I did enjoy this movie I guess. I am a fan of Keanu's and read some of the good reports about this film, so tracked it down.
My major niggle is the story line. Maybe if I had seen it when it first came out, it wouldn't feel so hackneyed and cliché ridden now. There were no real surprises for me. All the characters acted exactly as I expected them to. Some of the characters (like Chris' girlfriend) confused the hell out of me. I didn't 'get' her at all, nor the way the actress portrayed her.
Having said that, the film has its moments. And the scene so many have mentioned where Chris breaks down in the father's arms IS heartbreaking and terribly sad. You find yourself thinking 'thats what the poor kid needed - a good cuddle'. Which I guess means I did invest emotionally in this film? This part was acted very well and perfectly timed (as it comes after a minor scare).
The corny use of the song throughout the last part of the film grated a little, I must confess - but then I am not a fan of music being used this way in movies. I love a good soundtrack and live performances etc but not this kind of schmaltz.
I came away from the movie satisfied in the end, if only because Keanu's breakdown scene confirmed my belief that he is an amazingly talented actor.
My major niggle is the story line. Maybe if I had seen it when it first came out, it wouldn't feel so hackneyed and cliché ridden now. There were no real surprises for me. All the characters acted exactly as I expected them to. Some of the characters (like Chris' girlfriend) confused the hell out of me. I didn't 'get' her at all, nor the way the actress portrayed her.
Having said that, the film has its moments. And the scene so many have mentioned where Chris breaks down in the father's arms IS heartbreaking and terribly sad. You find yourself thinking 'thats what the poor kid needed - a good cuddle'. Which I guess means I did invest emotionally in this film? This part was acted very well and perfectly timed (as it comes after a minor scare).
The corny use of the song throughout the last part of the film grated a little, I must confess - but then I am not a fan of music being used this way in movies. I love a good soundtrack and live performances etc but not this kind of schmaltz.
I came away from the movie satisfied in the end, if only because Keanu's breakdown scene confirmed my belief that he is an amazingly talented actor.