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The Lake House (2006)
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Movie Review by Tony 
June 16th, 2006
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It should be noted that I am a bachelor writing this review. I long ago gave up hopes of finding a worthwhile woman, I figure I have a better chance of being sent by NASA to the moon. So if this old, jaded, cynical heart of mine can fall for THE LAKE HOUSE, then bygod, you should too. This is an old fashioned Hollywood love story in the vein of BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, or more recently the NOTEBOOK. It is patient and heartfelt.
The film's love birds are Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, who reunite a decade and some change after SPEED. This time there is no car chases, buses, or any of that. This time Bullock is a lonely Chicago doctor, and plays this role very relaxed, inward, and calm. She has recently been doing the goofball comedy, and then a more meatier role in CRASH, this time she comes alive in a romantic comedy. She hit notes that I didn't think she had in her. Reeves, who is ofter criticized for being a one-note, wooden actor is terrific at being a really, nice guy.
Their romance starts via the US postal service, through a mailbox at the lake house. He lived there in the year 2004, and she is currently living there in 2006. They overlap the time difference by writing to each other. If the film sounds confusing, you are not alone in your confusion, as I was quite confused throughout. But that is okay. We are in good hands. They alert each other of a new note by raising the red flag on the post. Slowly, they start to become close to each other. The key word is slowly. They take time to get to know each other before opening up. These are not people ready to give their heart away.
At one point during the film, I had no idea what was really going on. At one point, she leaves him a copy of a Jane Austin book on the train station for him, so he can get a better understanding of her. He spray paints a message for her on the wall. They are in the same setting, but 2 years apart. The film has gotten comparisons to being a stage drama, and I agree with that. It is also penned by David Auburn, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for "Proof." It deals with children growing up in the shadows of famous people in the same vein that PROOF did. The film is also a remake of a Korean film named SIWORAE
But even through my confusion, I loved this movie. It is so warm, so involving, and told with such tenderness. Even though we know what is going to happen, the way it happens is unique, and when it did happen, it really reached me. The reason it reached me is due to the amazing performances by Bullock and Reeves. You are really rooting for them to get together. Not to mention, all the shots and scenes in Chicago are just breath taking. Chicago should really be used more for the cinema as there is so much to show. I know it can be expensive to film here, but it is really worth it. It fits the mood of the film, perfect.
Old fashioned love stories are few and far between in Hollywood, so when one is out, and this good, you have to see it. These are complex characters who do not fall in love easy. They are flawed, and have a lot going on with themselves. They need time to figure out who they are, where they want to be, and if this person is right for them. All the changes they undergo and how they undergo them, really make a lot of sense. This film is sweet, but not so sweet that you will go into sugar shock from being it overly sentimental.
I don't know if THE LAKE HOUSE will get the same following that THE NOTEBOOK has gotten, since the actors in it are older, and the plot might confuse the inpatient. But this film is one of the best modern love stories to come out in quite some time. It is everything you want in a romantic film. It's sweet, but not too sweet. It's cute, but not overly cutesy. It has strong willed and complex love interests. The scenery is breath taking. The performances are top notch.
But remember, I told you, it is confusing. So you will either have to accept the confusions and go with it. Or the confusions will drive you mad. I was able to not be bothered by them, since I was so involved with the characters. So go in, knowing you might be confused. Be ready for it.
If you have a special someone in your life, take them to see THE LAKE HOUSE. It's an experience that you should share with someone you love. Don't forget the Kleenex.
Tony Farinella
Grade: B+
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 | Seth
Jun 16, 2006 11:24 PM
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Jun 17, 2006 12:38 AM