The Stepford Wives

SYNOPSIS

Ira Levin's bestselling tale of extreme female makeovers is given a satirical update in this clumsy comedy from director Frank Oz. Matthew Broderick moves his high-powered TV-executive wife (Nicole Kidman) to the pastel-perfect Connecticut community of Stepford for a flawless "fembot" overhaul under the management of mayor Christopher Walken. But aside from some catty one-liners (courtesy of Addams Family Values screenwriter Paul Rudnick), the black comedy just isn't consistent or edgy enough as it lurches towards a ridiculous and nonsensical ending. There's also little in the way of tension or character development, while the impressive cast acts well below its ability - even the usually reliable Glenn Close and Bette Midler fail to add any real zing. Oz may have achieved the correct manicured look, but there's little else to crow about in this inept and stale "old wives' tale".