Bounce

Don Roos directs and writes this enjoyable romantic comedy which stars Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow who meet up by fate in this film. They are both great as Buddy Amaral and Abby Janello and have some good chemistry in the film. (Well, they did used to be couple.) Tony Goldwyn is also puts in a small but good performance as Abby's husband Greg Janello. Bounce is an enjoyable film. Don't expect anything to extravagant but you will be satisfied. I give Bounce a 7/10

What makes BOUNCE rise above the average of romantic films is the direction of Don Roos, who also made the eccentric THE OPPOSITE OF SEX. Here he avoids sappiness but every now and then the film gets quite melodramatic. However, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck are surprisingly good and have a nice chemistry, in a good and warm date movie.

7/10

I did like this movie, but I must say I'm tired of the old "I've got a secret" device used in this movie. In this movie Buddy has a secret he knows will cause major problems for their relationship, yet he doesn't tell her. And just as everyone in the world predicts - she finds out just before he can tell her. I guess movie writers feel this formula is tried and true, but I'm hoping to see some original thinking someday and maybe something more true to life.

BOUNCE (2000) ***1/2 Ben Affleck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Morton, Natasha Henstridge, Jennifer Grey, Tony Goldwyn, Johnny Galecki, Caroline Aaron, Alex D. Linz, David Dorfman. Excellent romantic drama tinged with equal parts tragedy and comedy with Affleck (in one of his best roles to date) as a charming alcoholic ad exec who sobers up after a year of harboring a guilt-plagued secret: - giving his plane ticket to family man Goldwyn en route home only to die in a plane crash killing all aboard – and seeking out the widow to make amends. What he doesn't count on is falling in love with her and the circumstances hovering their impending romance.

Paltrow has never been finer and succeeds in making her character not a victim but an individual coping with the harsh reality of raising her boys by herself and coming to terms with loving again. Written and directed by Don Roos (the script is smart, witty and poignant throughout with characters that feel all too real in what easily could've been manipulatively maudlin. Laugh and cry formula works and the on-again-off-again real-life relationship between the couple underscores all the emotions on full tilt.

"Bounce" has the familiar elements of a romance-drama. The premise is quite original and engaging, but as the relationship between Ben and Gwyneth blossoms, we're given the Hollywood treatment. However, Ben and Gwyneth give spirited performances and keep everything afloat. Both of them are extremely charming, have terrific charisma and there are some nice interactions between the two of them. I wasn't touched after I finished viewing this formulaic romance, since I pretty much saw what was coming--but it's a likeable, feel-good movie thanks to the charming performances. It's a good date movie, though I assume the woman will be shedding most of the tears.

My score: 7 (out of 10)