If a movie is going to have a lot of formulaic plot points, then it has to be executed perfectly in order to be enjoyable. "Never Been Kissed" is a good example of a movie which has a very conventional plot, but is thoroughly engaging because of good acting, well-placed comedic moments, and good directing. "Music From Another Room" has none of these, although it's obvious that it's trying for them. The movie starts out as if Jude Law's character will be focal point of the story, but actually it's Gretchen Mol's character that the story revolves around. There are the usual scenes where Mol's character is supposed to grow, but most of them do not work. I'd blame this mostly on the script. I found it awkward and unnatural. It is not always clear what is going on in the characters' minds from the things that they say, although there are plenty of close-ups of the various characters which, I suppose, are meant to make up for this. There is the classic final scene where Mol's character is supposed to realize that she should be with Law's character, but it doesn't resonate in any way. It doesn't ring true because it fails to tie together everything that has been going on in the movie up to that point. Overall, a disappointment, since I thought this movie had the necessary elements to be a good romantic drama/comedy.
Review of Music from Another Room
