Rating of
2.5/4
Still on the fence...
trophywife - wrote on 09/19/11
As a rule, people generally walk out of a movie with a pretty clear idea of how they felt about it: either it was outstanding, a complete waste of time and money, or, the vast majority of the time, simply 90 minutes of average entertainment. The problem I am having with this particular film is that, even 24 hours later, I STILL don't know what to think of it.
THE GOOD: The movie starts off with us meeting Dexter and Emma (played by Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway, respectively), who have just graduated from college and begin forming their slightly warped friendship/ "sort of" romance. Over the next 20 years, we meet them on or around their "anniversary" of August 15th and get glimpses--some longer than others--of what is taking place in their lives at that time. The emotions definately aren't lacking in this movie, as we watch the characters struggle through the many familiar changes and disappointments that life inevitably provides for all of us. From working a job we hate to pay the bills, to waking up one day and saying "this isn't how I planned for it to be", the list of events in this movie are things we can all relate to on some level. Anne Hathaway does an admirable job of playing the British Emma, a woman who lacks self confidence, and is sort of frumpy in the beginning--but you can't help but like her and want to see her succeed at changing the world--and Dexter. Jim Sturgess does a MASTERFUL job of playing the self absorbed dirtbag who can't seem to keep his pants zipped up. One has to wonder during a good part of this film why Emma even WANTS to be friends with this guy, he is just that obnoxious. The scenery--filmed in England ,France, and Scotland--is beautiful, and the different eras of time are well portrayed by the styles of music and dress. I, for one, took great nostalgic delight in seeing glimpses of the 80's during the movie.
THE BAD: When I first saw the previews for this movie, I marked it as a "have to see" because it appeared to be just the type of film I go for--something with a "Pride and Prejudice" feel to it, and you walk out feeling like love overcomes everthing---I am unapologetically the sappy type. But I couldn't help but feel a little bit betrayed, because this movie wasn't what I expected. I had hoped for a little more witty banter, and although British humor isn't for everyone, alot of it fell flat, even for someone like me who adores that style of dry comedy. And yes, this movie is a tear jerker, but not in the fairy tale ending like you might be hoping for, so be prepared. I am not a fan of spoilers, but let's just say that you won't walk out of this one thinking " well, isn't that a nice way to end it!" Seriously, I think I literally walked around in a fog for about 3 hours afterwards, feeling as if 'Id been run over by a dog sledding team. In other words, if you are feeling slightly blue or flat out suicidal, perhaps this isn't the time to check out this particular movie.
THE UGLY: I have 4 words for you--naked senior citizen yoga. If that doesn't stir up enough negative mental images, I dont know what to tell you. But don't say I didn't warn you. There is also a horribly disturbing accident scene, that left me gasping out loud. It was shockingly real feeling,and I doubt I will ever forget it.
I WANTED to love this movie, and I didn't. But in fairness I can't say it was not worth seeing either---and maybe that just means that it falls into the category of something that's worth spending your entertainment dollars on--IF you aren't on antidepressants.
