Bounce

I did like this movie, but I must say I'm tired of the old "I've got a secret" device used in this movie. In this movie Buddy has a secret he knows will cause major problems for their relationship, yet he doesn't tell her. And just as everyone in the world predicts - she finds out just before he can tell her. I guess movie writers feel this formula is tried and true, but I'm hoping to see some original thinking someday and maybe something more true to life.

Don Roos directs and writes this enjoyable romantic comedy which stars Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow who meet up by fate in this film. They are both great as Buddy Amaral and Abby Janello and have some good chemistry in the film. (Well, they did used to be couple.) Tony Goldwyn is also puts in a small but good performance as Abby's husband Greg Janello. Bounce is an enjoyable film. Don't expect anything to extravagant but you will be satisfied. I give Bounce a 7/10

BOUNCE (2000) ***1/2 Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Morton, Natasha Henstridge, Jennifer Grey, Tony Goldwyn, Johnny Galecki, Caroline Aaron, Alex D. Linz, David Dorfman. Excellent romantic drama tinged with equal parts tragedy and comedy with Affleck (in one of his best roles to date) as a charming alcoholic ad exec who sobers up after a year of harboring a guilt-plagued secret: - giving his plane ticket to family man Goldwyn en route home only to die in a plane crash killing all aboard – and seeking out the widow to make amends. What he doesn't count on is falling in love with her and the circumstances hovering their impending romance.

Paltrow has never been finer and succeeds in making her character not a victim but an individual coping with the harsh reality of raising her boys by herself and coming to terms with loving again. Written and directed by Don Roos (the script is smart, witty and poignant throughout with characters that feel all too real in what easily could've been manipulatively maudlin. Laugh and cry formula works and the on-again-off-again real-life relationship between the couple underscores all the emotions on full tilt.

Old premise, new film. A reasonable attempt at film making, "Bounce" is fraught with problems not the least of which is casting Affleck opposite a fine actress. This light drama starts okay but fizzles. The chemistry between Affleck and Paltrow is predictably nonexistent. Affleck and Bullock, maybe. Affleck and Paltrow, no way. The drama in all corners of the film, from alcoholism to the Kodak moments to the "can I love the guy who killed my husband" paradox doesn't work because the film builds a weak foundation, develops characters poorly, and just plain unravels in the denouement. Wait for broadcast on this one.

I didn't have the intention to watch this movie even though I'm a fan of Mrs. Paltrow.

So I watched this unintentionally on a cold Tuesday morning. specifically at 9:00. I didn't regret.

The movie deals with a huge natural tragedy that nobody could prevent from happening, and many events will focus around it including a love story, parenting, alcoholism, rehab, difficult job decisions, etc.

"Bound" is overall a great romantic comedy with a dramatic plot center so in my opinion this is a very clever romantic film.

The performances are very good. I'm surprised with Affleck's performance; he does it very well as the depressed but successful young man. His facial expressions when talking about Greg's death are really convincing and help the movie's tone.

Gwyneth Paltrow is as beautiful as ever and delivers a tender performance. I dug her dramatic moments, specially when she had to explain her sons about their dad's demise.

I highly recommend this intelligent movie for those who like romantic drams.