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The Oranges

Release Date 07 Dec 2012 07 May 2013

  • User rating
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.
  • Critic rating
  • Currently 2/5 Stars.

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The enduring friendship between the Walling and Ostroff families is tested when Nina, the prodigal Ostroff daughter, returns home for the holidays after a five-year absence and enters into an affair with David, head of the Walling family.

Cast:
Leighton Meeser | Hugh Laurie | Tim Guinee | Catherine Keener | Adam Brody | Allison Janney | Oliver Platt | Alia Shawkat

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  • Critic rating
  • Currently 2/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

THE ORANGES
Directed by Julian Farino. Starring Leighton Meester, Hugh Laurie, Catherine Keener, Allison Janney, Oliver Platt 
THE PLOT: The Ostroff and Walling families have been neighbours and friends for years. David (Hugh Laurie) and Terry (Oliver Platt) jog together three times a week, and their daughters were friends right through school. This friendship is put to the test, however, when David begins an affair with Terry’s twenty-something daughter Nina (Leighton Meester).
THE VERDICT: Director Julian Farino does what he can, but he is fighting a battle he can’t hope to win; there is no chemistry between the lead couple, the story is rather beige and it all wraps up a little too neatly. There are some moments of charm and greatness, but these are so few and far between that it is hard to remember why we are watching this film in the first place.
The Oranges is a film that possibly looks good on paper, but the impressive cast are not given time to shine and the story wraps up a little too quickly and neatly for it to feel as though it is real life. The Oranges has its moments, but overall, this is a bland and beige film. Shame; I like Hugh Laurie, and this is a disappointing follow up to his brilliant turn in House.

Rating: 2/5

Review by Brogen Hayes

  • Avg User rating
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.

User Reviews

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    Onionhead

    Whatever you think about all the questions it raises, I hope you appreciate the spot-on performances by the entire cast, and that you find The Oranges to be as enjoyable and thought-provoking as I did.

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    caitger

    Central relationship in the film not really believable. Strong cast but they were let down slightly by the script. Longing for Hugh Laurie to return to caustic Dr. House days.

    • Currently 1/5 Stars.

    mart

    There were some very funny scenes but I wasted two hours of my life that I will never get back. I have visions of seeing this movie be released in time for Christmas based on Hollywood's warped view as to what most people go through during the holidays.

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    bmbm

    I made the mistake of checking out reviews online before I saw this so went in with slight trepidation but was pleasantly surprised. Wasn't entirely convinced by the relationships in the movie, but laughed throughout and would happily see it again.

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    Amandareid007

    Less predictable than other films of its ilk, THE ORANGES proves to be a real indie charmer. It's aided by the excellent cast who all stay committed to the material even when things begin to go for Hollywood goofiness rather than gritty reality.

    • Currently 4/5 Stars.

    MaryByrne

    This is a great movie to see over Christmas. It shows something that can easily happen between a wayward daughter and a married man! Good laughs throughout... would recommend a viewing, we had good craic seeing this! Thanks Movies.ie!

    • Currently 4/5 Stars.

    filmbuff2011

    Around this time of the year, distributors often dish out a silly Christmas comedy that is instantly forgettable. So, it's with a welcome sigh of relief that The Oranges is as refreshing as, well, an orange. A mostly feelgood comedy with a slightly bitter taste, The Oranges is all about two New Jersey families who live across the road from each other and are as close as peas in a pod. When free-spirited daughter Nina (Leighton Meester) comes home for Thanksgiving, she stirs things up by having a fling with David, her father's best friend across the road (Hugh Laurie). Much to the disapproval of her parents (Oliver Platt and Allison Janney), she follows her instincts and sticks with it, changing the relations between the two families - for better and for worse. While this could easily have gone down the road of a by-the-numbers Christmas comedy, the characters are so warmly portrayed by the cast that it's hard to dislike this film. Nina herself is a complicated character who knows what she wants in life, even if the other characters don't. There's some depth here, which is why the film is a genuine delight. Those expecting Christmas With The Kranks need not apply, but if you're looking for something to warm your heart coming up to Christmas, then The Oranges will do just fine.

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