Oliver's Story Movie Review

Viewing Date: November 25, 2004

It’s a balmy day in New York City. A lawyer, angered by a woman’s laughter, chases her through the park with a pair of blades. Does this sound like the beginning of a wonderful relationship? Because it is the beginning of Oliver’s Story, a romantic sequel that could only top…well, the shelf.

Oliver, Sulking ... Again

This movie brings viewers along the roller coaster relationship ride of Oliver Barrett IV, played by Ryan O'Neal, and Marcie Bonwit, played by Candice Bergen. After their rocky start in the park, their relationship moves on to intimate levels of tennis, hotdogs, and foreign sweatshops as the couple deals with being rich and in love.

Marcie and Oliver

Oliver has just lost his wife from the original movie, Love Story. Marcie first catches his eye in the park when she makes fun of him for trying to skate on cement. Oliver quickly falls in love with her and shows his affection by assaulting her with tennis balls, stalking her at work, questioning her moral values, and yelling angrily at her whenever something goes wrong. Tragically, their relationship ends in a desperate attempt to keep the audience interested. The conclusion of the movie brings viewers to an astonishing conclusion—the conclusion that they should have turned off the movie an hour and a half ago.

Oliver and Marcie

But aside from having a complete lack of a cohesive plot, this movie is…still terrible. It is a cinematic Wac-A-Mole of characters, with supporting actors appearing and disappearing from the story line without making any relevant contributions whatsoever. The most dynamic character—and in fact, the only exciting part of the entire movie—is Oliver’s psychotherapist. He moves his office nearly a half dozen times, presumably in an effort to avoid Oliver and his driveling relationship issues. Each new office brings a touch of change and excitement that is otherwise lacking from this movie. Even Oliver is enthralled by his therapist; he was more dressed up for their sessions than he was for his wife’s funeral at the beginning of the movie.

Oliver and Oliver

The one positive point about the movie is the subliminal public service messages used by the producer. Or rather, by the team of eight or so different producers, each who tried their hardest to steer the movie in a separate direction. There were morals about the evils of the upper class, the power of community development, and the importance of self-acceptance. But the strongest theme of the movie was very apparent. With constant references to decaffeinated coffee, and the reoccurring appearance of an ominous red apple with the word “Rest” written across it, it is clear that the producers of the movie want you to get a good night’s sleep. Especially if your plans would have otherwise included watching this movie.