Cousins Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two cousins by marriage accidentally swap spouses for a hot minute and then decide to actually like each other for real, leading to way more family drama than anyone signed up for.

🍿 Cousins: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Wedding Day Chaos

Larry Kozinski, a dance teacher, attends his uncle Phil’s wedding to Edie, Maria Hardy’s mother, with his wife Tish and teenage son Mitch. Maria, a legal secretary, is married to Tom, a car salesman, and they have a daughter, Chloe. Tish and Tom are immediately drawn to each other and begin an affair during the wedding reception.

A Budding Connection

Larry and Maria, aware of their spouses’ infidelity, find solace and companionship in each other. They start spending time together, initially to discuss their shared predicament, but soon develop a deeper emotional connection. This friendship blossoms into love as they navigate the complexities of their marriages.

Navigating Infidelity

As Larry and Maria’s relationship grows, Tom and Tish continue their affair, creating further tension and complications. Larry’s father, Vince, arrives and provides guidance, encouraging Larry to take control of his life and make it “chicken salad” instead of “chicken sh*t.” The movie follows their journey as they grapple with their feelings and make choices about their futures.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Larry Kozinski (Ted Danson): A dance teacher and husband to Tish, who finds unexpected love with Maria after their spouses have an affair.
• Maria Hardy (Isabella Rossellini): A legal secretary and wife to Tom, who develops a deep connection with Larry while dealing with her husband’s infidelity.
• Tish Kozinski (Sean Young): Larry’s insecure and sexually adventurous wife who initiates an affair with Tom.
• Tom Hardy (William Petersen): Maria’s womanizing car salesman husband who begins an affair with Tish, triggering a chain of emotional events.
• Vince Kozinski (Lloyd Bridges): Larry’s father, who offers wisdom and perspective on life and love, encouraging him to make the best of his situation.
• Edie (Norma Aleandro): Maria’s mother, whose wedding sets the stage for the intertwining relationships and romantic entanglements of the main characters.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vince: “You’ve got only one life to live. You can either make it chicken shit or chicken salad.” – Vince gives this advice to Larry, urging him to make the most of his life and find happiness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,026,369
• Worldwide Gross: $22,026,369

💥 Cousins Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon ‘Cousins’ late one night, and it completely won me over! The chemistry between Ted Danson and Isabella Rossellini is undeniable. Their relationship felt so genuine and refreshingly honest, especially during those heart-to-heart talks. The family gatherings were hilarious, and Lloyd Bridges stole every scene he was in. The ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, reminding me that sometimes the best things in life come unexpectedly. I will be recommending this movie to family and friends as a feel-good movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films about complex relationships”
  • “Those interested in remakes of foreign films”
  • “Fans of Ted Danson and Isabella Rossellini”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Brief suggestive content”
  • “Some mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• New York Times: “Cousins charms with its lighthearted take on love and infidelity. Rossellini and Danson share a delightful chemistry, even if the narrative occasionally meanders. A pleasant, if not groundbreaking, romantic comedy.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Roger Ebert’s positive review is not available online, but multiple comments on various internet platforms indicate it was a positive review.

Audience Reactions

Rossellini and Danson’s on-screen spark lights up the screen!: Viewers agree the movie’s strength lies in its charming leads and heartwarming message about finding love where you least expect it.

Lloyd Bridges’ performance is pure comedic gold.: Bridges’ portrayal of the family patriarch is often cited as a highlight, adding humor and heart to the film.

Overall Consensus: A charming and heartwarming romantic comedy elevated by the chemistry of its leads and a delightful supporting cast. The storyline, while somewhat predictable, resonates with audiences seeking a feel-good experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Cousins is a remake of the 1975 French film ‘Cousin, Cousine’.”
• “Parts of the film were shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.”
• “Angelo Badalamenti, known for his work with David Lynch, composed the film’s score.”
• “The movie explores themes of love, infidelity, and family relationships in a lighthearted manner.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cousins?

Cousins (1989) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cousins, you might like these similar films:

• Same Time, Next Year (1978): Explores a long-term extramarital affair with emotional depth and complexity.
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994): British rom-com centered around social gatherings and evolving relationships.
• My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Focuses on family dynamics and cultural traditions surrounding a wedding.

🛒 Cousins Related Products

• Cousins (DVD): Own the classic romantic comedy on DVD and enjoy the heartwarming story anytime. Perfect for a cozy night in or a nostalgic movie marathon.
• Cheers: The Complete Series: Explore the comedic genius of Ted Danson in his iconic role as Sam Malone in ‘Cheers.’ This complete series set offers hours of laughter and entertainment from one of TV’s greatest sitcoms.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cousins features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Brady Bunch” – performed by Sherwood Schwartz & Frank De Vol
• “Main Theme Song (Unknown)” – performed by Angelo Badalamenti

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Video Essay: How the French New Wave Changed Cinema

Did you know ‘Cousins’ is a remake of a French film? This video breaks down the French New Wave movement and how it completely changed filmmaking! It’s super insightful and will totally change how you see movies, trust me!

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