Robert Pattinson - Remember Me review from Manny the Movie Guy

There are a few spoilers, so read with care...

"Remember Me" Movie Review! How Many Kisses Does Robert Pattinson Get?



Confession Time – I was never a fan of Robert Pattinson. I am basing that assessment on the actor’s most famous role to date, the lovelorn vampire Edward in the “Twilight” films. I thought he delivered wooden performances in both movies.

But after watching Pattinson in the new film “Remember Me,” I can now honestly say, I’m intrigued by this actor. He carried the movie from its shaky start to its heart wrenching conclusion.

Unlike his “Twilight” co-star, Taylor Lautner, Pattinson is making brave career choices. While Lautner will soon be busy working on standard thrillers like “Abduction” or sure-fire blockbusters like “Stretch Armstrong,” Pattinson will bury himself in art-house films like “Bel Ami” and “”Water for Elephants.”

Taking a cue from Johnny Depp, Pattinson peppers his resume with iconic roles such as Edward, and memorable characters like the one he played in “Remember Me.” He stars as Tyler, a rebel with a cause who has serious daddy issues.

His father, Charles Hawkins (played perfectly by Pierce Brosnan), is a rich, powerful businessman who spends most of his time in the office and less with his family. After a tragedy separated the Hawkins, Tyler and his sister Caroline (the amazing Ruby Jerins), divide their time between their dad, and their newly-married mother (the underused Lena Olin).



Set in New York City in the summer of 2001, tragedy is at the center of “Remember Me.” In an unusual twist of fate, Tyler meets Ally (“Lost’s” Emilie de Ravin). She’s Tyler’s NYU classmate who’s also trying to cope with a tragic experience. Her father, played by Chris Cooper, is a protective cop from Queens who will do anything to keep his only daughter safe from harm.

In its simplest form, “Remember Me” features clichéd narrative about two lovers from opposite sides of the tracks. He’s from a wealthy family while she’s from a blue-collar background. But what sets this film apart is its unforeseen climax that you will remember for years to come.

Yes, the ending is commendable and director Allen Coulter (“Hollywoodland”) and screenwriter Will Fetters knew that their payoff would be talked about that all the necessary blocks were built around the finale, and gosh darn it, it worked! I just wished the filmmakers reached their conclusion quicker.

To be honest, the film could have benefited from some cuts. If the filmmakers excised unnecessary laborious scenes, especially the slow-building romantic angle in the beginning, “Remember Me” would have been a perfect movie.

One word of advice if you’re planning to see “Remember Me,” please avoid blogs, reviews, and reports revealing the film’s arc. You will enjoy the movie better if you walk into the theater without knowing anything about it.

But warts and all, I am recommending “Remember Me.” First, because of the 11-year-old actress Jerins, who stole acting thunder from Pattinson. There’s a scene in the film where her character experiences a tragedy while attending a pajama birthday party. In the hands of a less qualified actress, the scene would have been kitschy and corny, but Jerins showed deep understanding of her character.

Jerins is the heart of the film, and her scenes with Pattinson are vibrant and alive. As for Pattinson? It’s a pleasure to see the actor sans luminous vampire make-up. Pattinson blends well with all of his co-stars in the film. He’s a stubborn rebel when he’s around his dad, a loving boyfriend with Ally, and a caring older brother with his sister.

I’m also recommending “Remember Me” for its beautiful portrait of New York. The city becomes one of the film’s main characters. It’s a source of inspiration to some, and a hub of volatility to others.

As a whole, “Remember Me” is a heartwarming love story told against an unforgettable backdrop. It’s about loss, love, and redemption. Some people may find “Remember Me” too earnest, I call it profound. Trust me, the title will make so much sense after you’ve seen the film.

RATING:

“Remember Me” gets 3 out of 4 kisses

Source

19 comments:

caninecologne said...

check out the bendy finger porn...

that looks like it hurts!

ShariG said...

Very nice review. Most that I have read have been positive about the film and Rob and many have been glowing about Ruby and also Rob. I just can't wait to get everyone I know out to see the movie this weekend. I plan to go Friday and again on Saturday. Maybe a third time Sunday.

Gwen Cooper 426 said...

It's almost insulting that so many critics are shocked by Rob's performance. Still, a good review is more than we got for Twi & NM!

