Review of Haven (2004) by Jack H — 22 Sep 2006

With federal agents on his heels, a corrupt Miami businessman (Bill Paxton) tapes a million dollars to his midsection and flees to the exotic Cayman Islands, his unsuspecting daughter Pippa (Agnes Bruckner) reluctantly in tow. But while her father is desperately laundering his dirty money with a British investment banker (Stephen Dillane), who is skilled in washing ill-gotten gains, Pippa runs off to explore the island and its wild party scene with native Caymanian Fritz (Victor Rasuk). This island bad-boy is a real charmer with a dark side that's liable to get Pippa and her father in serious trouble. He's also an ominous thread connecting a sinister drug lord to Shy and Andrea (Orlando Bloom and Zoe Saldana), two innocent lovers whose forbidden passion ignites a violent chain reaction across the West Indies paradise and turns the tropical haven into a refuge that's anything but safe. I was quite nervous walking into "Haven," simply because the film has been dressed with dreadful reviews. However, "Haven" surprised me. Don't get me wrong, this film isn't the best film of the year, nor is it the worst. One major problem with "Haven" is the editing, which is the worst I have seen all year. The film feels like this huge, sloppy mess that has been put together, and miraculously makes sense. Normally, this would ruin a film completely. Yet, this film has a strong cast, and a great story to tell. Orlando Bloom is luminous in this film, and shows us that he's not only a good actor, but that he is a great one. Bill Paxton (an I actor I very much dislike) gives his best performance to date, which is a bold feat for him. He is not the best actor in the world, but he proves here that he has hope. The rest of the cast does bring realism to this gritty film. I very much enjoyed the music in this film, which was used wisely. One thing that I admire most is the title, which is well thought out. This is not a confusing film, like critics have claimed it to be. It is only if you do not stick with it. It's a very entertaining film that I had no problem paying attention to. With a similar feeling I had when watching "Crash," "Haven" proves that critics are never always right.

Yay, or Nay: yay, see this film!

Oscar Bait? Bloom, and Paxton should at least be considered for nods. They show us a side of them I have never seen before.

FINAL RATING: 8.5/10.