Domestic Disturbance film review

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DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE

When Tarantino resurrected John Travolta's career with Pulp Fiction it was considered a brave and inspired bit of casting. Seven years later the same choice is made for exactly the opposite reasons. Now the safe and uninspired casting of Travolta is generally an indication that the same lack of imagination has been applied to every other element of the film. The latest in a long list of forgettable movies he's appeared in since his re-emergence is Domestic Disturbance, a competent but lifeless thriller that offers no surprises and even fewer thrills.

Director Harold Becker, whose exhaustive resume is highlighted by 1989's Sea Of Love, keeps things moving, but in the rush to reach the conclusion fails to take the time to explore the characters who, as a result, become little more than vehicles for the busy but predictable plot.

Travolta brings his ready smile and the odd frown, but little in the way of depth to his portrayal of Frank Morrison who is having a hard time getting over the divorce from his wife Susan (Teri Polo). To compound matters she's about to marry the rich and successful Rick Barnes (Vince Vaughn) who he fears might rival him for the role of father to his beloved 12-year-old son Danny (Matthew O'Leary).

For Barnes, who has quickly become a highly respected figure since arriving in the small seaside town of Southport, things are looking good. But his normally affable manner changes and his past begins catching up with him when an old acquaintance, the sleazy Ray Coleman (Steve Buscemi), makes an unexpected appearance at the wedding. It's shortly after that the troubled Danny, who still harbours hope of a reconciliation between his parents, witnesses Barnes commit a crime and becomes the central figure in a domestic tussle involving his doubting mother, protective father and a vengeful step dad.

On the surface Domestic Disturbance is well constructed and proficiently acted, it's problems begin when you attempt to go any deeper and realise there's nothing there.