What a weird little movie. Seriously. It is a thriller, with unintended parody (you should see the neighbors). It is supposed to be a thriller, because well- there is a serial killer we keep hearing about. But then Colin Firth plays a character so socially awkward, you think you might be getting into a drama. Then there is this sexual tension with the other male lead. The movie takes place in Buenos Aires. Oh, don’t get me started on the accents. Why is everyone supposed to speak English fluently? I have an idea- instead of making everyone else speak English, make Colin Firth speak Spanish with his neighbors. OK, maybe Jack isn’t fluent but him speaking Spanish awkwardly would be much less painful than this.
Plot:
The premise is interesting enough. Adrian (Colin Firth) has enough problems. He has financial problems, his mother is at a mental institute and he is an antisocial who hates his nosy neighbors.
But he needs money so he rents a room of his flat. His roommate is an American named Jack (Hart Bochner). He is handsome, charming and a total sweetheart with the neighbors. He also quickly becomes great friends with Jack. They seem so…close, in fact I was expecting them to make out any minute.
I can’t quite explain Adrian’s character. “He has issues” is the best way to put it. Jack seems too nice in public and he is too mysterious the rest of the time. Colin’s acting is top notch, Hart Bochner (Jack) is alright. The rest is well…Casting director should have done a better job.
It is one of those movies: You have the right lead. The idea is great. But the movie is…incomplete.
Verdict:
I’d suggest to see it only if you are a Colin Firth fan. But I am a Firth fan and didn’t enjoy it. Yet it was fun to see him so young. Your call.
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