Insight
Travolta fans can breath a sigh of relief. After the disastrous "Battlefield Earth" it's refreshing to see him back in a role that will, at last bring some relief from the caning he received over what was described as the worse film of 2002. Listening to the comments after the screening [from those in the audience] the consensus reached was that "Domestic Disturbance" rated pretty good when it came to being entertaining and overall it was a pretty tight film all round. "Domestic Disturbance" may not be the sort of film you go away and give a big wrap to, but it is good enough and a safe bet that you can recommend to your friends. Director Harold Becker keeps the pace and intensity flowing throughout "Domestic Disturbance" and even though you know that everything will gel at the end, the eighty nine minutes flow smoothly and quickly. "Domestic Disturbance" is a film that really doesn't need to be analyzed, dissected or ripped apart to be enjoyed. In fact it is much in the vein of "Hearts In Atlantis", it's just an enjoyable flight of fantasy that takes you away from the hum-drum of life and it does it well.
The Story
Frank [John Travolta] is just your ordinary, every day guy. Divorced, a recovering alcoholic, hard working and trying to keep his business afloat. A third generation boat builder he prides himself on the quality of his work. His ex, Susan Morrison [Teri Polo] is about to re-marry. That causes them both a fair bit of drama when son Danny [Matthew O'Leary] throws a wobbly. Like many children, he wants things back the way they were. You know, mum, dad, beautiful house, rose garden and white picket fence stuff. He ain't about to get it though and his behaviour is a worry. mum's husband to be appears on the surface to be a great catch. Rick Barnes [Vince Vaughn] is good looking, is pretty well heeled and a successful business man. On the surface all looks good and Danny will just have to accept the fact that nothing is going to change. There will be a wedding! But hang on, does Rick have a darker side. When mystery guest Ray [Steve Buscemi] turns up at the wedding, Frank's curiosity gets the better of him. He wants to know who this guy is. When Rick and Ray's stories about each other don't match up he becomes highly suspicious. When son Danny claims to have witnessed Rick killing Ray, Frank must decide who is telling the truth. Did Rick kill Ray or is Danny just lying to gain attention again.
The Verdict
"An unpretencious film that works on the premise that above all else as long as the audience is entertained they will be happy. On that score "Domestic Disturbance" works well and succeeds where others have failed. It's a refreshing way to spend an aimiable 89 minutes enjoying ones self. The pace is good, the workman-like cast are competent, the direction is tight and there are plenty of taut and tense moments. Hey this isn't bad stuff! "
What The Critics Say
"While there's nothing groundbreaking about this old-school family suspenser, director Harold Becker (City Hall) works a series of can't-miss elements with sufficient skill to make it succeed on its own humble terms."
Michael Tunison BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE
"Becker's best work in years."
Tor Thorsen REEL.COM
"A refreshingly unpretentious little thriller."
Lou Lumenick NEW YORK POST
"There are thrills and shocks to be had here."
Mick LaSalle SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"A serviceably entertaining, if formulaic, thriller."
Dustin Putman THEMOVIEBOY.COM
"Although it's formulaic to the hilt, Domestic Disturbance ratchets up the tension like a fine whine."
Brian McTavish KANSAS CITY STAR
"Domestic Disturbance isn't a great thriller, but it will suffice until one comes along."
John Monaghan DETROIT FREE PRESS
Film Footnotes

John Travolta
Many will remember John Travolta's start in the TV comedy series "Welcome Back Kotter". It was way back in 1975 that Travolta became a household name as Vincent 'Vinnie' Barbarino. Then came his big break with the 1978 hit musical "Grease". The 1994 cult film "Pulp Fiction" introduced Travolta to a whole new generation of fans in his role as the hitman Vincent Vega. The disastrous "Battlefield Earth" [2000] tarnished his otherwise excellent record putting a big dent in his reputation.
Swordfish
The General's Daughter
The Thin Red Line
Broken Arrow
Get Shorty
Look Who's Talking
Saturday Night Fever

Vince Vaughn
Vincent Anthony Vaughn born 28th of March 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA is a relative unknown to most aussie cinema fans. This year though, they will get a double dose of Vaughn with "Domestic Disturbance" and "Made". Vinces previous films were lightly received by audiences and included
Zoolander
Made
The Cell
Psycho
At Risk
The Lost World: Jurassic Park
At Risk
Rudy
Clay Pigeons
A Cool Dry Place
The Prime Gig
The Cast
John Travolta
Vince Vaughn
Teri Polo
Matthew O'Leary
Steve Buscemi
Chris Ellis
Nick Loren
James Lashly
Rebecca Tilney
Debra Mooney
Leland L. Jones
Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Susan Floyd
William Parry
Suzanne Nystrom
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Frank Morrison
Rick Barnes
Susan Morrison Barnes
Danny Morrison
Ray Coleman
Detective Warren
Officer Foxx
Jason
Laurie
Theresa
Coach Mark
Sgt Edgar Stevens
Diane
Don Patterson
Wedding Coordinator
Directed by Harold Becker
Rated [AUST] M
Run Time 89 minutes
©2002 - Paramount Pictures Inc - All Rights Reserved