Watch Kettle of Fish

Kettle of Fish is a 2006 romantic comedy-drama film directed by Claudia Myers. The film stars Matthew Modine, Gina Gershon, and Christy Scott Cashman. The story follows Mel (Modine), a neurotic and successful New York City architect, and his friend Fred (David Aaron Baker), an easy-going musician. The two friends live together in a spacious apartment in Manhattan and share their lives, including dating experiences. However, when Fred decides to leave for Europe on a musical tour with his band for six weeks, Mel is left alone and decides to adopt a fish named Grace.

Mel is a workaholic and is mostly career-focused, but his routine is broken when he meets Ginger (Gina Gershon), a playful and free-spirited oceanographer. Ginger is researching the effects of pollution on fish in New York City rivers and introduces Mel to her world of marine animals and fish species. They instantly hit it off, and Mel finds himself falling for her. However, as it often happens, things are not as simple as they seem.

Meanwhile, Fred, who is in London, meets a woman named Vivien (Isabella Rossellini), and they start seeing each other. Fred is much more relaxed and less neurotic than Mel, and Vivien sees him as her soulmate. Vivien urges Fred to leave his life in New York City and move to London to be with her permanently.

The plot thickens when Mel surprises Ginger by taking her to the Caribbean on a holiday, only to find out that the trip isn't a grand adventure but, in fact, a desperate attempt by Mel to win Ginger's heart. As their holiday progresses, Mel becomes increasingly fixated on Ginger, and their relationship starts to unravel. The couple's different lifestyles drive them apart, and Mel's attempts to control Ginger's life prove to be a significant turnoff for her.

Kettle of Fish is a charming and witty movie that attempts to delve into the complexities of modern relationships. The film is also a love letter to New York City, and the stunning shots of the city's skyline and the streetscapes will make any New Yorker feel nostalgic. Besides, the supporting characters, including Phil, Mel's eccentric boss (Andy Mientus), and an elderly fish shop owner (Lois Robbins), add humor and quirkiness to the story, providing a much-needed respite from Mel's inaction and self-absorbed tendencies.

The film has its strengths and weaknesses, and while the characters are well-constructed, the plot is predictable, and the ending is somewhat unsatisfying. However, this does not take away from the film's overall charm, which lies in its portrayal of New York City's bustling energy and the intricacies of relationships.

Matthew Modine delivers a brilliant performance as the obsessive and neurotic Mel. Mel is far from perfect and is irritating at times, but Modine brings an innocence and vulnerability to the character that makes him likable. Gina Gershon's portrayal of Ginger is impressive, portraying her as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to be herself. Isabella Rossellini is also excellent in her role as Vivien, adding a touch of humor and wit to her character.

Overall, Kettle of Fish is a charming romantic comedy-drama that explores the complexities of modern relationships. Although the film is not perfect, the cast delivers impressive performances, and the beautiful shots of New York City make the movie worth watching. The film's witty one-liners and quirky characters will resonate with audiences who have ever found themselves confused by life's complexities.

Kettle of Fish is a 2006 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 38.