A review of the new film “Hope Springs”

For all of you who haven’t seen this film yet, get going!  This movie answers the age old question:

Is it possible to change your marriage?

Especially if you feel you are in a dead end marriage, or have ever wondered if there is any future in your present relationship, go see how things can change!  Why not gather hope and see how they found a way to believe in love again?

I truly didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised!  I guess I thought it might just be funny or silly from the previews, but not so.  In this film the viewer shares the emotional journey of an older couple who have been married over thirty years, as they experience intensive couples counseling.  Along the way you witness some real change in the characters and the level of intimacy they can endure and enjoy.

The casting is PERFECT with Tommy Lee Jones playing the old grumpy curmudgeon tax man, who just goes to work and then falls asleep in front of the TV each night.  Meryl Streep plays the timid, self-effacing wife who is just about to give up entirely on her lifeless marriage.

Truth in advertising, I am a therapist who believes we can all change, because I have changed so much throughout my life.  Intensive counseling has worked wonders for me, but you have to really want to change and find proper help.

First you have to believe your marriage is worth the effort.  This couple goes back and forth on that one, especially the wife.  Then you have to believe that love can be re-ignited in many new and different ways if both partners are willing to try.

In some ways it seems strange how unwilling we are to make every effort to keep love alive.  I mean, what feels better than love?  Unfortunately too many of us believe love should be effortless and easy or it isn’t really love.

I waited until age 49 to find true love for the first time.  It wasn’t easy, but I learned how to believe in love again, and now I would do anything to keep this going as long as possible!