THIS FILM IS NOT FOR THE LOVER IN US ALL.

After 18 years of marriage, Oliver and Barbara Rose (Michael Douglas , Kathleen Turner) have done well for themselves materially, but nothing can stop the bitter divorce they’re headed for.

The two leads and the director reunited from Romancing the Stone (1984) and its sequel for a different type of adventure, but one that also relies on barbs and a sexy rapport. It’s the type of black humor that has become Danny DeVito’s trademark as filmmaker.

Funny at times, sometimes strained; stylishly directed. As satire, it isn’t particularly profound, but Douglas and Turner are a joy to watch.

1989-U.S. 116 min. Color. Directed by Danny DeVito. Novel: Warren Adler. Music: David Newman. Cast: Michael Douglas (Oliver Rose), Kathleen Turner (Barbara Rose), Danny DeVito (Gavin D’Amato), Marianne Sägebrecht, Sean Astin, Heather Fairfield, Dan Castellaneta. 

Trivia: Co-produced by James L. Brooks. Remade as The Roses (2025).