Film Review: REMEMBER ME
starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin, Ruby Jerins
directed by Alan Coulter
When the whole wide world is ROBSESSED with you, it's actually not the easiest thing in Hollywood to prove yourself as a good actor. We see it everyday - just because someone is popular, doesn't mean they are all that talented. Plenty of young stars get over-publicized by new age technology, kick-ass publicists and an entirely different media circus than when I was growing up. Since Twilight debuted and became the phenomenon it is, Robert Pattinson has been one of the most googled, stalked, magazine-selling piece of pop culture history, but how much depth does the character of Edward Cullen really have? Sure, he recites the lines well, but at the end of the day, the decision to cast him in that role is mainly physical. Remember Me is Pattinson's first major role outside of the vampire saga and it has become yet another staple of controversy for the young star. In this romantic NYC drama, Pattinson plays a troubled young man who falls for Lost star Emilie de Ravin. The love story unfolds in a matter that is sweet and entertaining despite it being one of those "Boy going after the girl as part of a bet and let's hope she doesn't find out since I really fell for her now" scenarios. The film's main focus are on Pattinson's relationship with her and his estranged father (Brosnan). While I didn't find any of this all that groundbreaking, I must say I was completely swept up in these characters, who are drawn quite well and even more noteworthy - portrayed quite exceptionally. I've never really seen what the big deal is and am the last person to be Robsessed. Mr. Pattinson proves himself as quite versatile, sincere and definitely memorable in this film. I loved all of the performances of the supporting cast as well, especially Pierce Brosnan, who really took me by surprise. Now at this point I'm sure you've heard all the chatter about this controversial ending... don't worry, I don't spoil anything in my reviews. To be honest, I'm on the fence with the way the story decides to conclude and this "shocking" twist that plays out. I can see where many audiences are going to be moved and never forget Remember Me. And I can also see how it's just sort of mellow-dramatic and nonsensical to throw the audience for a loop this way at the last minute as if it's some sort of horror film and you just found out the villain is not who you thought it would be. I guess I just didn't really get what the filmmakers were trying to say with the piece once this all took place. It seemed more like it was thrown in for shock-value and just seemed out of place, like shoes that don't go with the rest of the outfit. However, I do not understand why Remember Me is being hailed as one of the worst films so far this year. Despite the mixed opinion on this shocking finale, there isn't really much else at flaw here and I think critics are being way too hard on it. I think the average movie-goer is going to be moved by the ending decision and for me, I'll remember these performances.
My Grade: B
