This film is an obnoxious, loud and desperately
unfocused mess!
The incomprehensible, unbelievable and
completely unnecessary plot is just an excuse to
have Thandie Newton dance around Paris in
various sexy outfits. Now... Thandie is one hell
of an excuse, I will grant you that... But the
film sports the worst soundtrack in recent film
history, the most nauseating hand held camera
technique, and editing that is as hyperactive
and choppy as a hummingbird on uppers. This film
is an offense to the senses.
Director Jonathan Demme was apparently going for
a chic European style film with sexy intrigue
and sly wit. He failed. This film does all the
things wrong that The Bourne Identity (2002) did
so right.
The only bright spot in this otherwise hideous
mess is the resplendent Thandie Newton. She has
all the makings of a star and, given some good
scripts, could become a major player in
Hollywood over the next few years. I hope her
taste improves because I would love to see more
of her.
©
Written by TC Candler
Richard
Propes' Comment
This
remake of Donen's classic "Charade" works on a
certain level because it revolves around Thandie
Newton. Since her appearance in "Flirting,"
Newton has remained a strong presence capable of
carrying a wide range of films. Unfortunately,
Demme's direction is largely unfocused and
doesn't nearly manage the material as well as
Newton manages her character. When she's
onscreen, I was captivated by this film. When
everyone else was on (including Wahlberg), I
found myself distracted and bored.
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
