(WLTX) - Kay wants affection. But she's not likely to get it from her husband when he's sleeping in another room. She and Arnold have been married for thirty-one years and, within that time, have grown apart. He's unwilling to admit there's a problem but she's convinced that they are now strangers beneath the same roof. So, in order to fix what's wrong, she pays for a week of couple's therapy out of her own savings.

Despite his skepticism, Arnold reluctantly agrees and they head off to Great Hope Springs, Maine, for a little marriage tune-up. But Arnold didn't count on the candidness of their nationally renowned specialist. Kay doesn't mind the straightforwardness. It's nothing she's used to - but she wants the end result. And, if that means she has to reveal the most intimate secrets of herself to a complete stranger, she's happy to do it.

"Hope Springs" has several funny moments but, on the whole, I'd consider it more drama than romantic comedy. There's no guarantee that this couple is going to make it (and you may even find yourself encouraging her to leave). But, regardless of tone, it's always compelling thanks to the earnestness of Meryl Streep. This iron lady raises the game of everyone around her and, since her co-stars seem to be playing in their comfort zones (Jones as a curmudgeon, Carell with extreme candor) the acting really thrives.

I'm not calling it a great movie. It wasn't perfect. But the performances enhanced what would normally be considered an "average" movie into something better. "Hope Springs" may not be eternal...but you may just get more than you bargained for.

By Lee O. Smith, News19 Movie Reviewer