Barney's Version -A really great flick

Barney's Version Poster

Barney's Version is a truly wonderful film. I'll go light on details so as not to spoil it, but basically, Barney is a Jewish guy living in Montreal and a book has been written about part of his life which Barney disputes, so he wants to tell "his version" of his life story. This film is based on the Giller Prize winning book of the same name by Mordecai Richler.

Barney marrying heavily pregnant wife #1 (Rachelle Lefevre) with best friend Boogie (Scott Speedman)

The main plot is about how 3 gorgeous women fall for this hard drinking, cigar chomping, schlub of a guy, played to a tee by Paul Giamatti. This film is funny, it's heartbreaking and most of all very entertaining. Minnie Driver gives an absolutely hilarious performance as his second wife (with a MASTERS degree) and Rosamund Pike is luminous as Barney's long suffering third wife.

Barney (Paul Giamatti) and his dad (Dustin Hoffman)

An interesting piece of casting has Barney's father played by Dustin Hoffman, thankfully back from the land of the Fockers for this wonderful performance and Hoffman's real life son, actor Jake Hoffman, playing Barney's son.

Barney wooing wife #3 (Rosamund Pike)

I always find that the best films are the ones which mix humour with tragedy and give you a script where you cannot predict where the film is going. This one gives all of that and more. Toss in some gorgeous Canadian scenery both of Montreal and of cottage country (or the "Bush" as Shania Twain likes to call it) and you have a thoroughly satisfying flick.

Barney's second wife (Minnie Driver at her all time best)

Kick back and have a good laugh and a good cry over this one my friends.

P.S. If you don't understand the twist at the end, post a comment and I'll help you out.