MOVIE REVIEW (2 and 1/2 stars): The moody appeal of Robert Pattinson is given a better showcase in 'Remember Me,' thanks to his chemistry with co-star Emilie de Ravin. While the couple gives off an natural, romantic spark, it is squandered by a wildly melodramatic script with a jarring, uncomfortable twist.
Since stepping out from supporting player in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" to romantic leading man with "The Twilight Saga," British actor Robert Pattinson has uncomfortably grappled with his swoon-inducing status. To be frank, the sheen of mediocrity that permeates the "Twilight" films has not helped in revealing any deep insights into Pattinson as a person or an actor. Still, Summit Entertainment wasted little time in mining his on-screen X-factor by putting him in yet another romantic drama, " Remember Me" (now playing citywide).
While the film literally rips a page out of the Nicholas Sparks playbook, "Remember Me" has offered Pattinson a chance to break away ever so slightly from the world of Edward Cullen. He may still be channeling his inner James Dean as a moody and disheveled beacon of disenfranchised youth. However, thanks to his winning chemistry with vibrant co-star Emilie de Ravin, Pattinson delivers his most accomplished and sincere performance to date.
Pattinson stars in "Remember Me" as Tyler Hawkins, born into privilege but consumed with a burning rage lit by the suicide of his older brother, an event that eventually split his family (Pierce Brosnan and Lena Olin). When a public brawl gives him cause to vent his anger, Tyler inevitably makes the situation worse after he mouths off to NYPD Sgt. Neil Craig (Chris Cooper), who gives him a sound beating. Then, his overzealous roommate Aidan (Tate Ellington) discovers Craig's daughter Ally (de Ravin) is a classmate of theirs at NYU, daring Tyler into dating her as some sort of joke.
As they get to know each other, Tyler cannot resist Ally's passion for embracing life. With her own tragic childhood past of witnessing the murder of her mother, the couple finds the ability to heal each other's emotional wounds. When their summer of romance leads into an uncertain fall, Tyler, Ally and their families discover a surprising life lesson that defines the importance of taking advantage of a second chance.
At times, "Remember Me" plays like the ultimate Judy Blume young adult novel. ("Forever," anyone?) In fact, the problem with Will Fetters screenplay is that it stacks up too many archetypes which fail to come across as real people. It also doesn't help that director Allen Coulter allows certain performances to be devoid of any restraint. The worst offenders are Brosnan (complete with awkward New York accent) and Cooper, whose angry moments seem an inappropriate extension of his role in "American Beauty." Mercifully, the precocious little sister Caroline is saved by a winning turn from young Ruby Jerins, who also brings the best out of Pattinson. However, the sidekick role of Aidan never escapes sitcom mode thanks to a grating performance from Ellington. As for the great Olin? Totally underused in a thankless role as Tyler's mother.
What's right with "Remember Me" remains the central performances of Pattinson and de Ravin. Their youthful appeal elevates the film every time they're on screen together. Both display a certain ease with each other that feels tangible and authentic. While Pattinson has a curable tendency to mumble his lines (and he also chews up the scenery a bit too much in a confrontation with Brosnan), this is his most charming and relaxed effort on screen yet. It was a relief to actually see him lose the vampire pallor and smile, plus crack a joke or two. (The effect proved equally potent on the eager, young audience of the "Rob-sessed" that filled the theater.)
Much of the film is a harmless and moderately effective variation of the star-crossed love theme, carried along by the zeal of its main couple. Still, was it necessary to make it a period piece, set in 2001 New York and 9/11? For whatever reason, this jarring twist of events to create a emotional sucker punch only succeeds in being a heavy-handed means of delivering a rather uninspired "message" ending.
With a "something for everybody" weekend of four major new releases doing battle this weekend, the debut of "Remember Me" will provide a true litmus test for industry observers as to the real bankability of Pattinson's name outside of "Twilight." For some, "Remember Me" will be a less than memorable experience. For others, it is another chance to bathe in the glow eminating from the matinee idol of their generation. Regardless, Pattinson's evolution as an actor has finally succeeded in taking an adult turn that reveals a little bit more on this reluctant movie star.
"Remember Me" is now playing citywide. L.A. moviegoers can click on Fandango for ticket and theater information.
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Take a behind the scenes look on the making of "Remember Me" with the cast and filmmakers of "Remember Me."
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