Film Critic to the Culver City Observer and over 132 Publications Worldwide including: The Observer, Inc., John Schimmenti, Inc., CCN, Inc.,
Santa Monica Observer, Inc., Beacon-Times, Inc., Columbus-Register, Inc., and a Host of Others
Laws of Attraction
by
debbie lynn elias
Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore are charismatic as Daniel and Audrey. They bring a refreshing nuanced maturity to their roles, much like Keaton and Nicholson did with last year's smash hit "Something's Gotta Give." Romantic comedy with maturity? Yep, haven't seen too many of those the past few years. Seems Hollywood things romance and comedy doesn't happen past 30-something. (Trust me - it does - and the older you get, the more comedic relief you need where romance is concerned.) Moore, who proved her comedic chops with the less than warmly received "Evolution" (although I loved it), hits all the right notes on the lighter aspects of the story with her own patented brand of spitfire, but seems a little ill at ease blending in the romance. Her performance is nevertheless entertaining and enjoyable with any real shortcomings overshadowed by her chemistry with Brosnan. The two are mesmerizingly delicious going head-to-head in the courtroom. And what can I say about Pierce Brosnan? That rakish charm. The devilish glint in his eye. That man could seduce the devil (if a woman) into heaven with just a look. Think James Bond as an attorney. Intelligent, sophisticated, charming but with a very visible heart.
Having bounced around for sometime, the project ultimately ended up under the helm of director of Peter Howitt. Sadly, Howitt never quite gets a handle on his characters and particularly Moore, leaving them "hanging" in certain instances with a feeling and look of "how did I get here and why" - something fatal to most films but which I believe Brosnan and Moore work around thanks only to their own skill. Pacing is also uneven and (pardon the legalese here folks) although Howitt gives a great opening statement and provides the predictable but satisfying final verdict, his evidentiary introduction in between needs a lot of work and he intermittently loses the jury.
It also seems we've also got a few too many pens dipping in the inkwell with Aline Brosh McKenna, Karey Kirkpatrick and Robert Harling as the credited screenwriters, which may also account for some of the arcs that don't quite fit, rambling, and dialogue that doesn't suit a particular character or loses its wit as the film progresses. Although rumored that Howitt and screenwriter Douglas McFerran cleaned up the script prior to or during filming, we are still left with the sense of trying to make pieces from different puzzles fit into one. And again, although noticeable, the sheer chemistry of Brosnan and Moore overcomes the shortcomings.
A smart, sexy, witty film designed for the more mature movie-goer. Reminiscent of Hepburn and Tracy, the verdict is in on Moore and Brosnan. 12-0. We've got a winner.
Audrey Woods: Julianne Moore Daniel Rafferty: Pierce Brosnan Serena Jamison: Parker Posey Judge Abramovitz: Nora Dunn Sara Miller: Frances Fisher
Directed by Peter Howitt. Written by Karey Kirkpatrick, Robert Harling and Aline Brosh McKenna. A New Line Cinema picture. Rated PG-13.