It’s like Voltaire said: “History doesn’t repeat itself. Man always does.” There comes a time in every marriage, romantic or professional, where the couple repeats itself and becomes a broken record broken record broken record.

One such professional marriage is that of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. It has borne that  delicious fruit, Edward Scissorhands and Ed Wood. And also such overripe indulgence as Depp’s performance in the otherwise lovely Alice in Wonderland and now Depp’s sharp performance in the otherwise dull Dark Shadows.

Another is that of Lawrence Kasdan and Kevin Kline. While The Big Chill and Grand Canyon are compelling ensemble dramas, mileposts on the road of the Baby Boom, Darling Companion — while it boasts lovely turns by Diane Keaton and Dianne Wiest — does little for director Kasdan and alter ego Kline.

And then there’s Dennis Dugan and Adam Sandler. While there is much to enjoy in Don’t Mess With the Zohan, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry and Jack and Jill are near-unendurable.

Agree? Disagree? Any other professional marriages that might profit from a trial separation?