That Loser

Decent, if somewhat long and relatively unengaging film with okay acting and a few clunky scenes here and there. Nothing really worth going out of your way to see, in other words. It’s decently shot and directed, and has its moments, especially at the beginning, but a lot of the plot is contrived and ultimately, kind of stupid. It’s rich pretty people with problems, the movie. Who cares?

The Hawaiian scenery and music was a nice touch, though. Everything is very pretty, including the daughter character who sure does like to wear skimpy bathing suits in this. The camera loves her though, with those big brown eyes and long wavy hair of hers that you’d swear almost glimmers whenever it moves. If only she were a better actress, ah. A shame.

And Clooney is okay, nothing special. The confused, helpless father element requires him to do a bit more emotionally than he’s probably used to, but it’s just a slight variation on his usual mediocre acting style. He’s not as suave or confident here, and he arches his eyebrows in confusion a few more times than we’re used to seeing, and cries at one point I think, and yells, but that’s about it. He’s a solid actor, but one known more for his looks and charm than his great acting ability.

The little girl who plays his youngest daughter, though, is strangely the best actress in the film, stealing the show from just about everyone whenever she’s on screen. She’s great and naturalistic, and the only character I actually believed throughout the film. Granted she doesn’t have a whole lot to do, but still manages to astound with what little she’s given. And she’s just a little girl! Maybe ten years old? Amazing. Here’s to a long and successful career for her, if she plays her cards right.

Overall, ehh. The film is about 20 to 30 minutes too long, and not particularly interesting. It’s very melodramatic at times, which is death for a film that’s essentially a character study of a family going through grief. The film has its moments: cool scenery, interesting locations, and a decent sense of humor. And I loved how Clooney’s character actually gets angry and refuses to take the blame when it’s revealed **SPOILERS** his wife was having an affair, **END SPOILERS** despite other characters trying to make him think otherwise. Hollywood always tries to blame the man whenever a woman does something against him, which is something his character even addresses in this film, but I’m glad that didn’t happen this time. Good job, movie!

But it’s nothing great. An okay movie, nothing special.