Review of Labor Day (2013) by Alex H — 19 May 2014

Schmultzy and thoroughly disappointing given Jason Reitman's previous filmography. Labor Day might have it's heart in the right place and a cast that evokes a lot of chemistry, the story on the other hand just isn't up to snuff.

With a predictable plot and weak screenplay, there isn't enough bite within the film to keep the audience on their toes to care about what happens to the characters. The erotic topics brought up within the film make for quite an uncomfortable viewing due to the fact the film is seen through the eyes of Winslet's son and the topics concern his mother and some random dude getting off.

Acting might be on-form (if a touch on the melodramatic side), flashbacks are used interestingly (apart from the stuff about Winslet's pregnancy) but the soppy uninspired narrative and direction leave a lot to be desired.

.. Cool to see Tobey Maguire in a film again though, so it has that going for it... which is nice.