The best thing about "The Story of Us" isn't the story. It's the performances of stars Michele Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis, who do their best to overcome what's essentially a formulaic picture about the highs and lows of a marriage. Despite their intentions, and several observant moments, the film eventually suffers from an annoying set-up and an over-earnest sense of humor.

Employing too many hurried flashbacks and quick montages of domestic life, director Rob Reiner attempts to tell a familiar…