Did You Hear About The Morgans?: Written and Directed by Marc Lawrence

Did You Hear About the Morgans? , released in 2009, has received some negative reviews according to the Wikipedia. This viewer was unsurprised about this, including the fact this film helped Sarah Jessica Parker receive the Razz Award for Worst Actress. I agree with the people who nominated and chose her for this particular accolade. Sarah Jessica Parker has performed better in television shows, even when seen in a guest appearance. As a "movie star", Sarah Jessica Parker lacks. Her heart obviously was in her role, but it is obvious she requires more extensive (on-stage, live) theater experience that would well-round her talent into "movie star" material. She was unable to hold her own amongst Hugh Grant, Sam Elliott and Mary Steenburgen who have received the proper background for a "movie star" and have portrayed with excellence in numerous diverse movie roles. In this case, Sarah Jessica Parker was way out of her element in Did You Hear About The Morgans?.

Special thanks to the rest of the cast for their superb talent expressed in their roles. The crew's work was definitely of superior quality; great props, good costumes, expert scene background, superior bear handling, awesome filming, editing, and with all else that creates a movie. Marc Lawrence did write a decent story for this romance-comedy. The ingredients for a good romance-comedy with a solid plot was present. Unfortunately the chemistry between the Morgans (played by Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant) was non-existent, flat, which gave the punch lines zero punch and no laughs.

Did You Hear About The Morgans? is about a separated couple who are reluctantly forced to be together due to witnessing a murder by a hired assassin (Michael Kelly) and being placed in the Witness Protection Program. With fake identities,they are relocated temporarily to Ray, Wyoming, while the murder investigation continues, as the visiting cousins of the local Sheriff Clay Wheeler (Sam Elliott) and his wife, Deputy Emma Wheeler (Mary Steenburgen). The Wheelers do their best to make the Morgans welcome.

During their stay in Ray, Wyoming, the Morgans become acquainted with the local people. Meryl Morgan assists with the sale of Ma Simmons's (Beth Fowler) in-town residence after being enlisted by Doc D. Simmons (David Call) when he found out Meryl had a real estate background. Paul Morgan (Hugh Grant) befriends Deputy Emma Wheeler and helps as best as he can around the Wheeler's ranch. Being an attorney, he knows nothing about farming, splitting wood, and other agricultural chores, but Paul does what he can as a thank you to the Wheelers in an attempt to make the best of his situation and stay busy. Paul listens to Emma's advise about marriage and relationships. He tries to reconnect with his estranged wife. Paul even attempts to take Meryl out on a real date at the local restaurant. At first their "date" goes well, but becomes soured by the owner Earl Granger (Wilford Brimley) insisting on smoking his cigar. Upon realizing Paul's good intentions of resuming their marriage, make a better go of it, Meryl balks at the idea, but living in rural Wyoming where grizzlies visit people's homes and one can see the night-sky brimming with stars (like in a planetarium) slowly draws Meryl back to her husband. Helps her recall the love she originally felt upon marrying Paul.

The rest of the movie is focuses on the subplot where the hired killer, Vincent, finds out where they are hiding, how the Morgans attempt to escape being murdered by the assassin, and how the town's people thwart Vincent's despicable murderous machinations. Thankfully, there is a happy ending; even for Adam (Jesse Leibman) and Monique (Natalia Klimas), Paul and Meryl's assistants.

Did You Hear About The Morgans? is rated PG-13 and available on DVD. This film's length is 1 hour 43 minutes which ran too short for the plot and two subplots. There were some serious inter-personal issues, such as adoption, that had potential for exploring, but were bestowed little attention.

Sadly, Did You Hear About The Morgans? does not have the recommend-ability I would prefer. As someone who goes out of her way to view movies starring Hugh Grant, Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen and Wilford Brimley, I watched this movie primarily because these great actors were in it. Indeed a tragedy for one actress to cause this movie to painfully flop due to her inability to act as well as the fellow co-stars. The reasoning behind Sarah Jessica Parker being chosen for the role of Mrs. Meryl Morgan is a complete mystery to me. Hugh Grant deserves to work with leading ladies like Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, Katherine Heigl, Julia Roberts, and Charlize Therone (to name a few superb actresses).

Do not recommend wasting any time watching Did You Hear About The Morgans? Not planning on viewing any more full length features starring Sarah Jessica Parker. Her expertise is better suited for a television series like "Sex in The City". Looking forward to the next Hugh Grant, Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen, and Wilford Brimley movie. Certain they will be great!

Enjoy the outstanding movie Two Weeks Notice (written and directed by Marc Lawrence) starring Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock instead. Highly recommend Two Weeks Notice!

For more information about Did You Hear The Morgans? please visit Wikipedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Did_You_Hear_About_the_Morgans%3F