Lovestruck straight-arrow Ben (Ben Affleck) can’t wait to marry Bridget (Maura Tierney), but first he must journey from New York to Savannah for their wedding. Things heat up when his plane crashes and quirky, vibrant Sarah (Sandra Bullock) thanks him for saving her life with an enthusiastic kiss. Subsequent flights are cancelled due to weather and forces of nature conspire to turn a planes, trains, and automobiles misadventure into a mutual attraction between Ben and Sarah.
Bullock couldn’t quite pull off the outlandish, free-spirited Sarah, although she shone during serious moments displaying the heartfelt vulnerability that led audiences to adore her in While You Were Sleeping. Affleck’s portrayal of the confused groom-to-be was right on; he struggles to maintain loyalty to his conservative fianc although he is attracted to Sarah’s free-spirited zest. In fact, it was difficult to see what Ben saw in lackluster Bridget, whose character needed work.
The actors were continuously thrown off balance by a series of disasters and unexpected plot twists. Many laughs came from off beat supporting characters, like an elderly couple who weren’t what they seemed. The best man, Alan (Steve Zahn), is the perfect wannabe lifetime bachelor with his wisecracking anti-marriage treatise. More funny lines could have come from the main characters, but there was a hilarious scene in which
Wonderbread Ben strips down in front of a gay bar audience.
The film’s look was unexpectedly beautiful for a romantic comedy. In one scene, flower petals and ribbons floated through a windstorm. Another scene showcased a gorgeous sunset atop a secluded train bridge. Hail, lightning, and wind were creatively used to build different moods.
Overall, the film was enjoyable, but not outstanding. It lacked emotional punch and didn’t facilitate deep attachment to characters, especially Bridget. The ending comes out of left field with no foreshadowing. Be prepared.
+ kendeyl johansen
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