The Lake House
If it’s possible, I’ll give it 11 stars out of 10. And not without reasons since I’ve been anticipating this show for like 2-3 months — not only did it not fail me, it surpassed my expectation.
Thanks to this remake, the cinemas could finally use a break from some teenage romance flicks with whiny bitches losing their luck (no I didn’t watch that one) and other fill-in-the-blanks.
The Lake House’s genre is romance so forget about trying to find a reason for their time rift because you won’t. So don’t go into the theatre thinking that the movie will focus on how it happened only to be disappointed, and then start lamenting about your wasted 2hours of your life.
And don’t exit the theatre criticising the show for being impossible. C’mon, tell me you didn’t really think there are mutants and the likes (eg: X-Men, Spiderman, Superman etc.) for real, did you?
All that said, instead enter the theatre with a light heart for some nice loving, and it wouldn’t be too long before you realise this is a gem you’re glad you didn’t miss. It’s a romance story with a touch of magic.
I can’t say it better than what a member at IMDB did:
Suspension of disbelief is a wonderful phenomenon. It’s used in many genres effectively and why not in romantic film? Although the Lakehouse mailbox took on some magical qualities, the plot still worked for me on a deeper level. It’s about connecting with your true soulmate when you feel isolated. Who hasn’t felt alone at a crowded party? Or who hasn’t feared if they wait too long that they may never find that special someone? It’s a part of the human condition this film examines. I mean, look at the architecture of the Lake House itself. It’s isolated yet beautiful in a Frank Lloyd Wright kind of way.
This is a character-driven story. It was fueled by the solid performances of Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. They are so natural and comfortable together on screen. It’s more than just physical attraction between two people and that’s why the love story works. It’s real chemistry between them. I believed these two could be walking along Lakeshore Drive holding hands together.
I was rooting for these two characters to get together. They are likable. They have angst in their lives. They show vulnerability. Real human feelings. They are successful in their careers but there is still that void. In my opinion, they are the right fit for each other. It’s the underlying themes of this movie that give it substance not the fact that some of the plot is a bit far-fetched. Love is illogical in many ways but when you find that certain someone, it’s magical.
David Auburn’s screenplay is first-rate. It creates the right mood. It has emotion in each scene. He makes the story palpable. This kept me interested. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. What more can you ask for in a touching love story? I enjoyed it.
Now go and experience the marvel for yourself and have a great time.