Review of The Romantics (2010) by Thomas W — 03 Feb 2011

While better than I thought it would be, the film is still a squandered attempt at a story that had some promise. Seven friends (nicknamed the Romantcs) gather for the wedding of some of their own at a seaside cottage/retreat.

The upcoming marriage of Anna Paquin (The Piano, HBO's True Blood) and Josh Duhamel (Transformers, Turistas, Life As We Know It) has brought the family and closest friends together to celebrate ..

. it is made awkward by the fact that the groom has a history with the maid-of-honor (Katie Holmes - Batman Begins, Pieces of April, Wonder Boys). Adam Brody (The OC, Jennifer's Body) and Malin Akerman (Watchmen, 27 Dresses) play other friends who have something to say and Dianna Agron (Glee, I Am Number Four, Burlesque), Elijah Wood (LOTR, The War, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Candice Bergen (Miss Congeniality, Gandhi) play family.

The story is supposed to take some unexpected twists and turns; but it all feels expected. Nothing revealed is shocking or surprising although the indecency of some of the characters is rather appalling.

It says quite a bit that the one character who still does lines of coke is the only sensible one in the bunch, humm ... Paquin plays a young harpy-shrew who is isn't happy with anything (she is a huge question mark as she appears to simply want to be a manipulator no matter what -- everything is about "winning" to her) and Holmes is a selfish creature with piss poor timing.

At least Paquin is credible, as Holmes's terrible attempt at acting -- what has happened to her after becoming Mrs. Tom Cruise!? -- doesn't help the film. She cannot hold up to the simple dramas of this little flick.

The ending will probably leave some perplexed; but I don't know how many people will actually make it that far to feel left out.