As the year winds down, we find ourselves with yet another retro review. Why, you ask? Simply put, right now the movie industry is churning out some stinkers. In the last four weeks, I have not been excited about a single new release. There are no summer blockbusters yet – “Spider-Man 3” is closely approaching though – and it’s not Oscar sweeps. It’s bad spring movies. I love films, I love introducing people to new films and I do not like telling people to not go see a movie. But if I reviewed any of this week’s releases, I would have. So instead, let me introduce you to another ’80s classic, the black comedy “The War of the Roses.”

‘The War of the Roses’

Director: Danny DeVito

Writer: Michael Leeson, based on the novel by Warren Adler

Starring: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Sean Astin and Danny DeVito

Oliver and Barbara Rose. They met, great. They both agree on that. A single night of passion with a stranger at an auction in Rhode Island turns into a 20-year marriage, with two kids, a cat, a dog and a expensive house in Washington, D.C., crammed full of beautiful things. Oliver Rose (Academy Award Winner Michael Douglas) dug his heels in and made senior partner at the law firm, while Barbara Rose (Kathleen Turner) slaved night and day to make the perfect house Oliver always dreamed of. The Roses were working for everything. It seemed like a perfect union. All good marriages have their ups and downs, and this one is no exception. But Barbara Rose is not happy, and slowly, she lets her frustration show. As the marriage begins to disintegrate, and Barbara files for divorce, the conflict escalates, far beyond either of the Roses believed. In her misery Barbara pushes too hard, and in his grief Oliver holds on too tight, until suddenly the divorce becomes about one thing: Who gets the house? Neither Rose is willing to budge. Neither Rose is willing to move out. Soon, a few bruises, some broken statues and losing the ability to sleep becomes the least of their problems. How far will Barbara go to be rid of Oliver? And how much will he lose to get her back? One thing is certain: The gloves are off.

Directed by Danny DeVito, this is black comedy at its finest. It is possibly, in my opinion, the best black comedy ever made. It is Intelligent, biting and beautifully told. DeVito’s macabre humor flourishes here. As the battle rages, DeVito cautiously moves the pace forward, so rather than jumping from argument to full-on war in one fell swoop, we are guided through logical steps that turn the Rose house into a no man’s land. With almost theatrical flare, the camera angles dig into the actors in their most unflattering moments, as if we were real-life intruders upon this marital hell. With ghoulish glee, DeVito unravels the Roses, keeping the pace marching until the very end. This film works because of him, no question.

Which is not to underplay the importance of the actors. Douglas and Turner are perfect as the Roses – both gained Golden Globe nominations for their performances. Playing off the chemistry they developed as lovers in “Romancing the Stone” and “Jewel of the Nile,” these two go no-holds-barred, in their portrayal of the Roses, which makes the love/hate relationship truly believable. While Douglas is great, the true scene-stealer is Turner. Her dry wit, her sharp comebacks and her powerhouse presence all make for a wonderful viewing. She is beautiful and dangerous; a true black widow. Turner’s monologue about the life she is leading – how it is her bliss, while simultaneously disgusting her – is both comedically perfect, while being really quite sad. Not an easy task, but she triumphs nonetheless.

This is why this film is so much more than just a comedy about a failing marriage. It’s about two things: love and grief.

It’s about how love can transform you into someone you never wanted to be, and how we react to the loss of the life we thought was perfect. Oliver loves Barbara, that is clear. And she does not love him back. That is clearer. And in some way, it’s all very sad. They were happy. We know that.

So what went wrong? I think all children of divorced parents ask that question at some point. We never get an answer, which is the most truthful choice this movie can make. As the sun sets, the marriage shatters on their expensive marble floor.

The film is ably highlighted by a subtle soundtrack that never gives away what is about to happen next, while adding dark tones to seemingly innocent lines. Some of the best music is the kind we don’t notice. But it’s there, edging us closer, and closer to the final showdown. And then . silence.

I simply must mention one of the most powerful aspects of this film: the cinematography. The lighting is so beautiful, capturing the mood of the film perfectly. Barbara Rose is always bathed in darkness, except her face, which is always lit.

Oliver comes from a much lighter world, while he himself, blends in, rather than stands out. All he sees is Barbara, all she sees is the house. The light mirrors the marriage through the entire movie, becoming more and more sullen and dreary, until finally the only light comes from the glow of the destroyed iron stove. Did I mention the chandelier? No? Well, I can’t spoil everything.

“War of the Roses” is an honest, funny, tragic and beautiful movie that I have nothing but praise for. Save your money at the cinema this week, and rent this instead. Hell, why not buy it? It costs the same as a Friday night movie. You won’t be disappointed.

Overall: Making $84 million at the U.S . box office, this is probably the greatest black comedy ever made. Perfect from start to end, a truly mature comedy, with a brilliant performance by Kathleen Turner.

Four Stars

See it: Rent if at Family Video, Hastings or Hollywood Video

Rated: R for swearing, violence and brief nudity.

Running Time: 117 min.

Tag line: “Once in a lifetime comes a motion picture that makes you feel like falling in love all over again. This is not that movie.”

Ellis J. Wells is a senior in performing arts from Portishead, England