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Film

'Rule' missing an edge

In Georgia Rule, director Garry Marshall doesn't take big issues, such as sexual abuse, seriously enough.

By STEVE PERSALL
Published May 10, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Universal Studios] Felicity Huffman, Jane Fonda and Lindsay Lohan cope with abuse and dysfunction in Georgia Rule.

As a filmmaker, Garry Marshall is a whiz at fluffy, modern fairy tales: Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries and the like. But give him material that demands to be taken seriously, and this old school comedian can't resist winking away its importance and gravitas.

His portrayal of the mentally challenged in The Other Sister was demeaning; his take on parenting a dead sibling's children in Raising Helen was banal. He made a mess of Exit to Eden, Anne Rice's novel of sexual obsession.

Now Marshall takes on sexual abuse in Georgia Rule, and it's tops on the list of subjects Marshall should never be allowed to address.

Despite its Terms of Endearment-style posturing, Georgia Rule isn't Jane Fonda's chance to be the next Aurora Greenway. Fonda certainly erases most of the shame Monster-in-Law inflicted upon her legacy; the role of Georgia Randall befits her age and attitude, a steely woman of conviction with just enough flexibility to remain sympathetic.

But this movie isn't about her.

Georgia Rule is about Georgia's granddaughter Rachel, unfortunately played by Lindsay Lohan. Lohan isn't always convincing with her line readings, and because the role is too close to her tabloid reputation, audiences will concentrate on the rumors, not the movie.

They'll remember the studio head who publicly chastised Lohan for her unprofessional work habits and party behavior during production. They'll search Lohan's performance for signs of wear and tear.

Rachel's background as a substance-abusing tease constantly reminds us who's playing her. Even a decent performance like Lohan's can be overshadowed by scandal.

The first words in the movie are "You don't know where you're going," screamed by Rachel's alcoholic mother, Lilly Felicity Huffman, as Rachel pitches a fit and walks away from their supposedly healing road trip.

Lindsay – oops, Rachel – hikes to Hull, Idaho, where Georgia is waiting to take her in.

Along the way she meets hunky farm boy Harlan (Garrett Hedlund) and middle-aged veterinarian Simon (Dermot Mulroney). She lazily tries seducing both.

Later, we learn that Harlan is a devout Mormon and won't have sex until marriage, but Rachel performs a sex act on him anyway. Simon becomes a father figure, which seems improper after we hear what her stepfather (Cary Elwes) may have done to her.

Clearly this is a young woman with serious problems, but Marshall can't focus on them. He's too busy setting up naughty jokes and uneasy drama, tempting viewers to laugh when something serious happens.

The sexual abuse angle becomes primary in Georgia Rule, along with issues of religion and alcoholism blithely posed and disposed.

The result is a clumsy jumble of showcase acting moments and pointless or aimless emotions. You're as likely to snicker as sniffle. Marshall makes this film for folks who don't get out much and won't be disappointed.

Steve Persall can be reached at (727) 893-8365 or persall@sptimes.com.

Georgia Rule

Grade: C-

Director: Garry Marshall

Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman, Dermot Mulroney, Cary Elwes, Garrett Hedlund, Hector Elizondo

Screenplay: Mark Andrus

Rating: R; profanity, sexual situations, mature themes, including sexual abuse

Running time: 113 min.

[Last modified May 9, 2007, 20:52:07]