Robert Pattinson's REMEMBER ME: Canadian Reviews
Like in North America, Robert Pattinson's Remember Me received mixed reviews overseas. The romantic drama had a disappointing opening in the United States, landing in fifth place on this past weekend's domestic box office chart, with only $8 million. (Friday started out okay, but Saturday and Sunday business was very poor.) It fared even worse overseas in nine territories, grossing only $1.6 million at 530 screens in Australia, Brazil, Belgium, New Zealand, Sweden, Russia and a handful of other countries.
Perhaps if Pattinson had been showing up on US talk shows this week — instead of ten days ago — things might have been different for his film at least in North America, but the actor is currently filming Bel Ami in Europe.
On the other hand, when discussing box-office grosses it's worth taking into account that Remember Me isn't a "star vehicle" like most studio films. For one, Remember Me was made after Twilight opened to solid business, but before The Twilight Saga: New Moon became a surprise worldwide superblockbuster. Though pushed as a "major" release by Summit Entertainment, the $16 million production should be seen as an indie film that happens to star an up-and-coming young actor. If you look at it from that perspective, the film and its star acquitted themselves well.
Directed by Allen Coulter from a screenplay by Will Fetters, Remember Me also features Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper, Tate Ellington, and Lena Olin.
Note: We've found a few international reviews online, mostly from Brazil and English-speaking Australia and New Zealand. We're looking for more.
"It's this twist for which Remember Me will mostly be talked about, regardless of whether you think it's a breathtaking addition or a cheap ploy. Before this blindside, however, there's an angst-filled young love affair to enjoy, largely thanks to the strong on-screen chemistry between Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin … Without the pale complexion and red lipstick, it's easier to see why teens swoon over Pattinson. As Tyler, he's brooding, intelligent and sexy …" Francesca Rudkin in the New Zealand Herald.
"You have to give credit to a film which starts powerfully and grabs you by the eyeballs. That's certainly the case here. A dramatic sequence with striking camera angles and lighting makes an instant impression and sets the mood for this gritty romance about two dysfunctional families. Aided by strong acting and an intelligent script, Remember Me is a cut above most romantic films." John Bale at The Blurb (Australia).
"There was no need to turn a romantic drama into a poster-movie for the carpe diem, or "seize the day," motto. There was no need to turn a romantic drama into a vehicle for moral lessons (including even a quote by Gandhi!). That's too much!
"It wasn't this time around that Pattinson became more than the fad of the moment. In one of the few instances when his dramatic abilities are called forth, he's wiped off the screen by Pierce Brosnan, who devours the young Englishman the way he used to do to his enemies during his James Bond days. And let's face it, Brosnan wasn't even the best 007." Marcelo Forlani at Omelette.com (Brazil).
"In spite of the script, Pattinson reveals himself as an actor of subtlety now that he has assumed mortal form. It's plain that there's a mind powering all that angst. I just hope that he soon finds a better picture than this one. I was almost coming round to it but its gratuitously tacked-on ending put paid to that impulse." Sandra Hall in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Photo: Remember Me (Myles Aronowitz / Summit Entertainment)
I saw Remember Me twice so far, and I cried both times! It really moved me. I really liked what Sevi and Belle had to say in their comments, they hit the nail right on the head. In one of his interviews, Robert Pattinson compared Remember Me with Ordinary People. How true! All the actors did a great job on this film, one felt very close to all the characters and their many problems. I WILL see it again!
Finally the fans got it. I should have known that the critics wouldn't have caught on that the whole movie was deliberately and specifically moving toward the ending. This was NOT a twist or exploitive, it was the plot from the beginning. It hooked us in to these two families dealing with tragedy and loss and make up really like and care for them. Then it showed us that life is brief and even the unthinkable can happen. By following the characters and how 9/11 affected them, it showed us that Tyler's life had a purpose and truly touched the people he loved. I am sure that is exactly what happeded with the lives of those lost that fateful day. Great way to make us FEEL the horrible loss, it has been too forgotten by most and this reawakens those feelings again. Thanks to all involved with this fantastic film. Critics, get it right. You need to go see it again.
