When you now hear Robert Pattinsons’ name, I can understand the overwhelming desire to run quickly in the other direction. His name alone causes young girls and women to shriek in delight, in what I can only equivocate with that of Batman to the bat signal. But when watching the 2 and a half minute long trailer for Summit Entertainment’s romantic drama Remember Me (starring Robert Pattinson) I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. That thrill you get when watching movie trailers with no real expectations and realising “Hey, this just might be worth all that money”.
Remember Me tells the story of Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson), a young New York man who has a strained relationship with his father Charles (Pierce Brosnan) after a family tragedy. Through a twist of fate he meets Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin from Lost) she, also, dealing with her own tragedy. In addition, Academy award nominee Lena Olin (Chocolat) takes on the role of Tyler’s mother, Chris Cooper (Academy award winner for Adaptation) as Ally’s father and adorable new comer, 12 year old Ruby Jerins (recently seen alongside Leonardo Dicaprio and Michelle Williams in Shutter Island), as Tyler’s younger sister, Caroline.
Initial audience feedback from a test screening conducted late last year showed that individuals were also pleasantly surprised. One reviewer on twitter was quite frank in their opinion writing; “to be really freaking honest, i thought it was going to be unintentionally lolzy, but it was REALLY good. i don’t think anyone would be disappointed.” Another noted; “This movie is NOT a romantic drama. It is not a chick flick.” And for those concerned about this being one of those films that caters to lovers of vampires who may or may not sparkle; “I had really low expectations for it, but it was incredible. I thought it was just going to be a Rob showcase but it was definitely not. I loved, loved, loved it and really hope it doesn’t get written off as just a Twilight fan girl movie. I can’t express how amazing it was.”
Blogs and websites have also been positive in their praise of the film. Tim, a blogger for Canada’s Much Music, reviewed the film saying; “We had a chance to attend a preview screening of Remember Me yesterday and can safely say that it will please existing Pattinson fans while – dare we say it – also introduce him to a whole new audience.” Australian movie blogger Clint from Moviehole tweeted; “Can’t believe a Robert Pattinson flick – Remember Me – is one of the best films I’ve seen in months. Really good stuff. Very impressed with Robert Pattinson’s performance, but also the chemistry he and Emilie de Ravin had. End takes the wind out of you too.”
From the few short teasers the Summit entertainment has released the chemistry between De Ravin and Pattinson is electric. Everyone in their life has shared that connection with someone and for two strangers to be able to come together after a short time knowing each other is incredible. Directors and the co-stars can push it and laud it as much as they want, but with these two, it’s genuinely believable. The palpable tension between the two is incredible.
And while the concentration will undoubtedly be on Robert Pattinson (as this is his first major non Sparkly, non virginal, non Vampiric role), praise for the other cast members’ performances is also high; Bryan Alexander of NBC’s Popcorn biz wrote; “Pattinson is sharp in this beautifully shot film, and one-time James Bond Brosnan is in top form. Their thick onscreen New York accents might slip a bit in the heat of their constant arguing, given Pattinson’s a Brit and Brosnan an Irishman. But Pattinson makes coming out on the wrong end of cop fights and cramped student living in New York look appealing, while the polished Brosnan looks perfectly at home in his big business surroundings.” An online blogger not affiliated with an official source was enthusiastic about Chris Coopers role in the film; “Yay Chris Cooper! I don’t care if Sparkles doesn’t sparkle. Mr. Cooper ALWAYS sparkles.” And praise also for the adorable Ruby Jerins “… The girl who plays his sister Caroline is a star waiting to happen.”
Many of the initial reactions from the early pre-screening warned that anyone seeing the film should take tissues. The twist at the end of the film will tug at the heart strings of even the most hardened of cynics.
Someone comes into your life and half of you says “Danger, stay in your cave, you are nowhere near ready” and the other half says “Make her yours forever” and I’m working on the forever part.
Remember Me opens March 11th in Australia, March 12th in North and South America and throughout March and April in the UK and Europe. For additional information you can visit http://remember-me-saturday.blogspot.com/
But yay! I’m so excited. Great timing too.