Have tickets, can't wait! ; )

And just think, we get to do this all over again in June! Woot!

angie-k said...

hey Gwen...get thee to the red room!

Unknown said...

it's my Remember Me birthday on saturday - what a lovely gift i can give myself!! can't wait to see this movie - just love, love LOVE HIM!!!

caninecologne...bendy finger porn...thanks for that image ;-)

RTP_KJS_Lover said...

It is such a great movie! I think this review is good, I know we all knew Rob could act, but for critics now to understand that he can act can only help his future roles. Rob and Ruby are amazing. You really feel the relationship.

Support Remember Me on Saturday, March 13, 2010

solas said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
solas said...

Gwen-i agree --it is very narrow to think of himself as limited to that one role, and to judge his acting of that role without knowing how the character is described in the books.

I also don't like the condescension present in most descriptions of Ruby, even as they acknowledge her wonderful acting. 11 is not such a little girl; many 11 year olds are intelligent, insightful, and quite capable of carrying on conversations with adults. some have called her a moppet, a little girl, etc. Perhaps she should just be referred to as an actress, or at most a young actress.

rpattzgirl survived Rob! said...

Ahhh another great review!!!! Can't wait!!! 2 more days now!

Night all!

wensdazzled by ThePretty said...

great review--i think anyone who didn't like him as Edward Cullen never read the books--he was dead on as Edward. the facial expressions-perfect

KIMMY said...

So is it confirmed that Rob will be casted in "Wather for Elephants"? Can anyone tell me please? The last time I read, I thought Rob was in talks to star in it? And now every article is written like things have been settled?... I'm actually reading "Water for Elephants" and it's such an inspiring and appealing book... I love it and would be so glad if Rob will be casted in the movie, especially with Sean Penn in it... I haven't finished reading the book but one thing I found interesting, is that the protagonist is named Jacob and a roommate he had when he was in university (though that roommate was rarely mentioned) was named Edward...

Here in my country, RM will be first screened on March 19... Can't wait...

Unknown said...

Yeah these are fantastic reviews and I'm delighted they are seeing his talent but he always nailed Edward for me!I think critics who judged him on that didn't read the books...Edward isn't exactly an easy going clown!The difference between him and edward always proved to me how great an actor he was and the twi cast gush over his talent constantly!Its great others are finally waking up to what we already know!

AP said...

@Solas: even Rob acknowledged in the podcast that he started by being a little 'patronizing' towards Ruby, because of her age. Not that her age meant she couldn't be intelligent or insightful, but I don't think they expected her level of self-possession or 'seasoned' response. I think she really is one of those exceptional young actresses that comes along only every so often.

@RPVN: so far Rob's name is still attached to WFE, and as they are casting for suppporting roles now, and have a start date in May, it seems to be a go for him. Christoph Waltz is playing the August/Uncle Al character - not Sean Penn, I believe.

Delle1 said...

Gosh,I hope he doesn't get too busy........he won't have time to promote Eclipse.

AP said...

Well, for his sake I hope he is too busy to do much Eclipse promotion. It's not like the movie needs the boost... ;) Of course, for my sake, I like to see him talking in that considered, convoluted and sometimes reckless manner...lol

WhyIstheRumAlwaysGone said...

Nice review, although he seems to think the film is a bit slow-paced. He doesn't really seem to have the same reaction to the love relationship between Ally and Tyler, which is described as more complicated in other reviews.

Cindygal said...

I've stopped reading critic reviews, from reading your comments I could tell the review was positive...YAY
Yesterday I heard the BEST NEWS...Remember Me is coming out in South Africa on the 12TH OF MARCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT the 19th
**screaming**

MatildalovesRob said...

I'm trying to catch up as quickly as possible, but would someone be a sweetie and point me in the direction of anyone on Robsessed who has already seen RM please?

Are we having a spoiler thread on Friday? Does anyone know?

:)

Unknown said...

Vivi said...

Oh Man, just accidentally read a MAJOR spoiler... life sucks... I tried only see if the reviews are bad or good without reading much, but now I've have to stop even that...

Well, Now I know what I suspected. (I also got spoiled about the end of Harry Potter 6 and enjoyed the book just fine)

 
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