This movie was characterized as a "comedy" but there was very little funny or even amusing about it. Even the minor comic relief of the Surfer Sid character is undermined by a late late tete-a-tete that reveals he has tragedy in is recent family history as well.
There is very little to establish a real connection with any of the characters. As the rich real estate lawyer, Clooney gets plenty of screen time in close up emoting mode. Sure, he is in a terrible, tragic point in his life. But so what? What makes me connect? All the other characters seem to be props or foils for the lawyer King's reaction shots.
The location is beautiful but ultimately becomes a travelogue background. For example, why go to the Big Island? I guess to show the white rock graffiti on the basalt fields.
Same with Kauai. Besides using the Hanalei beach house for background and the sweeping view of the valley, not much value in moving the story forward.
With no establishment of the marriage conditions pre-accident, King comes across as a totally engaged, totally bereaved husband and father. Where is the tension?
There is very little to establish a real connection with any of the characters. As the rich real estate lawyer, Clooney gets plenty of screen time in close up emoting mode. Sure, he is in a terrible, tragic point in his life. But so what? What makes me connect? All the other characters seem to be props or foils for the lawyer King's reaction shots.
The location is beautiful but ultimately becomes a travelogue background. For example, why go to the Big Island? I guess to show the white rock graffiti on the basalt fields.
Same with Kauai. Besides using the Hanalei beach house for background and the sweeping view of the valley, not much value in moving the story forward.
With no establishment of the marriage conditions pre-accident, King comes across as a totally engaged, totally bereaved husband and father. Where is the tension?