About the Film"Making the Rules" is a 2014 American drama film that was co-written by Jimbo Lee and directed by Alan Cox. The movie stars Jaime Pressly, understood for her role in "My Name is Earl", in addition to Robin Thicke, Tygh Runyan, and Joey Lauren Adams. The story focuses on the life of Abby, a successful sous chef who permits her work to take control of her life, which in turn causes pressure in her relationship and eventually causes an accident that forces her to reevaluate her choices and top priorities.
PlotThe movie begins by introducing the life of Abby (Jaime Pressly), a hardworking and passionate cook at a high-end dining establishment in Los Angeles. Consumed with her work, Abby frequently disregards her hubby, Matt (Robin Thicke), an effective however oft-absent music manufacturer. The couple's strained relationship ends up being significantly complicated with Matt's regular absences due to work and Abby's neglect due to her commitment to her task and desire for excellence.
Things take a drastic turn when Abby unintentionally cuts her hand in the kitchen, rendering her unable to work. Faced with recovery time and required to stay home, Abby confronts aspects of her life she has actually been avoiding, including her declining marriage and issues from her past.
Character Development and ConflictsThroughout her time off, Abby revives an old relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Shaun (Tygh Runyan). As Abby digs deeper into this relationship, she starts to question her sensations for her partner and the trajectory of her life. Soon, psychological chaos covers her as she battles with regret, unsure of what she really wants.
The movie represents internal and external conflicts, primarily focusing on Abby's battle to balance her personal life with her extreme expert commitments. She faces emotional turmoil as she grapples with her feelings of regret, confusion, and worry of the unknown.
EndingIn the end, Abby must make an essential decision relating to the direction of her life. Unable to ignore her problems any longer, she chooses to face them head-on. She chooses to resolve her wavering feelings towards her spouse, her side relationship with Shaun, and her infatuation with work.
The movie concludes on a somewhat ambiguous note, recommending that Abby might decide to eliminate for her relationship with Matt or possibly pick a completely different path. It leaves a total message behind that in some cases life's unexpected obstacles require us to review our concerns and make needed changes.
General Review"Making the Rules" provides a 'piece of life' drama that echoes the dilemmas dealt with by numerous working professionals who need to grapple with personal relationships while pursuing their passions. The performances by the cast, especially Pressly, provide depth to the characters, making their struggles seem genuine and relatable. While the speed of the movie might appear sluggish to some viewers, it emphasizes the introspective nature of the story and the complexities of the protagonist's inner conflicts. In spite of the movie's peaceful disposition, it leaves a long lasting impression about the significance of work-life balance and personal joy.
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