I love Meryl Streep.  She is a superstar among actresses.  However, her latest movie Hope Springs left me feeling depressed and mildly indignant that what could have been a statement movie wasn't.  The Hollywood Happy Ending tacked onto the end felt disjointed and very miraculous.  There was some serious character development missing between the problematic Mr & Mrs Average and the dancing couple on the beach at the end.

Shame. An excellent cast, a promising situation that was given some serious and realistic treatment in the therapy sessions, but then a missed opportunity.  It wasn't even funny with only a sprinkling of weak smiles.  Streep's previous movie, It's Complicated managed to discuss similar issues, take its heroine on a difficult journey to independence and happiness and still have the compulsory Hollywood Happy Ending.

For my money, neither of these movies holds a candle to the Shirley Valentine - an English movie that tackles the same issues only with a barrow-load of witty one-liners and without the forumla happy ending.

Haven't seen it yet.  Will let ya know what i think when i do! 

hmmm, I saw this movie the other night. I think for the most part it was quite entertaining (and something couples of many years could relate to), but I have to agree that the ending was a tad sappy.