Wicker Park

source: Wicker Park

I kept hoping that "Wicker Park" might develop into an interesting film. But every scene seemed so artificial that it was impossible to get engaged in the "passion" of the love triangle. Overall, this was a film "exercise" more than a "drama." The plot twists were not convincing, and it was especially difficult to believe that the main character Matthew would renege on his business trip to China and spend 100% of his energies in stalking his former girlfriend. The cast of "Wicker Park" tried hard to salvage this mediocre idea. But even the scenes from the play-within-a-play (Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night") staged in a strange, quasi Kabuki concept, were lackluster. From start to finish, this was a highly contrived exercise in film style more than a thoughtful character study or romantic drama. It seemed more like a film school project, as opposed to a feature film. And the final grade assigned is a C-.

Based on a FRench movie I've not seen which,in spite of its high IMDb rating has not got a very good reputation among French critics:both "le Dictionnaire des Films " and "la Saison Cinématographique 1996" slag it off . After watching "Weaker Park" I do not feel like ingesting Gilles Mimouni's work.For the screenplay the American director borrowed from him is weaker than Harlequin romance type novel.One line tells the whole story: a young executive is to marry his boss's wife but he is still in love with a former lover and there's a third girl involved. L'Amour Fou,la Folie à Deux sometimes works wonders : "Vertigo" is the best example.But a non linear narration is not enough.Blending present and past (and future? who knows?) when you don't have ,say,Terry Gilliam's genius ,can do nothing but give you a terrible headache. To crown it all,an almost unbearable Matthew Lillard tries to steal the show from Josh Harnett.But is there anything to steal???

This is the most excellent romantic movie I experienced in a long time. The unpredictable plot, witch controls the audience 100% and gives in one step at a time, together with the (in) credible acting produces an extraordinary feeling. This movie paints a perfect illustration of how different people can react when they are apart from true love. Matthew's (Josh Harnett) quote „When you see something from afar, you develop a fantasy. But when you see it up close, 9 times out of 10, you wish you hadn't." is as true as anyone will like to admit. If you liked "Love actually" you will almost certainly like Wicker Park. I gave it 9.5/10.

I have been passing on watching this movie for a couple years now--it just didn't seem to suit my taste. I am regretting this now, as I have discovered perhaps my favorite romance movie ever. The way the movie plays out is just so beautiful; almost exhausting with the misdirection. It's like a puzzle coming clear with each piece, and we all know how beautiful a solved puzzle is. Josh Hartnett is turning into a PREMIER actor...I felt all of his desperation, hope...happiness. There is nothing more painful than falling out of love, except for losing that one without explanation. The not-knowing and wondering...is devastating. Feeling what the characters feel is exactly what this movie does for you--and that is my mark of a good movie. This was a home run for me. HIGHLY recommended...

Okay, I admit it. I went to see Josh Harnett be very sexy in Wicker Park. There weren't really good trailers or indications that Wicker Park would be such a sleeper hit. It didn't really do well in the theaters (where I saw it), but it was a movie I feel you shouldn't miss. The movie was very well paced. There's a lot going on and the slow slow quick quick action really made it wonderful to see how life really happens. There's many near misses in life as well as chance meetings which shape our perceptions. Wicker Park is a beautiful testament to that ideal. So if you like movies that really capture the true essence of life, see Wicker Park. If you like to discuss movies for days with a group of friends, see Wicker Park. If you like movies that really make you think, see Wicker Park. There's nothing flashy about Wicker Park. But it's simple elegance is very refreshing. And yes, you will be pleasantly surprised at the way the story unfolds.

Through halfway of this movie you keep asking yourself, "should I watch something else?" cause it's not really boring, but it's not that impressive either. Something is going on there but what? And then it starts, cunning plot, great story, almost heartbreaking. That blonde girl could have performed a little better at the end, with more feelings and all...but hey, that why it wasn't nominated for any award. No, really, great movie, good story. Watch it, you won't regret. Thank you.

Am I the only one? who have seen the amazing "L'Apartement" with V/ Cassel & M. Bellucchi??? Seems like it is. Look for an original one. This is a very WEAK and bad copy of this film. A standard American attempt to export some of the best European cinema achievements and then re-making them in a very primitive manner a-la American Pie. Though it is almost a DETAILED rip-off! Except a sugar-sweet bulls***t happy ending. Everyone is horrible in that movie, especially Josh Hartnett (quite possibly, that the leading role casting couldn't be worse), but though Diane Kruger was quite nice. Overall - I really could have spent my time better than watching that horrible and amateurish so-called re-make.

Although it can pass for a good movie, this is a just a poor remake of L'appartement, staring Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci, with (of course, because this is Hollywood, not Europe) a happy ending. This just shows the lack of creativity in American movie industry. The producers and the director did not, even, have the courage to keep the original ending. They changed it to make sure people came to see it. In doing so, they just made a chick- flick. When I saw it, all I felt were things in my stomach and they weren't butterflies! If you liked Wicker park, check out the original. Much better! A real romantic thriller. But this can still get by as an OK pass-time, can't say that it's all bad.