Photo by: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Those of us who watch “Alias” on a regular basis are used to seeing Jennifer Garner kicking butt and taking names.
And we definitely don’t expect to see her cry.
In her new film, “Catch and Release,” fans get a chance to see Garner play a softer, more vulnerable role that includes tears.
“Catch and Release” which also features Timothy Olyfant (“Deadwood,” “Girl Next Door”), Sam Jaeger (“Lucky Number Slevin”), and Kevin Smith (“Clerks II,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”), follows Gray (Garner) after her fiancCB) dies suddenly in a tragic boating accident.
Attempting to pick up the pieces of her life, the vulnerable Gray learns some surprising secrets about her late fiancCB) as well as about his friends.
The secrets Gray uncovers bring new characters into her life and change the way she looks at some old ones.
Following her fiancCB)’s death, Gray’s friends become her allies who attempt to help her cope.
As in any typical romantic comedy, a spark ignites between Gray and an unlikely partner, which becomes evident in the first 10 minutes.
Like too many movies these days, the film is pretty formulaic and lacks originality and surprise.
It follows the same script as any romantic comedy, eliciting a feeling of “if you’ve seen one you’ve seen ’em all.” Despite this, however, the actors and writers are still able to make it somewhat entertaining.
Garner proves that she is able to pull off a softer, more romantic role than we are used to seeing her in and has an amusing cast to back her up.
Fritz, a playboy who spends most of his time in California; Dennis, the responsible business partner of Gray’s late fiancCB); and Sam, the hilarious tea aficionado, provide most of the amusement in the film.
While the plot development leaves a little to be desired, the character development helps a potentially disappointing movie be mildly amusing. If you are looking for a life-affirming experience, keep searching.
However, if you are looking for no more than an entertaining way to spend two rainy hours and an excuse for some popcorn, “Catch and Release” just might be for you.