I agree with Sevi – the character of Tyler played by Robert Pattinson impacted all the other characters in a positive way – his father started to make more time for his daughter, Ally faced her fear and went back to the place on the subway where her mother was murdered, Aiden became more serious about his studies, Ally's father gained more insight into himself and his little sister gained strength to be OK with being different. His character had a beautiful soul and I think that is what came through in this movie. This movie is a real gem and it's a pity that it didn't receive the hype that so many "blockbuster" movies do and therefore the same box office $$$$.
I saw Remember Me and I thought it was excellent. Robert Pattinson's talent has no limit and his looks are to die for.
I know some people think it's tacky that they added on this particular ending to the film, but from my point of view, the direction of the story had to lead somewhere big; otherwise, it could not be summed up properly. The beautiful irony and realism of this film is that in life, just when things seem to be turning around and looking up, something tragic and awakening happens that changes everything. The story spends almost two hours making its audience connect with the main character. In the end, you realize the incredible impact that this character had not only on you, but on the other characters in the film. It seems that everyone who's life he touched are better for it after he is gone. It's a way of honoring him. And the 9/11 stuff was shot so tastefully that although it adds shock value to the plot, it's not a self-indulgent attempt to capitalize in any way on the actual event itself.
The movie was a real treasure. It was cut differently than most movies and seemed to be like you were actually watching little snips of the characters’ lives. It moved quickly, the characters were real and Rob was objectively moving and outstanding. He should get a nomination for it.
As far as low returns at the box office…we are in a bad recession, the movie did not get a lot of hype like Twi and New Moon and Rob was filming in Europe and not able to devote too much time to promo. Rob is more talented than most people realize. He is not just a handsome guy, he is very charismatic and on his way to being a great actor.
Rob and all his costars were amazing. SEE THIS MOVIE if you have a heart or need to give to forgiveness to someone….life is short.
TO HELL WITH THE CRITICS!!! ROBERTS MOVIE REMEMBER ME WAS GREAT. ITS SAD THAT ONE CRITIC COMPARED ROBERT TO HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN.I'M A FAN OF BOTH, IF ANYONE SEEN MY LIFE AS A HOUSE THEY WOULD KNOW BOTH GUYS ARE VERY GOOD ACTORS,I WISH BOTH OF THEM THE BEST IN THERE LIVES.I KNOW HAYDEN HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING IN AWHILE,THERE IS NO REASON TO BASH THE ACTORS,THEY HAVE THERE OWN STYLE,BOTH ARE VERY GOOD!!JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE,ROBERT YOU KICKED ASS,JUST KEEP THE MOVIES COMING,THANKS
I am glad to see a movie made that is thought provoking and shows people in real life situations. I am glad that such talented actors took the time to make such a moving story. I saw the movie twice and both times there was not a dry eye in the theater. Movies have gotten so cheap and gratuitus that it is refreshing to see a movie that gripps you and makes you look at yourself and the importance of each life lived. Thank you for making this movie. It does have a more important purpose than just making a dollar. God Bless!
I have not seen it and probably won't. I'm sure it's good, but I can't deal with sad endings. I believe it was a proper ending because 9-11 happened and it was absolutely horrible. Real people with futures died. I'm glad a story like this was told because probably true with someone who died the terrible day. Wish I could see it, but I would be way too emotional. Thanks for putting a movie like this out. 9-11 is something that we all should remember…just like the movie says, "remember me."
