Director Jay Roach's latest is a remake of Danny DeVito’s 1989 black comedy “The War of the Roses,” which starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as a feuding couple who fight each other to the death. I love that film.
This time around, the vengeful lovebirds will be played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. Also part of the cast are Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, and Allison Janney. Tony McNamara is writing the screenplay. Searchlight is producing. It’s also been retitled “The Roses.”
All this to say, “The Roses” has been given a Labor Day launch — Searchlight just dated it for August 29 release. There goes the fall fests. The last week of August is not where you want your film positioned on the release calendar. Then again, was there ever any indication this remake would turn out great?
Roach rose to fame with the ‘Austin Powers’ franchise, blending absurd humor with sharp wit, and soon after started another comedy franchise with 2000’s “Meet the Parents.” Roach has also tackled political films such as “Bombshell” and “Trumbo.” His other credits include “Mystery, Alaska” and “The Campaign.”