Mediocre story & character development; good effects

Rating: 6/10 (3 November 2002)

I rarely see movies in the theater, but went to see this one because it looked like it had a lot of potential. I was very disappointed, but I thought it might have been because my expectations were so high. I just watched it again on DVD and it didn't get any better the second time.
Note: spoiler upcoming.
The story didn't quite make the delicate balance between reality and fantasy. It was either not real enough or not comic-booky enough. It was a bad mix of both.
But the worst part for me was when he told her that being a friend was all he could give her, and then he walked away, leaving her crying. I mean, what kind of a schmuck would do that, even if he couldn't have a relationship with her? How about something more like: "I'm so sorry. I have always loved you, and I will always love you. But I can't be in a relationship with you or anyone right now, and maybe not ever. It hurts me deeply to say that, and I'm sorry I can't explain why. But you must know that I will always be your friend, and I will always take care of you. You mean the world to me." It would be corny enough to match the rest of the movie, but at least it would be an honorable way to break her heart.