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Elizabethtown (2005)
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Movie Review by Justin 
February 10th, 2006
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The world as seen by Cameron Crowe does not exist. That is not to say that his films lack realism altogether; there are wonderful, inspired, joyous flickers of reality here and there. For instance, "Jerry Maguire" contains one of the warmest, most indelibly human, deftly felt moments in all of movies. You'll recall it: after securing his deal with the hot young football star Frank, Jerry takes to the road in his sedan and, in a fit of insuppressible joy, frantically searches the airwaves for just the right song to meet with his air of elation. After two or three failed efforts at finding the right groove, Jerry lands on "Freefalling" by Tom Petty, and finally he is able to belt out his excitement. This moment is a tribute to all that is hokey and ridiculous in us. It also happens to be an insight of startling truth.
Now, about "Elizabethtown." There are such moments wrapped up in this light, breezy, snack-cake of a romantic-comedy too. The movie isn't as witty as Crowe's other flicks, but neither is it as emotionally heavy-handed. His comedy is as offbeat as ever, and there's a peculiarity to the characters that doesn't add up. But it certainly doesn't overstay its welcome (as some have said of the original cut), and there's a pleasing sensation in its rythym. Crowe knows well how to incorporate rock music in a way that is suggestive without calling too much attention to itself. He does so here in a beautiful way.
You'll find a sweet, delicate quality in the budding love interest. Despite pathetic attempts at their respective speaking accents, Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst share a common warmth that results in surprising chemistry. This is a cute, appealing picture. It doesn't plumb for depth (though there is a little there), and its a little too complex in the margins, but it does well to lift the spirits and bring a smile.
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