I'm No Movie Expert But...

So I've ended up watching a lot of movies lately; something to do with inordinate amounts of time and lots of running/gym means that when you sit down, you're likely to stay down for the count.

So I am basically watching random movies, for no rhyme or reason.  I have seen the negative press surrounding the Twilight movies and frankly could give a rats ass (as it were).  I was intrigued by the lambasting of the lead character (I have already forgotten his name) and decided to check out another of his films (like hell I'm going to watch Twilight).  This resulted in a short search, upon the completion of which I stumbled towards 'Remember Me.'

Now, it's essentially a love story, but what makes it unique among Hollywood, (and sadly I mean quite literally unique) is that it does not end happily.  It is incredibly sad.  For the duration of the film, the viewer is entirely aware that something bad is going to happen.  Bad is in the past, present and future.  This script oozes foreboding.

Not only is it a shame that 'muricans can't watch anything that has any possible substance, it's a shame that we have to put up with the same shallow shit they do.

To this end, 'Remember Me,' follows the tried and tested Hollywood formula of boy meets girl, they fall in love, boy screws up, they hate each other - cue snowing boulevard and happy, tearful reunion.

As a solo narrative this is tiresome.  Boring.  Mundane.

What separates this film from the flock is that the home lives of both individuals is also explored; this gives real, tangible weight and cause to every action.  Of course, everything finally ends up being okay (as it must in all 'murican films)

Except the film doesn't end there, and it reaches a conclusion that is, to spin an americanism, entirely out of left field.

Don't read further if you don't want the ending spoiled.

The use of the aeroplane attacks in america as a plot device is, well, crass.  It could have been a car accident, a robbery, an infected toenail.  Anything would have sufficed - but by choosing that specific attack, the film attempts to extend into gritty reality, and instead comes off looking inane and insignificant.

My main criticism of this film is exactly that.  Everything is well executed, the script is solid, the acting fine, breaking from Hollywood cliche is exceptional; but it overextends.  It tries, just a little too hard, to be something it isn't.  Any of the aforementioned death sequences would have created the sense of tragedy without the face palm.

Good effort Hollywood, a few more attempts and I'm sure you'll create something that is entirely watchable for two hours, with no points at which we collectively cringe.

They got almost everything.  They were so close.  And then the circumstances for the ending...

So I just IMDB'd the guys name, he is Robert Pattinson.  As mentioned above, I've not seen Twilight (nor shall I ever) but he was excellent in this.  Although he does look a bit like a ghost, so maybe those are the only characters he can play.

P.S  Pearce Brosnan (the James Bond before the current one) (also I don't know if I've spelled his name correctly) is in it.  Score.


8.5/10  Worth a watch if you want to see life kick someone in the balls.