Hope Springs parents guide

Hope Springs Parent Guide

This excessive focus on sex is unfortunate since the film attempts to include other truths that may become apparent after years of togetherness.

Overall C+

After 31 years of matrimony, a middle-aged woman (Meryl Streep) fears the flames of passion have been extinguished between her and her husband (Tommy Lee Jones). But she feels a flicker of hope when she learns about a marriage retreat with a sex counselor (Steve Carell).

Release date August 8, 2012

Violence A
Sexual Content C
Profanity C
Substance Use B-

Why is Hope Springs rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Hope Springs PG-13 for mature thematic content involving sexuality.

Run Time: 100 minutes

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Parent Movie Review

Thirty-one years of marriage is quite an accomplishment—especially in an era when many couples barely get their children into preschool, let alone off to college, before they call it quits. Yet in the case of Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones), 31 years of matrimony aren’t equal to 31 years of wedded bliss. Truth is they’ve become so trapped in their daily routines and separate bedrooms that they are more like bunkmates than lovers.

Desperate to rekindle the relationship after the passage of another disappointingly unromantic anniversary, Kay withdraws part of her savings and signs the couple up for an intensive, week-long marriage intervention session with renowned counselor Dr. Feld (Steve Carell).

I assume the lack of physical intimacy may be part of many unhappy relationships but it appears to be the main focus for Dr. Feld who jumps right in, asking the couple about their sexual activity and personal fantasies. While many of these scenes are played for comedy, others offer too much information, way more than feels comfortable when sitting elbow to elbow with a complete stranger in a full theater.

This excessive focus on sex is unfortunate since the film attempts to include other truths that may become apparent after years of togetherness. (I’m sure more than one couple has settled on a house gift rather than a personal one to celebrate an anniversary.) Routines, as the film depicts, are easy to fall into and hard to break out of. And sometimes not knowing, as Kay’s friend (Jean Smart) suggests, where the pieces will fall makes it scary to push for changes.

However, Streep, as the lonely, unhappy wife, Jones as her grumpy, money-conscious, tax accountant husband and Carell as the unflappable, soft-spoken counselor in the knit tie all put in outstanding performances. The quaint little town where the sessions are held (filmed in Connecticut) is charming and the musical score is full of fun tunes. Yet something seems to be missing in this little slice of life script.

Whenever this couple attempts intimacy, Arnold closes his eyes - tight. That’s not necessarily a problem except that so much emphasis is placed on this action it needs an explanation before the film ends. So does this husband’s seeming disinterest in his wife, particularly after the kids have left home. And one has to wonder if the only way to rekindle the romantic flame is for one partner to carry out the other’s fantasies even if it feels uncomfortable or degrading.

While neither husband nor wife is without fault in this unhappy relationship, the script still promotes a strong message about not giving up, even during the tough times. It’s a happily unusual one from Hollywood. But after three decades of marriage, some extra pounds and a few more wrinkles, it seems to me that although the bedroom should still be a part of a strong relationship it can’t be the only ingredient in a happy marriage.

Directed by David Frankel . Starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell.. Running time: 100 minutes. Theatrical release August 8, 2012. Updated

Hope Springs
Rating & Content Info

Why is Hope Springs rated PG-13? Hope Springs is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for mature thematic content involving sexuality.

Violence: None noted.

Sexual Content: Sexual activity (or lack of it) and personal fantasies are discussed frankly. The script contains frequent sexual references and innuendo, including performance issues, positions, oral sex, threesomes and the use of food items to practice fondling. Sexual activity—implied and simulated—is portrayed without nudity, but with limited detail and sound. A couple hugs, kisses and fondles one another.

Language: The script contains infrequent scatological slang, mild curses and profanities. Crude anatomical and other terms are used.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Characters drink in a bar, during dinner and in a hotel room. A character is depicted as slightly drunk.

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Hope Springs Parents' Guide

During counseling Arnold says there are some things you don’t say in a relationship because you can never take them back. Do you agree with him? What kind of things might be said during an argument that are more harmful than helpful? Is it being dishonest not to vent every feeling you have? Or is there a need for censoring yourself, even in a marriage?

Why can it be easy to fall into routines in a relationship? How difficult is it to break out of them? Does a marriage require frequent attention to keep it strong even after (or maybe because of) so much time together? What kinds of activities enhance your marriage?

How is this couple’s emotional distance portrayed physically on screen? Do you think one partner makes more sacrifices than the other to revive the marriage? Should Kay be willing to perform actions that make her feel so uncomfortable? Why does Arnold’s monetary expenditures show his love?

The film leaves many issues unresolved. Do you have hope that this couple will work it out or is this just a temporary improvement?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Hope Springs movie is December 3, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Hope Springs

Release Date: 4 December 2012

Hope Springs releases to home video with the following bonus extras:

- Director Commentary with David Frankel

- Gag Reel

- Exploring the Scene: Alternate Takes Gallery

- Inside the Perfect Marriage: Meryl Streep & Tommy Lee Jones featurette

Blu-ray Exclusive Special Features Include:

- Four Featurettes: An Intimate Look at Making Hope Springs, An Expert’s Guide to Everlasting Passion, The Doctor Is In: Steve Carell on Dr. Feld and The Passionate Performer

Related home video titles:

This movie shares the same director as another Meryl Streep film,The Devil Wears Prada. Tommy Lee Jones is better known for his tough guy persona, as seen in Men in Black III and Captain America. And Steve Carell’s character could use some relationship advice in Dan in Real Life.