There was times during "Roommates" when I was reminded of director Yates' 1979 film, "Breaking Away". That, like this movie, was a comedy/drama. But the real difference between the two is how the earlier production struck a believable, painfully human balance, and "Roommates" just barely achieves status quo. It's also somewhat uneven. Early on, it sets out to be a light comedy, with a bit of drama to ground it. This basic tone never shifts, but with the entire third act being so miserable, it's prevented from being convincing. There's no point where it's especially unlikable, just frustrating.
The acting has something to offer, even though I've seen nearly everyone give better performances. Julianne Moore, Ellen Burstyn, Peter Falk - three of my favorites - aren't really offered enough to show their respective talents. Falk, even though he's the star of "Roommates", seems like an afterthought, a minor character who steps in to offer periodical clever quips. And I didn't find the makeup work to be particularly convincing.
An overall problem comes down to the script. Although the film seems long enough, even too long at times, it feels truncated in order to fit in all the chronology. There are breaks of years, seven or five, or however many, and people don't seem to change or age normally. It's like watching a stage play when you know there's been no passage of time, and can't be properly convinced otherwise. "Roommates" is a film that doesn't really know what it is or what it wants to be. The VHS cover shows a scene from the film involving a garden hose. In the photograph, it looks playful. It the actual movie, it is part of a serious argument. That just about sums up the dichotomy that is "Roommates".
The acting has something to offer, even though I've seen nearly everyone give better performances. Julianne Moore, Ellen Burstyn, Peter Falk - three of my favorites - aren't really offered enough to show their respective talents. Falk, even though he's the star of "Roommates", seems like an afterthought, a minor character who steps in to offer periodical clever quips. And I didn't find the makeup work to be particularly convincing.
An overall problem comes down to the script. Although the film seems long enough, even too long at times, it feels truncated in order to fit in all the chronology. There are breaks of years, seven or five, or however many, and people don't seem to change or age normally. It's like watching a stage play when you know there's been no passage of time, and can't be properly convinced otherwise. "Roommates" is a film that doesn't really know what it is or what it wants to be. The VHS cover shows a scene from the film involving a garden hose. In the photograph, it looks playful. It the actual movie, it is part of a serious argument. That just about sums up the dichotomy that is "Roommates".