I began watching "A Lot Like Love" on cable TV, and early into the film, I wanted to pull the plug! The premise of the love story beginning in the past and moving forward episodically in increments of years seemed obvious and predictable for the two characters Emily and Oliver.
But there was one reason I was incapable of putting this film out of its misery, and that was the performance of Amanda Peet. She has a sparkling and refreshing screen presence that is irresistible even with lackluster dramatic material.
One example will suffice to illustrate the skills of this classy actress. There are two scenes in the film where Emily and Oliver are parting company, perhaps forever. As Oliver starts to speak, Emily asks him not to spoil the moment with words. The characters are then frozen in the emotional subtext of a silent farewell. In her delivery of the line ("Don't...you'll ruin it!") and in her touching reaction, there were two splendidindeed, perfectfilm moments.
In contrast to the performance of Peet, the film's major liability was Ashton Kutcher in the role of Oliver. There wasn't a believable moment in his performance. But as irritating as Kutcher was, I still felt compelled to follow this mediocre film through to its finale.
I guess I just can't quit you, Amanda Peet!
But there was one reason I was incapable of putting this film out of its misery, and that was the performance of Amanda Peet. She has a sparkling and refreshing screen presence that is irresistible even with lackluster dramatic material.
One example will suffice to illustrate the skills of this classy actress. There are two scenes in the film where Emily and Oliver are parting company, perhaps forever. As Oliver starts to speak, Emily asks him not to spoil the moment with words. The characters are then frozen in the emotional subtext of a silent farewell. In her delivery of the line ("Don't...you'll ruin it!") and in her touching reaction, there were two splendidindeed, perfectfilm moments.
In contrast to the performance of Peet, the film's major liability was Ashton Kutcher in the role of Oliver. There wasn't a believable moment in his performance. But as irritating as Kutcher was, I still felt compelled to follow this mediocre film through to its finale.
I guess I just can't quit you, Amanda Peet!