The Weatherman (2005)

Elevator Pitch: David Spritz is a weatherman on a Chicago TV station who seems to do his job efficiently and is suitably paid for it, but outside the studio his life is in pieces. His wife intends to divorce him, and has retained possession of the family home, with her boyfriend, his daughter is obese and unfocused and people throw fast food residues at him in the street. In addition his father, a successful author, seems to look down on him, made worse when the old man is diagnosed with terminal cancer. when his son seems to have been groomed for sex by the school counsellor, could things get any worse? Well, there seem to be two things in his favour, firstly he has accidently taken up archery and secondly he has been offered a job in New York. Can he convince his nearly ex to come with him?

Content: The IMDb guide suggests that there is some sex and nudity, although I confess that I can’t remember it. However there is quite a bit of talk about sex. We see David doing his thing on the TV, and also witness people throwing stuff at him. He takes his daughter to an archery school, but while she is useless he beings to develop his skill and at one point is tempted to shoot his wife’s boyfriend.  He has discussions with his father and finally goes to the old man’s funeral. He often tries to get his wife to reconcile with him, unsuccessfully.

A View: This is a slightly depressing film which did not really hit the spot with the audience. It cost a moderate $22 million but did not make its production costs back. I notice that it has the same director as the last film I reviewed, The Ring and it is sandwiched between two Pirates of the Caribbean directed by him. It could hardly be more different. So not really a watch even for nothing, but you might choose to have it on while doing something else.

Other films directed by Gore Verbinski reviewed on this site, other than Pirates of the Caribbean include: The Mexican, The Ring and A Cure for Wellness.