sdj88
Joined May 2004
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Reviews15
sdj88's rating
The tagline of this film sounds interesting, but also shows the movie's thin plot. 'I shot my wife. Prove it.' Ultimately, the film is smart and witty and keeps you intrigued the entire time as you try find a way to do what the tagline asks you to. However, that's it. Naturally, Anthony Hopkins can do now wrong and 'newbie' Ryan Gosling does really well. Together in a scene, these two are awesome.
What I like about this film is that it totally focuses on the Hopkins/Gosling story-line. In many other films like these there's always that the policemen/attorneys (in this case Gosling) fall in love and then mess it up/ruin their marriage because the case is tearing them apart, you know the drill. There's always some sub story-line involving romance. Gosling finds romance in this movie with Rosamund Pike's character, but it doesn't evolve into another story-line. It doesn't take Willy Beachum's (Ryan Gosling) eyes off the price and even when it falls apart, he doesn't appear to care much (it's all about getting Crawford behind bars) or to feel a need to make it right. I like that. I mean, I love romance in films, but this movie shouldn't be about that and it's not.
Also, the fact that Ted Crawford (Hopkins) is in complete control over everything and everyone in this film astonishes me. This man plays roles like these so well! He just keeps you glued to the screen. The way he is in charge of Willy for (almost!) the entire film is just enjoyable to watch, making the end of the film even more enjoyable when the story comes out and the roles change.
Another reason to praise Gosling for the way he portrayed Willy Beachum. Anthony Hopkins is a legend. He is what draws people to theatres and he is one of the most brilliant actors of all times. Plus, he portrays such a strong character here that I can't help but praise Gosling for holding his own in a very strong manner. Scenes with Gosling are entertaining to watch. You feel drawn to him in almost the same way you feel drawn to Hopkins, even though Willy is in a dark place for most of the film and is hardly in control. Gosling's got great timing.
The story-line might be a little thin and fragile, the outcome is worth it. The movie surprises in more than one way, not in the last place because of the pretty much brilliant performances of both actors. Gosling is going to be big.
8/10
What I like about this film is that it totally focuses on the Hopkins/Gosling story-line. In many other films like these there's always that the policemen/attorneys (in this case Gosling) fall in love and then mess it up/ruin their marriage because the case is tearing them apart, you know the drill. There's always some sub story-line involving romance. Gosling finds romance in this movie with Rosamund Pike's character, but it doesn't evolve into another story-line. It doesn't take Willy Beachum's (Ryan Gosling) eyes off the price and even when it falls apart, he doesn't appear to care much (it's all about getting Crawford behind bars) or to feel a need to make it right. I like that. I mean, I love romance in films, but this movie shouldn't be about that and it's not.
Also, the fact that Ted Crawford (Hopkins) is in complete control over everything and everyone in this film astonishes me. This man plays roles like these so well! He just keeps you glued to the screen. The way he is in charge of Willy for (almost!) the entire film is just enjoyable to watch, making the end of the film even more enjoyable when the story comes out and the roles change.
Another reason to praise Gosling for the way he portrayed Willy Beachum. Anthony Hopkins is a legend. He is what draws people to theatres and he is one of the most brilliant actors of all times. Plus, he portrays such a strong character here that I can't help but praise Gosling for holding his own in a very strong manner. Scenes with Gosling are entertaining to watch. You feel drawn to him in almost the same way you feel drawn to Hopkins, even though Willy is in a dark place for most of the film and is hardly in control. Gosling's got great timing.
The story-line might be a little thin and fragile, the outcome is worth it. The movie surprises in more than one way, not in the last place because of the pretty much brilliant performances of both actors. Gosling is going to be big.
8/10
The first time I saw this movie it was in the middle of the night and all I remember from that time is that I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Mostly, because I'm a sucker for the kind of impossible romance stories like 'kidnapper falls in love with hostage' as seen in this movie.
The few times that I watched this movie later, I was kind of disappointed. In my head, the movie had been so much better than it was in real life, but the fact the movie isn't brilliant and the storyline isn't always very much believable, doesn't take away the fact that the movie is beyond entertaining.
There is some serious chemistry between Susan Sarandon and Stephen Dorff. The way they interact and their conversations are definitely enough reason for someone to instantly love the movie. Susan Sarandon is a respected actress in Hollywood and I believe almost every single movie with her in it is worth watching. Stephen Dorff managed to impress me with something other than his cuteness, his acting. Having two great actors in a mediocre movie kind of helps to reach the movie a higher level and that is definitely the case in this movie. I think the movie is entertaining by itself, but the fact Susan Sarandon and Stephen Dorff are in it, adds to its appeal. The movie is there not to be taken too literally and to just sit back and enjoy.
Just like most other people, I was fairly disappointed once the character of Mindy joined the duo. Not because of Mindy herself, but simply because I felt it wasn't necessary. Charlotte and Jake were still entertaining enough together and a third character was not necessary to keep the movie interesting.
The ending may have disappointed some people out there, but I think the ending was decent. It's obvious that the 'happily ever after'-ending everyone's hoping for isn't going to come and it is inevitable that Jake and Charlotte had to say goodbye at some point.
Conclusion: Not good in the traditional sense, but good in the way that it'll keep you entertained for the entire time. The movie has got its flaws that will sometimes disappoint you, but at the same time the movie has got enough charm to keep you interested all the way and will make you love it from start to finish. At least, that's what it did for me.
