Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Keanu Reeves | ... | Nelson Moss | |
Charlize Theron | ... | Sara Deever | |
Jason Isaacs | ... | Chaz Watley | |
Greg Germann | ... | Vince Holland | |
Liam Aiken | ... | Abner | |
Robert Joy | ... | Raeford Dunne | |
Lauren Graham | ... | Angelica | |
Michael Rosenbaum | ... | Brandon / Brandy | |
Frank Langella | ... | Edgar Price | |
Jason Kravits | ... | Manny | |
Ray Baker | ... | Buddy Leach | |
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Tom Bullock | ... | Al |
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Adele Proom | ... | Osiris |
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L. Peter Callender | ... | Don Watson, DMV Proctor |
June Carryl | ... | Beatrice (as June Lomena) |
The story centers around a man and a woman, whose fates are intertwined and will change forever. Nelson is an avid advertiser living in San Francisco. One day, during a driving test, he meets Sara, a beautiful but seemingly eccentric woman. But, she is falsely accused of cheating and ends up failing the test because of Nelson. After getting kicked out of the exam, Sara waits for him outside and starts to insult him. However, Nelson ignores her and takes off. Then, she traces him down and shows up at his place. She promises to leave him alone only if he gives her a ride. Later that night, she asks him to live with her throughout November on the promise that his life will change for the better. He turns her down saying that he has a girlfriend. On the first day of November, after being fired and dumped on the very same day, Nelson decides to give it a try and then somehow, agrees to spend the whole month with Sara and finds himself in a desperate love affair that he will remember for ... Written by Emre Gunes
This movie was shown over the free channel last Sunday. I read up on the reviews for preparation to be unbiased and fair to it.
I think the problem with this movie is a tired plot and a terribly two dimensional script. Keanu's and Charlize's performance was what helped to lift it out of a 4/10 rating for me. Jason Issac as a cross dressing flatmate was a heartwarming portrayal of how friendship does not always come in neat little packages hemmed in by our expectations. His loyalty and support for Charlize's Sara was the real cruncher in this movie for me. Nelson's initial shock and reaction on seeing Jason's Chaz in a loud dress was hilarious only because it does mirror the general population's.
The other part of the movie that I find strangely revealing and therefore very endearing, was when Nelson decides Christmas should come a month early for Sara. He pops into her house via the window while everyone is having Thanksgiving and proceeds to give her twelve gifts for Christmas. Each gift and especially the last one, was obviously well thought out in relation to his feelings for her and their relationship throughout that November.
I have read snippets of how Keanu is very fiercely protective, private, very loving and giving as a person to those he cares deeply about and that entire scene made me realize this is less acting the part but more a lingering snapshot of a small part of who he really is.
I have so far watched "Speed", "A Walk in the Clouds" and the "Matrix" Trilogy, all of which showcases Keanu as a leading man. I must say that I do catch glimpses of what looks like the real Keanu popping up every now and then. So it's no wonder that Sandra Bullock should say that she was very taken by the way Keanu looked at her just before he kissed her at the end of "Speed".
I think that many people are quick to rubbish Keanu's acting as wooden because they fail to notice that bit of his soul, often very obviously displayed on the screen, just because it usually isn't displayed on his face.
Enjoy the movie for what it is, a simple love story with a bittersweet ending and you won't be disappointed.