Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Member since:29.08.2002
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For Andrew Paxton he can think of nothing worse than spending any more time than he has to with his boss. When she finds out that she's about to be deported Margaret Tate will do anything to keep her job as the executive editor of a publishing company and tells the senior partners and US state department that she and Andrew are engaged. Now to prove that their relationship isn't a scam and avoid her being deported and Andrew sent to prison they must spend a long weekend at his parents and convince everyone they are really a couple before returning to face the state department on the Monday morning.
When I first saw this film advertised I really didn't like the look of it but knew I would have to do my boy friendly duty and go with my fiancé to see it. Any film starring Sandra Bullock is well down my to watch list and the only saving grace I could see with this movie was Ryan Reynolds who would at least make it marginally amusing. To say I was surprised how good this film turned out to be
would be an understatement. It has a little bit of something for everyone and I was pleasantly pleased that all of the funny bits weren't crammed into the trailer.
Whilst Jenny is more than aware of director Anne Fletcher's previous films 27 Dresses and Step Up I try to blank out that I've even seen one of her previous efforts. That coupled with the concept of the film made me particularly reluctant to see this but to my surprise she did a reasonable job. There are a couple of well shot scenes including one in a speed boat and while the special effects are few and far between she manages to create some very funny moments by setting certain scenes just right. The settings she has chosen for the Alaska scene's are perfect and with that beautiful countryside as a backdrop it works perfectly.
Of course the script is nothing particularly new. A couple who would rather not spend time together away from work are forced to spend a long weekend together. It has the inevitable beginning of them hating each other and follows a pretty set pattern as they get to know each other. I think though that script writer Pete Chiarelli puts a good spin on it and in collaboration with Fletcher they manage to create something that holds your interest and remains funny at the same time. Ok you don't need to concentrate on it at all but it's a simple romantic comedy that makes you laugh and does exactly what it says on the tin.
It's fair to say that I've never really been a big fan of Sandra Bullock. She's had some ok films but by and large I try to avoid films if she's in a lead role. This film I would say is certainly one of her better movies and in the role of Margaret Tate she really fits the part. Her onscreen relationship with Reynolds portrayal of Andrew works really well and you can tell there is chemistry between them. I also found that together they created some genuinely laugh out loud moments that I didn't expect.
In fact I do believe that Reynolds is still pretty underrated as an actor and it's roles like this that remind you of his comical ability. He can make you laugh and suddenly become serious with relative ease and for the more serious moments of the film that works well. With a supporting cast that includes Mary Streenburgen and Craig T Nelson as Andrew's parents they all do exactly what you expect and create a platform for Reynolds and Bullock to really shine from.
Overall I have to admit to being very surprised by this movie. I went into it expecting yet another chick flick that would no doubt bore me for the majority of its 108 minute run time. Instead I got a reasonably amusing film that made me laugh a lot more than I expected. This is the sort of film that I would prefer to sit down and watch with Jen rather than the likes of 27 Dresses which bored me from start to finish. It's fair to say that given the choice I wouldn't have watched it but as any guy in a relationship or married knows these films are a necessity and I certainly prefer the funnier ones like this.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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Oct 18th, 2009
very helpful by (100%):
