Review of Derailed (2002) by Dan J — 28 Jul 2009

Solid performances from the lead actors, including Aniston, who provides her first post-"Friends" role as a femme fatale. Worth renting, if you enjoy the movie genre. (I won't provide any spoilers here.).

I read the book after seeing the movie, and in some ways, the movie was better than the book it was based on.

Many have criticized this movie for its lack of oringinality in plot twists; I would say that the movie closely follows the storyline of the book, without laboring through all 40 chapters. To those who have claimed that the movie leaves many unanswered questions, I would say, you're correct. To close all of the loose ends would require an additional hour of running time without adding anything to the suspense of the story.

Clive Owen has the truly difficult job of being the common man to at least every male in the audience, which he accomplishes. Vince Cassel, as the bad guy, is frightening. Jennifer's character must be alluring, sexy, complicated and mysterious, and she is all of that. The chemistry developed between Jennifer and Clive on-screen is highly charged, palpable, and in some ways, sad.

The thing to remember when watching this movie is not whether you would or would not do what Clive's character does, but whether or not Clive's character is consistent, in spite of the errors he makes. If you can meet the movie on its own terms (not yours), it's a great ride.