Mais que o Acaso

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the acting of Gwyneth Paltrow, (Abby Janello) who plays the role of a woman who lost her husband in a plane crash and is struggling with her love for him and the big hole it has left in her heart. She tries to establish herself in a business with the help of her mother in order to support her two young children. In a very mysterious way this has effected the live of Buddy Amaral, (Ben Afflick) who met Abby's husband at O'Hare Airport in Chicago and had a few drinks with him and offered him his tickets on the plane he was scheduled to fly out on. Buddy Amaral has had a drinking problem and went into rehabilitation, however he was haunted by a horrible thing he caused Abby Janello and followed his 12 Step Program in AA to make amends to any person you hurt while you had been drinking. It is from this part in the story that makes it very interesting with dramatic and heartbreaking events. Excellent film and great entertainment. Enjoy

"Bounce" has the familiar elements of a romance-drama. The premise is quite original and engaging, but as the relationship between Ben and Gwyneth blossoms, we're given the Hollywood treatment. However, Ben and Gwyneth give spirited performances and keep everything afloat. Both of them are extremely charming, have terrific charisma and there are some nice interactions between the two of them. I wasn't touched after I finished viewing this formulaic romance, since I pretty much saw what was coming--but it's a likeable, feel-good movie thanks to the charming performances. It's a good date movie, though I assume the woman will be shedding most of the tears.

My score: 7 (out of 10)