This week we go off the popular movie board because, quite frankly, it doesn’t look good out there. “Freddy versus Jason”? -that’s all I need to say.

I looked in the movie theatre listings and this movie is playing in seven theatres in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Yes, that’s it, seven theatres. But if you like a movie that really takes you inside people’s private lives and isn’t one of those dopey reality TV shows, then this one’s for you.

I guess they picked a dentist couple because the stereotype is that dentists are boring, emotionally detached people. Well, that would describe this couple, played by Campbell Scott and Hope Davis. They live in suburban New York City with their three young daughters and share a mouth mining practice.

This movie is hard to watch at times because it is all too real. In the first scene, Campbell Scott is inspecting the mouth of a new customer played by Dennis Leary. With all the close-ups and Scott’s running commentary, it was full of a little too much detail. It was a bit too much like one of John’s Cunning Dental commercials. But not too long after this, the movie kicks in gear when Scott discovers that his wife is having an affair.

You begin quickly to realize that this is how many couples deal with this development – they do nothing. While not presented with any lock solid proof, Scott is sure by his wife’s behavior that things are not good. But the problem is he cannot stand confrontation. So, he does nothing but think about it night and day. He daydreams and, eventually, the character Dennis Leary plays starts showing up in Scott’s imagination to coach him into being more aggressive. “Hit her, pound your fist on the table, be a man” he implores. Some of that advice is taken, most of it is ignored.

Scott is a wimp and he chose Leary as his imaginary friend because he perceives Leary as a take charge guy. Funny and strong at first, it gets old. What really lifts this movie is the sad but compelling fact that there are many couples like these two who are so caught up in their careers and kids, they can’t, or won’t, face up to something as damaging as one of them cheating.

Campbell Scott’s performance captures it all perfectly – you want to hit him and tell him to face up to things, but he is so great with his three whiny daughters and never lets on to them that you feel sorry for him at the same time. Gee, they even barf all over him, but he maintains composure.

The kids, too, are outstanding, acting (surprise) just like three little girls would. An added insight is provided by the family’s pediatrician who tells Scott that the kids are sick because they sense you and your wife are having problems. But just like in the real world, this guy is no “Marcus Welby” – he simply states his opinion and moves on. His attitude is –“not my life – what can you do?”

“The Secret Lives of Dentists” made me wince, made me squirm, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. It beats any reality television show and by representing all that doesn’t happen, and all that isn’t said, it speaks volumes for the “lives of quiet desperation” many people lead. I give it a “9.0” on the scale.