Oh my. Oh dear. How do I explain The Oh in Ohio?
First of all, why did I see this movie? This is an independent film seeking an audience, and I was sent a copy of the DVD in order to write a review. Oh, the perks of the business. The fact that I also live in Ohio had nothing to do with it, unless you consider that the title did pique my interest. With that said, I had no idea what it was about.
So what is it all about? Well, I guess I'll just be as blunt as the film. This movie is about sex. Specifically, it postulates that sex is the driving factor for happiness and contentment in our lives. The setup of this film is that Jack Chase (Paul Rudd) has never been able to give his wife, Priscilla Chase (Parker Posey), an orgasm. The result has been an insufferable depression for Jack and a rift in their marriage.
After consulting a therapist who offers no real help in the matter, the pair go off in separate ways in search of fulfillment. Priscilla begins a quest of self-discovery encountering a trio of cameo appearances: a sex therapist (Liza Minelli), a sex shop clerk (Heather Graham), and Wayne, the "Pool Guy" (Danny DeVito). Meanwhile, Jack, a high-school teacher, gets involved with a student.
The setup of the film and the shocking subject matter make it the perfect backdrop for a hilarious comedy. However, the jokes are few and far between, and I was disappointed to find that embarrassing conversation topics do not in and of themselves provide for laughs. I kept waiting for the film to resolve itself...for this troubled couple to find their ways back to each other. It results, however, in the ultimate tragedy of a destroyed relationship, and what could have been a very funny, feel-good movie (now couldn't THAT be taken multiple ways?) winds up being a downer. Admittedly though, the ending could bring joy or disappointment depending upon one's own point of view on marriage, sex, morality, and happiness.
I was impressed with this little independent film in its cast and its ambition. I also enjoyed the performance from Paul Rudd whose transformation in overcoming his depression showed a great range for this gifted actor. Ironically, however, much like the main theme of the film, while this movie is able to get you going, it isn't able to finish. As I mentioned, the story didn't seem to resolve itself...it just ended. Also, I wasn't too impressed with Parker Posey's performance; her character seemed so fake. Finally, one significant disappointment was in the portrayal of Cleveland, OH. Wayne the "Pool Guy" claims to have been able to put a swimming pool in everyone's yard except the Chase's. Really? In Cleveland? Everyone has a swimming pool? If it were a predominantly hot climate such as San Diego or Texas, I might buy it but Oh No, not in Ohio.
Not for the faint of heart.