8/10
The few times that I watched this movie later, I was kind of disappointed. In my head, the movie had been so much better than it was in real life, but the fact the movie isn't brilliant and the storyline isn't always very much believable, doesn't take away the fact that the movie is beyond entertaining.
There is some serious chemistry between Susan Sarandon and Stephen Dorff. The way they interact and their conversations are definitely enough reason for someone to instantly love the movie. Susan Sarandon is a respected actress in Hollywood and I believe almost every single movie with her in it is worth watching. Stephen Dorff managed to impress me with something other than his cuteness, his acting. Having two great actors in a mediocre movie kind of helps to reach the movie a higher level and that is definitely the case in this movie. I think the movie is entertaining by itself, but the fact Susan Sarandon and Stephen Dorff are in it, adds to its appeal. The movie is there not to be taken too literally and to just sit back and enjoy.
Just like most other people, I was fairly disappointed once the character of Mindy joined the duo. Not because of Mindy herself, but simply because I felt it wasn't necessary. Charlotte and Jake were still entertaining enough together and a third character was not necessary to keep the movie interesting.
The ending may have disappointed some people out there, but I think the ending was decent. It's obvious that the 'happily ever after'-ending everyone's hoping for isn't going to come and it is inevitable that Jake and Charlotte had to say goodbye at some point.
Conclusion: Not good in the traditional sense, but good in the way that it'll keep you entertained for the entire time. The movie has got its flaws that will sometimes disappoint you, but at the same time the movie has got enough charm to keep you interested all the way and will make you love it from start to finish. At least, that's what it did for me.
8/10
Having expectations before watching a movie is usually a bad thing, since I've learned that movies hardly ever live up to them. Luckily for 'The Prince & Me' I didn't have any expectations before watching it. Well, I did have them, but they weren't very high, which might be the reason that I adored this movie.
The plot itself isn't very original and promising as it is. It's your typical 'chick flick' film that's all about teenage girls dreams and what they expect of love and life. As a teenage girl myself, I can totally relate to that and since I'm not exactly 'immune' to romance in movies I thoroughly enjoyed Paige's (Julia Stiles) adventure and I watched how her fairytale became reality with a big smile plastered on my face.
The first ten minutes of the movie are slow and boring and promise a 110 minute torture. Fortunately, after those ten minutes the air clears and this chick flick becomes a real chick flick. Sparks fly between Paige and Eddie and the chemistry between Julia Stiles and Luke Marbly is undeniable. The movie is sweet, witty and quick and I adored every second of it. Until the first 'happy ending' that is. Although I agree that after the first happy ending I was still kind of craving for more, what I got was too much. The movie is simply a bit too long and the perfect ending you're hoping for just doesn't come. The ending after 110 minutes of sweet smiling left me with a frown on my face. The ending is naturally a happy one, but...there was just something missing. I almost got the feeling that the creators of the movie suddenly realized the movie was already 110 minutes long and they had to end it, so they did. It was just too sudden. I mean, it was sweet, but...unfulfilling and that's a shame.
Conclusion: Your typical romantic movie with a tad more chemistry than most chick flicks offer and although fulfilling at moments, it just misses that key element that makes these kind of movies truly successful. It was a good way to spend 110 minutes though and as a teenage girl the whole 'fairytale is about to get real'-thing really appealed to me and also definitely worked in the movie. The movie did what it's supposed to do. I fell in love with the couple and with the plot and I loved everything about this film for the most part and I'm convinced most other teenagers will feel the same.
8/10 stars.
The plot itself isn't very original and promising as it is. It's your typical 'chick flick' film that's all about teenage girls dreams and what they expect of love and life. As a teenage girl myself, I can totally relate to that and since I'm not exactly 'immune' to romance in movies I thoroughly enjoyed Paige's (Julia Stiles) adventure and I watched how her fairytale became reality with a big smile plastered on my face.
The first ten minutes of the movie are slow and boring and promise a 110 minute torture. Fortunately, after those ten minutes the air clears and this chick flick becomes a real chick flick. Sparks fly between Paige and Eddie and the chemistry between Julia Stiles and Luke Marbly is undeniable. The movie is sweet, witty and quick and I adored every second of it. Until the first 'happy ending' that is. Although I agree that after the first happy ending I was still kind of craving for more, what I got was too much. The movie is simply a bit too long and the perfect ending you're hoping for just doesn't come. The ending after 110 minutes of sweet smiling left me with a frown on my face. The ending is naturally a happy one, but...there was just something missing. I almost got the feeling that the creators of the movie suddenly realized the movie was already 110 minutes long and they had to end it, so they did. It was just too sudden. I mean, it was sweet, but...unfulfilling and that's a shame.
Conclusion: Your typical romantic movie with a tad more chemistry than most chick flicks offer and although fulfilling at moments, it just misses that key element that makes these kind of movies truly successful. It was a good way to spend 110 minutes though and as a teenage girl the whole 'fairytale is about to get real'-thing really appealed to me and also definitely worked in the movie. The movie did what it's supposed to do. I fell in love with the couple and with the plot and I loved everything about this film for the most part and I'm convinced most other teenagers will feel the same.
8/10 stars.