Is The Rivals Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2004)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Rivals (2004), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Romantic havoc ensues in the town of Bath when Sir Anthony arrives to arrange the marriage of his son Captain Jack Absolute to the wealthy Lydia Languish. Jack and Lydia are already in love, but because of Lydia's obsession with romantic novels, Jack has disguised himself as a poor officer named Ensign Beverly and he is only one of Lydia's many suitors."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Rivals, even the presence of Chris Bianchi struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Rivals worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Rivals misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 147 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.