When a film features a cast with names like John Travolta, Laura Dern, Salma Hayek, & James Gandolfini you would expect it to be excellent wouldn't you? Unfortunately, this is not the case with Todd Robinson's, 'Lonely Hearts'. While it is decent, it's a shame to see so much potential wasted.
'Lonely Hearts' depicts the story of Martha Beck, played by Salma Hayek, and Raymond Fernandez, played by Jared Leto. The duo are more commonly known as the Lonely Hearts Killers. They travel across the country scheming widows and spinsters out of their money. Once the two have their grasp on the unsuspecting women's fortune, they murder them and proceed onto the next target. As the duo start to become a bit sloppy on their route, detectives Robinson and Hildebrandt, played by Travolta and Gandolfini, begin to get closer to capturing them. As time passes it appears their killing spree just may be over.
The cast named here is really good, at least on paper. I don't know what happened, but something went wrong here. There is absolutely no chemistry between Travolta and Dern. It's almost like they hate each other. Nicole Kidman would have been much more fitting choice to play the role of Rene. Her candidness could have added just the right element needed to make the on screen relationship work. The best acting exhibited here though is by the beautiful Salma Hayek. She is flawless as she exudes complete acrimoniousness and madness in her role as Martha Beck. It'll be no surprise to me if this time next year we hear her name among the buzz for an Oscar nod for best supporting actress.
In addition to the mismatch of Travolta and Dern, director and writer Robinson further screws up what could have been with a partly repulsive script. Most of Ganfolfini's narratives are stagnant and repetitive. Of course, not much can be expected from Robinson taking into consideration his poor track record. Neither of his first two films, both documentaries, were successful.
Never fear, all is not lost. Where Robinson fails in his screenplay, he makes up for it with his lovely directing. I would even go as far to say it's right on par with Alfonso Cuaron's amazing achievement, 'Children of Men'. So even despite it having a few weak points, I still recommend seeing 'Lonely Hearts' upon it's release to theaters this March.
'Lonely Hearts' depicts the story of Martha Beck, played by Salma Hayek, and Raymond Fernandez, played by Jared Leto. The duo are more commonly known as the Lonely Hearts Killers. They travel across the country scheming widows and spinsters out of their money. Once the two have their grasp on the unsuspecting women's fortune, they murder them and proceed onto the next target. As the duo start to become a bit sloppy on their route, detectives Robinson and Hildebrandt, played by Travolta and Gandolfini, begin to get closer to capturing them. As time passes it appears their killing spree just may be over.
The cast named here is really good, at least on paper. I don't know what happened, but something went wrong here. There is absolutely no chemistry between Travolta and Dern. It's almost like they hate each other. Nicole Kidman would have been much more fitting choice to play the role of Rene. Her candidness could have added just the right element needed to make the on screen relationship work. The best acting exhibited here though is by the beautiful Salma Hayek. She is flawless as she exudes complete acrimoniousness and madness in her role as Martha Beck. It'll be no surprise to me if this time next year we hear her name among the buzz for an Oscar nod for best supporting actress.
In addition to the mismatch of Travolta and Dern, director and writer Robinson further screws up what could have been with a partly repulsive script. Most of Ganfolfini's narratives are stagnant and repetitive. Of course, not much can be expected from Robinson taking into consideration his poor track record. Neither of his first two films, both documentaries, were successful.
Never fear, all is not lost. Where Robinson fails in his screenplay, he makes up for it with his lovely directing. I would even go as far to say it's right on par with Alfonso Cuaron's amazing achievement, 'Children of Men'. So even despite it having a few weak points, I still recommend seeing 'Lonely Hearts' upon it's release to theaters this March.