good performances, but flat movie

Rating: 5/10 (29 March 2005)

Can you like a movie where all four lead characters are unlikable? The characters played by Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Clive Owens, and Natalie Portman are all selfish and unpleasant. All four actors are very good in their respective roles. However, there is a sense of detachment from these characters. For example, do you really care if Jude Law ends up with Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman (I should have such problems)? The ending is predictably dark, as you would expect it to be. It is easy to see why this well was critically acclaimed, but did not do well at the box office. Clive Owens and Natalie Portman deserved their Oscar nominations for their roles. However, if you are looking for a good time at the movies, look elsewhere. An interesting but wildly overpraised film. 5/10