BETWEEN THE TEMPLES – A Review by John Strange
I have reviewed many Jewish films over the years. When I received the request for Between the Temples, I immediately decided that I wanted to see this one.
Why? Because this one is not a “happy, great to be Jewish”-type of film. It has a LOT of realistic touches blended in.
Between the Temples tells the tale of Ben Gottlieb (Jason Schwartzman), a Jewish Cantor who can no longer sing. His life is a mess, losing his wife, moving in with his mother and her wife, and that, you know, singing thing.
As if life isn’t going bad enough, into his life rolls his old music teacher, Carla Kessler (Carol Kane). She decides she wants to experience her Bat Mitzvah. Most Jewish girls have their Bat Mitzvahs at 13 years old. Carla didn’t.
This film follows the two as Ben prepares Carla for the ceremony. And as he experiences that most dreaded of all situations, motherly attempts to set him up with a “good girl”.
This is a gritty comedy that is interesting for its view of a different way of life. The editing has left the story’s flow choppy which is annoying, but the twists and turns keep you from guessing how the film ends.
I liked this film as much because it made me think, as for the humor. Not everyone will get or understand some of the humor of this film. Regardless of all this, the ending caught me completely by surprise! Good stuff!
Director: Nathan Silver
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Dolly De Leon, Caroline Aaron, Robert Smigel, Madeline Weinstein
MPAA Rating: R (for language and some sexual references.)
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Runtime: 111 Min.
Release Date: 08/23/2024
Wide Theatrical Release
Language: English
Genre: Comedy
Movie Site: BETWEEN THE TEMPLES Website
Trailer: BETWEEN THE TEMPLES Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