What a great movie. The acting was so good – the tension between Tyler and his father (Brosnan) was almost palpable and the chemistry between Tyler and Ally was both sweet and sizzling. It's a real story with real dialogue. This movie really touched me – it's been almost a week since I saw it and I am still thinking about it. Will definitely go see it again while it is still in the cinemas and will be adding it to my DVD collection
This movie was very touching with a sad ending but RP did such a good job in this role. Him and
Emilie showed good chemistry. I don't understand why people find the ending so offensive?? It wasn't exploited in my opinion. If it was such an "offense" then nobody should be making any movies about wars, the holocaust, Pearl Harbor,nor end-of-the-world movies either! Plus, ever since 911 happened there were so many t.v. shows depicting the aftermath but nobody complained. I never listen to movie critics anyway. They're never satisfied with anything anyway. Great job Rob on bringing forth a movie of ordinary people coping with tragedies in life.
its the best.. u rock rob!!!
i dont no y critics hated the movie, ur stupid the movie amazingly rocked
i love u rob!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the best movies I have seen in a long, LONG time. I wish they made more meaningful films like this and I commend Rob for having the boldness to take on this script. It was a very beautiful and touching movie and wonderful acting by Robert and the other cast members. If you haven't seen this movie yet GO, you'll love it.
Robert did a very good job with acting on this movie. I like that he was subtle but very powerful. Other reviews have said that Pierce acted better in their joint scenes, but I disagree. I am not a screaming Twihard, but can admire this turn for all it's goodness. The movie stays in your mind and makes you think, which is a very good thing indeed.
I SAW THE FILM TWICE NOW AND I HAVE LOVED IT BOTH TIMES. I THINK ROB PATTINSON HAS ALREADY GROWN AS AN ACTOR. I CAN SEE HIM DOING SOME GREAT WORK IN FRONT OF AND POSSIBLEY BEHIND THE CAMARA. IT IS GOOD TO SEE BRIGHT YOUNG TALENT NOT GO TO WASTE. I THINK ROBERT HAS THE DEBTH TO SHOW THE DESPAIR AND EVEN ALONENESS IN THE PARTS HE HAS PLAYEDE SO FAR. I FOR ONE DO NOT LISTEN TO THE CRITICS SAY OR THINK, THEY ARE NOT REAL PEOPLE. AND I DO NOT THINK THEY ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE AVERAGE PERSON. GOOD JOB ON THE MOVIE REMEMBER ME. WELL WORTH THE WAIT.
I saw an interview where Rob said he had read the script and thought, this has to be done. He was right. Very good story. He and Emilie brought the characters to life. I am a patriotic American, and I think everybody who remembers that day should see it. Way to go Rob.
Remember Me was well acted, Robert Pattinson is awesome and will go far. Wonderful sad, beautiful but hopeful movie.
I am crushed by the fact that Tyler died and he and Ally would never have their future together. I loved the movie and I think Rob is going to be bigger than anyone has any idea that he could be. WHY they had to kill him off, I don't know, but Remember Me is worth every penny you spend to see it. Great cast, strong performances, guaranteed to make you cry. You WILL remember Remember Me. To the critics that are so negative about it, you wouldn't know a good movie if it smacked you in the face! Critics don't know diddly about what the public wants. Way to go, Rob! Looking forward to more of your films. You're the best!!!
OMG! i saw the movie on friday! and i loved it! it was sooo awesome but i cried when robert pattinson died though. but rob did a great job!
Of course I love RP as Edward, and this movie also has him as a brooding young man. But, so what?! That is the character and he played it well. Maybe it isn't the greatest movie ever made, but it sure kept me entertained and told an interesting story of a possibility on that particular day. After all, several "just plain folks" were lost that day and this movie portrays someone like that. I don't believe any harm is done in telling the story, AND the title says it all.
I liked it. I'm hoping for some smiles from Robert in another film. Yeah, it did bring up 9/11. A lot of people have some very bad memories of that day but that's what made this movie. Robert really is good looking without all the vampire makeup! I think he'll grow as an actor.
If you care at all about what happened to this America in 2001 then don't go see this movie.
I saw this movie on Friday. it was very, very good. Robert Pattinson was fantastic in it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars! I can't stop thinking about it. Robert was Great!
I loved the movie you are so cute and a great actor! Every time I watch a movie with you in it I get sad… I don't know why.. maybe because I wish I knew you so I can enjoy your presence