents of a small town, one that resembles a small borough of New York. She tries out her whim by marrying the first man that touches her clairvoyant heart (George Dzundza), and goes to live and work with him in his butcher shop, hence the title of the film. Jeff Daniels plays a shrink in the town whose advising is countered by Moore and her fortune telling, leaving him to question her abilities and his own heart (he falls for her too, if you hadn't already guessed). There are some real wasted talents in this film, including Mary Steenburgen, who is a complete ditz with no real substance except to sing her heart out. Future Oscar-winner Frances McDormand also appears to no effect as a town lesbian. There is some beautiful set design for this film along with a few so-called magical portions, but these sections (precious few that they are) have no connection with the rest of the heavily disjointed script. When I think of all the love stories I've seen and been touched by, this one doesn't even come close with a ten-foot pole! Rating: One star and a half.
Can understand many not liking
acutler18 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The Butcher's Wife is a poor film by so many standards it is difficult to list them all. But I like it. I find it immensely re-watchable.
Firstly, I think Demi Moore is horribly miscast. It almost needs an "unknown" to take this lead role, and also someone who can convey vulnerability and innocence - which frankly isn't Demi in this role.
Secondly, I am also unsure of how effective Jeff Daniels is in his role. But the script doesn't help.
However I love all the secondary characters - particularly the Stella/Leo story and the Grace/Robyn story. And I can forgive the very average Directing, below par cinematography, set design, script editing, score - everything. Basically feels like a TV movie.
There is just something in the back of my mind saying if only they gave it a good script-editor, decent director and cast, then everyone else would understand why I like it. Silly, huh?
Firstly, I think Demi Moore is horribly miscast. It almost needs an "unknown" to take this lead role, and also someone who can convey vulnerability and innocence - which frankly isn't Demi in this role.
Secondly, I am also unsure of how effective Jeff Daniels is in his role. But the script doesn't help.
However I love all the secondary characters - particularly the Stella/Leo story and the Grace/Robyn story. And I can forgive the very average Directing, below par cinematography, set design, script editing, score - everything. Basically feels like a TV movie.
There is just something in the back of my mind saying if only they gave it a good script-editor, decent director and cast, then everyone else would understand why I like it. Silly, huh?
She didn't deserve to be razzied.
mark.waltz30 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
It's obvious that back in 1991 that critics attacked Demi Moore for this because she was trying to do something different. Other actresses may have been more obviously right for this part, but you can't help but give Demi credit for the sweetness of her performance. Her accent is a bit over the top, even thicker than Sissy Spacek's in "Coal Miner's Daughter", but she is completely Charming as an innocent young lady with the gift of clairvoyance who helps everybody around her when she out of the blue marries George Dzunda, a Brooklyn butcher yet slowly falls in love with local psychiatrist Jeff Daniels while helping out everybody in the neighborhood.
They include Daniels' neurotic girlfriend Margaret Colin, spinster Mary Steenburgen and sophisticated Frances McDormand, a lesbian boutique proprietor. Thanks to Demi, all of these people's lives change, particularly Steenburgen's, going from mousy church lady to sexy chanteuse. This is one of those whimsical comedies that will charm some and nauseated others, and I am one of the former. It is not a perfect film, but a sweet, pleasant one.
I wish there was more footage and a bit more dialogue for Moore's grandmother, played by stage and soap veteran Elizabeth Lawrence who in her seventies started getting more film work after decades on the serials, having just left a 12 year run on "All My Children". It's obvious to me from the start that Dzunda and Moore are ill-suited, and that the writers would end up going for the glamorous good looking couple with Moore and Daniels. Steenburgen is an absolute delight, stealing the film. It's a charming film that took director Terry Hughes from the small screen ("Golden Girls") to the big screen. Perhaps it was a bit dated by a few years as comedies in the early 90's were very different than they had been the decade before.
They include Daniels' neurotic girlfriend Margaret Colin, spinster Mary Steenburgen and sophisticated Frances McDormand, a lesbian boutique proprietor. Thanks to Demi, all of these people's lives change, particularly Steenburgen's, going from mousy church lady to sexy chanteuse. This is one of those whimsical comedies that will charm some and nauseated others, and I am one of the former. It is not a perfect film, but a sweet, pleasant one.
I wish there was more footage and a bit more dialogue for Moore's grandmother, played by stage and soap veteran Elizabeth Lawrence who in her seventies started getting more film work after decades on the serials, having just left a 12 year run on "All My Children". It's obvious to me from the start that Dzunda and Moore are ill-suited, and that the writers would end up going for the glamorous good looking couple with Moore and Daniels. Steenburgen is an absolute delight, stealing the film. It's a charming film that took director Terry Hughes from the small screen ("Golden Girls") to the big screen. Perhaps it was a bit dated by a few years as comedies in the early 90's were very different than they had been the decade before.
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