In a quite unusual turn of events, we saw TWO movies at the theatre this weekend. The contrast between the two was worlds beyond their settings (modern day NYC and the 19th century English countyside.)
I wanted so much to like No Reservations. I wanted it to become one of my new favorites, alongside the likes of You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping. It sounded so appealing—two chefs, one orphaned child. But, alas, it was not to be. There was just so little emotional pull. I still don’t know if it was the screenplay or the acting, but whatever it was, it didn’t move me to care enough about the characters. In fact, the storyline was much like a movie I liked—Raising Helen—which had tons of emotion. Besides the lack of pulling me in, the two main characters’ budding relationship flowered much too early, and too easily.
No Reservations could learn a bit from Becoming Jane. Becoming Jane is a charming film about Jane Austen before classic literature spilled from her pen. There was emotion. There was romance. There was the heat of a look that sends chills to my toes—something two kissing faces and a closed door couldn’t do in No Reservations. I’m sure much of this story was fictionalized, but it was based on Jane’s experiences which, in turn, colored her fiction. It was fun to watch characters which resembled those in her books and wonder how close they were in real life to the characters we cherish even now. And the best part? Watching it with my willing husband—one of only 2 men in the theatre!!
Ooh, I’m so bummed that No Reservations wasn’t as good as you’d hoped! I guess it will be a good one for me to watch when it comes out on DVD. Raising Helen is a good suggestion, though, thanks!
While I don’t plan on seeing No Reservations because I can’t stand to see a good movie ruined (or a good dessert overcooked), I would suggest checking out the original German version (Mostly Martha), which was very good indeed because it was emotional without being maudlin or syrupy. Understated, which I like.
Only one of two? Wow. Where are all the men who know that chick flicks (particularly ones that include romance) actually promote intimacy in a marriage?
Thanks for the reviews! A few friends and I have been talking about going to see Becoming Jane…on a girls’ night out since we don’t think our husbands want to go! 🙂
It’s great to hear from all my friends–especially since I was so erratic in posting/reading/commenting this summer!
Yes, Rachelle, watch Raising Helen. I plan to watch it with my daughter (Sunday night, AMC).
Heather, I’ve read about Mostly Martha and I hope to find it to watch. It sounds like it succeeded where No Reservations failed.
Tina, enjoy Becoming Jane.
And yes, L.L., such a sad state of romance abounds. Hmm. Maybe I should write romance after all!