Lazy Writing Betrays a Good Ensemble Cast

chron

This plot for this movie is very similar to "The Big Chill", but this film doesn't come close.  The writing is very weak.  The plot is very formulaic and thus the ending is very predictable.  All of the characters are based on archetypes that aren't enhanced to being anything additional to their roles. These two elements, what I call "lazy writing", make for a very uninteresting movie.

The acting is well done, but not outstanding.  I am fond of Diane Lane and hers is probably the best acted.  Her character has the most complex emotions to express and she does a good job.

Direction is good, but nothing outstanding.  The scenery is wonderful.

Time is much better spent watching "The Big Chill" for the second, third or twentieth time rather than watching this one.

score 5/10

chron 29 October 2003

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0323458/