The only reason I didn't give this movie a ten was because of the GLARING holes and inconsistencies in the whole time-differential thing (which I can't give away because it would be a spoiler). But I thought the intricacy of the writing, the dialog (most of it, anyway) and the character development was very enjoyable. But what absolutely, positively, undeniably works for me is the chemistry between Reeves and Bullock. As long-distance 'lovers' (and that's taking the term very, very loosely), they write letters to one another that are so heart-felt, so sweet, and yet weren't sappy. Aware of the time separation, there is a sense of reserved hesitation on her part, and a sense of hopeful abandon on his, which balances nicely with the story line and the eventual character development. I CARED for these characters!!! I wanted both of them so badly to find happiness, to feel 'connected' to someone else. That was a undertone that resonated throughout the movie, perhaps overly strongly for me - but certainly is a poignant aspect in this world of instant messaging where we exchange information but not talk, and not necessarily connect. These two people both had professions that necessitated being connected to something (he, an architect, to his projects; and she, a doctor, to her patients), but both of them seemed to be missing some elements of attachment. But when they find one another, suddenly they are connected, perhaps for the first time in their adult lives - and yet they cannot reach one another. Sob, sob!! And Keeanu actually acts!!! His scenes with Christopher Plummer, who plays his father, were excellent, and I thought very subtly done. Visually, the movie was fun, too. they had some wonderful scenes that were 'time-relative,' visually encompassing both time zones. There could be a lot in this film about which to complain - the time issue has some holes in it - but if a person can set aside their need for logic and let their heart take a meander down romance road for a little while, this film is a definite feel good romance!
Review of The Lake House
