Review of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012) by Ani G — 06 Jul 2012

This is a nice film. I really want to like this film. But, lets face it. A nice story with all the right intentions, is just boring. Especially when it just wants and tried to hard to be nice.

There are enough quirky elements to grab your attention. The leads are very good and make a great match. Why Ewan McGregor was never paired up with Emily Blunt before this is a mystery. Amr Waked plays the charming and enigmatic Arab prince. Kristen Scott Thomas is wired to explode, more or less. There are some moments of wit. Especially when it has to do with non-speaking chat bubbles. Or maybe it was the funny sound. I couldn't tell the difference. See the pattern emerging here?

So, there is the quirky title, the intriguing premise, good performances. So where does it go wrong? Well, it just is insipid. Nothing plays up to where it is trying to go. Much like the befuddled Salmon in the Yemen (btw, whats with the "the" Yemen?).

So, its nice, and well made. There is a good story, almost. But then it does becomes instantly forgettable when you takes your eyes off the screen. Oh well.