Writer: Will Fetters (Screenplay)
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Chris Cooper, Lena Olin, Pierce Brosnan, Emilie De Ravin, Tate Ellington, Gregory Jbara, Ruby Jerins
Plot: Tyler (Pattinson) is a troubled young man dealing with a family tragedy, he has a disapproving father Charles (Brosnan) but a loving remarried mother Diane (Olin), Tyler also looks out for his little sister Caroline (Jerins). After trying to do the right thing on a night out by breaking up a fight Tyler ends up being arrested by Sgt. Neil Craig (Cooper). Sgt. Craig has his own personally demons after his wife was murdered in a senseless crime, he spends his life trying to keep his daughter Ally (De Ravin) protected from the world because of that incident.
When Tyler’s best friend Aidan (Ellington) finds out about Sgt. Craig’s daughter also studies at the university with the both, Aidan tries to force Tyler to try and get back at the Sgt. after Tyler uses his smooth lines to get a date with Ally. Tyler and Ally start getting on and this new romantic interest starts to help Tyler heal some of his personal wounds from the tragedy, leading them both to get both feeling happier with their lives. After the truth comes out all seems to be working in their favours and everyone is closer in life then they have been in years until a fresh tragedy changes everyone’s lives forever.
Verdict: Nice romantic film with a shocking twist
Story: When it comes to this story I found it was very simple mixing a romantic angle that was meant for revenge, with two struggling families who can’t put something behind then leaving them very split emotionally. We see how both Tyler and Ally have struggled with very real loss in their families but in their own way have moved on, while others have struggled to do so. Tyler is strong for his whole family and goes to lengths to make sure his father treats his daughter the same even though a son is gone. The story doesn’t push you in any direction and really is very easy to follow until the shocking twist at the end. (8/10)
Actor Reviews
Robert Pattinson: Tyler the rebellious young man who is struggling with the loss of his brother, his disapproving father and lack of direction that his life is going in. When he meets Ally his life changes he becomes happy again and stands up for his little sister who is being ignored by their father. This is a great performance from Pattinson who shows he really can act. (9/10)
Emilie De Ravin: Ally after seeing her mother murdered she has lived a very sheltered life because of her father, but Tyler helps her break out even if it starts out for the wrong reasons she learns she can’t be held back by the past. Good performance from Emilie who fits the role very well. (8/10)
Pierce Brosnan: Charles the father of Tyler who is very stuck in his office work and not making enough time for his family due to the loss of his son. Good performance from Pierce showing that he can plan a slightly more unlikable character even if it was only for the wrong reasons. (7/10)
Chris Cooper: Neil the cop father for Ally, who has been dealing with his wife’s death for 10 years now as he was unable to stop it happening. Good performance from Cooper playing the over protective father. (7/10)
Director Review: Allen Coulter – Good direction to create a solid love story, good emotional drama and a film that will make you think about yourself. (8/10)
Drama: Solid drama throughout showing how the two families have been dealing with tragedies in their lives. (8/10)
Romance: Simple romantic story that is only there to be the motivation for the characters to grow in other areas. (7/10)
Chemistry: Good chemistry between Robert and Emilie for the romantic angle. (8/10)
Settings: New York always makes a great setting for a drama as it reflexes how fast life is really moving. (9/10)
Suggestion: I think it would be fair to say many people would be put off by a film with Robert Pattinson in due to the Twilight films, get over it he can act, give this a go and you will be rewarded with a solid film. (Try It)
Best Part: The school scene after Tyler’s sister has been bullied.
Worst Part: The love story isn’t the most original.
Funniest Scene: After the school scene, Charles comments will give you a smirk in a more serious film.
Believability: Because of the ending this could be true for so many people. (7/10)
Chances of Tears: There is a good chance of tears at the end. (5/10)
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $56,032,889
Budget: $16 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
Tagline: Live in the moments.
Overall: Underrated Romantic Drama
Rating