RESERVATION ROAD (2007)

Directed By: Terry George 
Written By: Terry George & John Burnham Schwartz 
Based On The Novel By: John Burnham Schwartz 
Cinematography By: John Lindley 
Editor: Naomi Geraghty 


Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connolly, Mira Sorvino, Elle Fanning, John Slattery, Bill Camp, Gary Kohn 


The lives of two families change forever after a fatal tragedy takes place on Reservation Road.

This film is disappointing considering the cast that is involved. As it comes off as a dilemma and quickly stays in melodrama. It still does pack a sting not necessarily a punch.

I’m sure most audiences will like this film, but it just wasn’t personally my cup of tea. It’s one of those films that seems to sound better on paper or when you are describing it, but when you are watching it not as good or powerful.

For such an emotional story this movie plays flat, like an all star tv-movie which might have at least offered us a little background before the big accident or might have even been better served as a play.

The other problem it seems is in the effort to make this film more naturalistic and real the film just lays there. It’s never really engaging (as a film such as IN THE BEDROOM was)

This film feels like someone let the air out of everything the story, the characters, the actors. Now I will admit this at the time was the second time that Mark Ruffalo has impressed me as an actor (the first being his small role in SAFE MEN) having said that maybe the film would have been a little more interesting if the two male leads had switched roles. Playing more against type than usual.

I will say to see both Jennifer Connolly and Mira Sorvino are a joy to watch in the film, but surprisingly they are given little to do and feel like their roles are rather thankless.

I can admit this is not my type of film. It reeks of Oscar bait or one of those prestige films where everyone takes a pay cut because of the scope and message of the film. Which seems more tantalizing for the actors involved.

While in theaters this film seemed pretty much ignored by major audiences. There wasn’t too much advertisement for it either. Maybe if the movie was more strongly directed it would have been more penetrating. As it is here there feels too much space instead of happening.

Director Terry George is an excellent screenwriter and does have talent as a director witness the film HOTEL RAWANDA but I guess this is his sophomore slump.

Now I will admit maybe there are some subtle things going on in this film hat I am missing but i felt there was a little too much coincidence in the story but hey it is a small town.

The film does get better as it goes along. Especially when Joaquin Phoenix get the upper hand and it looks like it will become a revenge drama, but then the ending leaves so many questions. It’s like the film got tired and just lays there. Now I think this film would be a satisfying rental. It just annoys me that one feels it could have been better Like when a class mate doesn’t try as hard on their report but does just good enough with no real attempt.

Joaquin Phoenix excels in this role but seems more like this is the end of his rope at the time as this seemed to be his last studio film where he did the rigors of the role and excess, but as always hard to place him as an actor exactly. Knowing he can do well with whatever you give him. This was right before his seeming breakdown that ended up being a documentary art project for I'm not there. Instead he took lead roles that were more offbeat.

 Grade: C+