Bounce may be a tale of love, but it’s also a bit morbid.
Buddy Amaral (Ben Affleck) is a womanizing, egotistical, stereotypical cool guy who owns twenty percent of a hip ad agency in LA and seems to have it all. But in the blink of an eye, he may lose it all. Some good, some bad.
The tale picks up as Buddy looks to play angel because of something he feels guilty about. Before he knows it, he’s up to his neck in lies and deception. Although it seems to be for the good, it almost costs him everything once again.
The script is occasionally smart and witty, but it also leaves you bored with endless dialogue. I found myself unsympathetic to Affleck’s character. His annoying presence did nothing for his ultra smooth self. He’s pretty good at being smug, but that same shitty grin is on his face even when he’s trying to be sensitive. More puzzling is the fact that costar Gwyneth Paltrow plays the part of the widow so well. I just can’t believe Paltrow and Affleck dated for real once upon a time. Here they have no chemistry. The kisses look like how you’d kiss someone that appalled you. Perhaps that’s what was happening. Whatever it was, the fire seemed washed out.
As much promise as this story had, it falls under the weight of boring conversation and endless cliches. The winding tale hinges on the widow and a death that haunts everyone. That just seems a bit dark for a movie that tries to be so inspirational and it all just confuses the situation. I have a feeling everyone will have their own take on this film. Do angels only come in the wake of a tragedy? Hollywood would have you think so.
+ charlie craine
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