I've noticed a curious thing, more than once: when I watch a movie with DS in it, I usually start watching because of DS, but then I invariably realize that there are some other good things in the movie in addition to DS. It might be the subject, the ideas, the plot, the cast... or at least the scenery and/or music. So, really big disappointments are very rare, there's almost always something enjoyable that distracts the attention from the flaws (if there are any). And this is true of The River Wild, too. Maybe the plot is indeed a bit predictable and cliched at times, and maybe the bad guys in fact do behave a bit stupidly; but somehow, I've never given it much thought. IMHO, Kevin Bacon gives a good performance, so that you just watch him without stopping to think or analyze (at least I do). And Meryl Streep... well, she's just great. I'd say in a way she is like the river - just as impressive :) As for DS and his role, I quite agree, it's interesting how Tom "evolves", and indeed at first he seems "weak", a bit too passive maybe; he seems to be in the shadow of Gail. At the beginning I even thought he wasn't really likeable - all buttoned-up and aloof... but then, certainly, I changed my mind about that :) Although I probably wouldn't say Tom is the hero of the movie; but he is important, no doubt about that, and I like the way DS plays this role. Nuanced and convincing... as always :)
I know I sounded snarky about this movie when I wrote the review, because putting it all down made me realise all the issues I have with it! But I still like it! Meryl's so naturally good in everything. I wonder how the whole thing would have coped without the likes of her, Bacon and DS though.
I think the way they were trying so hard to make Gail the hero was why I am being contrary and refusing to give her all the kudos. :)
Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to say I thought you sounded snarky. And I quite agree with all you've said; I just wanted to point out that, for me personally, in this case the positive things somehow outweighed the weaknesses (and I don't think this would happen if it weren't for DS and Meryl Streep... and the dog as well :))
I didn't realise how snarky I'd be! Considering how much I truly enjoyed the movie! And yes, I think I'm putting it down to the power of the actors in it! And the dog. *snort*
As for DS and his role, I quite agree, it's interesting how Tom "evolves", and indeed at first he seems "weak", a bit too passive maybe; he seems to be in the shadow of Gail. At the beginning I even thought he wasn't really likeable - all buttoned-up and aloof... but then, certainly, I changed my mind about that :)
Although I probably wouldn't say Tom is the hero of the movie; but he is important, no doubt about that, and I like the way DS plays this role. Nuanced and convincing... as always :)
Reply
I think the way they were trying so hard to make Gail the hero was why I am being contrary and refusing to give her all the kudos. :)
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment