A bad title. A so-so movie. This movie was in theaters about a week last fall and was released on DVD this week. Russell Crowe is a ruthless London stockbroker who gets word a beloved uncle (Albert Finney) has died without a will. As the nearest known relative, he takes off to Finney's French vineyard where he spent his summers as a child. He intends to sell the vineyard for millions and continue his life in London.
You have to admire the director and star of Gladiator to try something different. Ridley Scott has already directed classics in many genres: horror (Alien), science fiction (Blade Runner), road movie (Thelma and Louise), historical epic (Gladiator), and war (Black Hawk Down). It's safe to say he won't be receiving many more romantic comedy scripts after this clunker. After Russell Crowe threw the telephone heard round the world, he probably wanted to soften his image. But this is the most miscast role I've seen in a long time. Hugh Grant could have done this part successfully in his sleep.
The film is not without merit. The locations are beautiful and the cinematography in a Ridley Scott film is always excellent. But the musical choices are questionable and the supporting charcters are instantly forgettable (except Finney, of course). But the main problem is the story. Crowe's character enjoys being unlikable so it's hard to want him to succeed. You'd almost rather see him get some comeuppance. Will he sell the vineyard and move back to London? Or will he somehow find happiness living in a multimillion dollar estate banging a smoking hot local French chick? C
You have to admire the director and star of Gladiator to try something different. Ridley Scott has already directed classics in many genres: horror (Alien), science fiction (Blade Runner), road movie (Thelma and Louise), historical epic (Gladiator), and war (Black Hawk Down). It's safe to say he won't be receiving many more romantic comedy scripts after this clunker. After Russell Crowe threw the telephone heard round the world, he probably wanted to soften his image. But this is the most miscast role I've seen in a long time. Hugh Grant could have done this part successfully in his sleep.
The film is not without merit. The locations are beautiful and the cinematography in a Ridley Scott film is always excellent. But the musical choices are questionable and the supporting charcters are instantly forgettable (except Finney, of course). But the main problem is the story. Crowe's character enjoys being unlikable so it's hard to want him to succeed. You'd almost rather see him get some comeuppance. Will he sell the vineyard and move back to London? Or will he somehow find happiness living in a multimillion dollar estate banging a smoking hot local French chick? C
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