Bookends

This is a movie that is one that you don't really need to think about, which is probably good because if you did, you may lose any inkling of actually liking it. I read the book several years ago and hated it. I wanted to hurl it across the room when I was done with it. The movie improved on the book tremendously. Anne Hathaway was adequate and her counterpart Emily was slightly annoying and barely empathetic. Stanley Tucci and especially Meryl Streep steal the show. They are the only real reasons to see this movie. I don't know if you've ever seen Meryl Streep play this role before. This is not a date movie, don't bring your boyfriend/husband/whatever, because he'll be utterly bored, or at the very least you're going to owe him big!! This movie is cute, I guess, and utterly forgettable.

I had high hopes for this movie. After all, I love all of the cast members. However, somehow, it just didn't do it for me. It was as if the screenwriters didn't know who they wanted to try to please. The over the top farcical scenes would have worked in a different movie, and the relationship scenes would have worked in a different movie. I think that one of the subplots involving Zooey Deschanel (who literally steals the show) would have been more interesting to watch than either of the two leads. Matthew McConaughey is admittedly good looking to watch, but his abs and cast have been his supporting cast long enough. And as much as I have loved Sarah Jessica Parker, she's looking a bit long in the tooth here, and is definitely too old to play the part.

Grade: C (But only for Zooey's sake, I loved her!)

Biggest thing that I don't understand about this movie.. why do they make a minor character who obviously speaks with a Scottish accent an Irish character? I've never been to either place, but the Scottish accent on Declan is pretty strong. But then he flies an Irish flag and has a four-leaf clover painted on his plane. Odd choice I think.

Second biggest thing about this movie, why were there so many script holes? The Rock wants to open a restaurant, but why? He hates guns, and frequently says this, but they never give any reason why? There are more holes in this plot than in a block of Swiss cheese.

The digital effects are cheesy and obvious.

This movie has its funny moments, but for me they were few and far between. This movie has all action and no plot. If that's your cup of tea, then you'll love it. Otherwise, skip it.