‘Laws of Attraction’: Battle of the Sexes in an Irish Romance

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Once upon a time, I saw this romantic-comedy around the same time as the near mirror replica Intolerable Cruelty (Catherine Zeta-Jones and George Clooney). While it’s “fun,” Laws of Attraction edges it out with comedy that’s better, and more heart.

Laws of Attraction (2004) Film Review

Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) is a top tier divorce lawyer; her impeccable record speaks for itself, and brings in a steady clientele. On the case she’s currently litigating, she’s in a place she isn’t normally in: up against new opposing counsel. Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Bronson) is back in New York after a brief move to the West coast. He’s heard good things about Audrey, and despite that his appearance might suggest otherwise, he’s just as competitive and determined to win as she is

When both lawyers must take a trip to Ireland, the one thing the pair doesn’t expect is to return home married… to each other. A quiet divorce seems to be their only option, until it no longer is.Now they’re forced to co-exist as a married couple, all while trying not to let their personal lives mix with their often opposing professional lives.

Something about this story, even with the clichés, is a “magical” experience. This general idea isn’t new; nonetheless this particular title is one of the best. Thanks to this is, in large part, due to its stars. Bronson and Moore sparkle on screen. Their mature would-be lovers trope plays very well on screen. It’s almost as if this gives the popular boy-meets-girl, boy-and-girl-argue, boy-and-girl-fall-in-love a fresh, lovable approach. Audrey’s mother is also a hilarious supporting character. laws of attraction

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Don't miss Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore in this throwback #romance set in #Ireland! ‘Laws of Attraction’: Battle of the Sexes in an Irish Romance Share on X

As I said before, the chemistry between these two is immediate. It’s hilarious to watch as the opposites-attract scenario unfold; Audrey sees their banter as something to despise, and Daniel is actually attracted to her. Above all Laws of Attraction is tons of fun that leads to genuine laughs, funny antics, and heart-stopping (romantic-comedy) emotional declarations. Julianne Moore proves she can hold her own while doing some physical comedy (plus her character quirks make her more endearing); and it’s great to see Pierce Bronson play a romantic lead rather than a character that’s morally ambiguous.

Flaws and all, something that is sure to accompany any story, this romantic-comedy is a charming example of cinema. The primary setting (Ireland) is gorgeous, and the witty banter makes the script pop with all kinds of swoon inspired scenes. Next time you’re on the lookout for a new (or to re-watch!) romance, Laws of Attraction is a memorable way to spend two hours.

CONTENT: There’s implications married and unmarried couples spend the nights together; some removal of clothing, morning after shots, etc. There’s plenty of sexual dialogue and other crude scenes/gestures.  Crude references to male anatomy is used a handful of times; there’s plenty of commonplace profanity. The movie is PG13.

Photos: New Line Cinema