Darling Companion
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:47PM Sometimes films are so terrible that they are unbearable to watch. Good thing we have trailers!
From what I viewed from the movie, a couple is having marriage problems. By the introduction of a dog in need in love, they have a chance and will predictably save their marriage. This dog will affect everyone’s lives in a positive, meaningful way that makes people acknowledge their problems and deal with them; the wife finds the dog by the freeway and hence names the dog Freeway: oh so original.
First off what a terrible premise; honestly a dog is going to save a marriage? This dog is going to fix these people’s lives for the better good? Their lives fulfilled with meaning and compassion? Well no, but the introduction of the dog to these people helps them sort out their problems with one another. Perhaps it is more for the sake of the husband because he is at fault – it’s always the husband isn’t it? – and now he can fix his marriage with the help of a dog. Not only is that far-fetched but the introduction of a psychic who can help find the dog? Just ludicrous! Not only is it ludicrous but incredibly weak. This psychic can see the surroundings of the dog and can feel its emotions. I shake my head in its shame, all the while laughing.
The budget of this film is estimated to be at 12 million dollars. They are planning to release the film in limited theatres which I feel will hurt the film. Limited films are usually acclaimed – to a certain extent – and made for a certain audience. Well the people who will most likely enjoy this aren’t usually the limited theatre type goers. I estimate it will possibly make a few more million than the budget, or it will break even, or it will fall a few million dollars below; it all depends on how they market it. I would suggest hardly any marketing and just hope that middle-aged people happen to come across the film when they are looking for a film to watch. There is a good chance a good deal of people will recognize the actors in the film (Academy Award winners Dianne West (1986, 1994), Diane Keaton (1977), and Kevin Kline (1988), along with Academy Award nominees, Richard Jenkins (2008) and Sam Shepherd (1984)). However, Richard Jenkins is the only actor that has been nominated is recent years and the rest are past their prime, whereas Jenkins is living in it. Actors can have comebacks but this film certainly won’t be the one to show the world their A-game.
Estimated scores
- · Metacritic – 35-40, which could be way too generous
- · Rottentomatoes – 18%, which could be too low
- · My own personal score – 25
As this is my first time guessing approximate review scores, including my own, I could be totally wrong. But I feel this movie will be a commercial and critical failure and will no doubt numb your mind to the core with its predictably and ridiculous plot points. Avoid at all costs.
April Release, Limited Release, Richard Jenkins, bad in Blog
Reader Comments (1)
I'd love to read a later post where you report on how close your scores are, based on your review of the trailer!
It's an interesting idea, and it's good to see someone going beyond the usual commentary and dissecting films from the premise on - so many are indeed very weak, even when the cast may be impressive. Not sure why we, as filmgoers, put up with this.