A Critical Look at Letters to Juliet
Letters to Juliet: Predictably Pleasant
Family feuds, forbidden love, and tragic deaths – the classic tale first introduced to us in freshman year has brought some to tears and others to laughter. Set in modern-day Verona, the movie Letters to Juliet places a twist on the story of Romeo and Juliet. Hopeless lovers write letters to “Juliet” and leave them tucked in a designated wall in hopes that their pleas for help will be answered. Sophie, an aspiring Manhattan journalist decides to visit Verona with her soon-to-be absentee fiancé, Victor. After happening upon a letter written in 1957 about a lost love, Sophie is determined to reunite the author of the letter with her one true love.
In my opinion, this film is one of those cute, predictable romantic comedies that will amount to nothing more than you forgetting you even saw it come the beginning of summer. If you’ve seen the trailer, that’s pretty much the synopsis of the entire story. Although you might expect a cliffhanger or 180-degree twist in the story halfway through, don’t hold your breath. The story doesn’t always make sense (a hopeful journalist seeking fame and prestige through answering letters), but the flaws are easily overlooked. Without giving too much away, the plotline is incredibly predictable (after all, it is a romantic film) but nonetheless pleasing to see. The message is rather cliché as well; It is never too late for love. Though some might regard it as incredibly cheesy, the message encourages hope and is easy to relate to. Though our relationships might stumble and life might seem meaningless, there is no expiration date on the existence of love. Plot line? B-.
The talented star Amanda Seyfried coupled with 73-year-old Vanessa Redgrave made a pair that meshed well on screen. Redgrave signed onto the movie a little while after losing her daughter Natasha Richardson in a tragic ski accident. It’s difficult to be certain whether the event made an impact on the onscreen relationship with Seyfried, but from the looks of it, the bond the pair shared was almost familial. Meant to be lighthearted and carefree, their journeys through the gorgeous fields of Verona are definitely one of the plus sides to the movie. Genuine and heartfelt, the actresses displayed their talents beautifully. Acting? A.
As a whole, the film exceeded my expectations, as the trailer didn’t reel me in as viciously as I would have liked it to. The beautiful setting mixed with a fairy tale love story with a dash of excellent cinematography and acting makes for a well-made movie. Definitely labeled a chick flick, girls across the globe are sure to appreciate the romantic aspects of the film. Boys, I suggest you stay away unless you have an inclination towards sentimental melodramatic movies or your significant other threatens to leave you if you don’t accompany her. Overall? B+
Though the characters are stereotypical, the plot line is mediocre, and the ending relatively predictable, the charm that comes with the film in addition to the adorable soundtrack make the flaws forgivable. Definitely give Letters to Juliet a quick glance before signing off on it.
Letters to Juliet: Predictably Pleasant
Family feuds, forbidden love, and tragic deaths – the classic tale first introduced to us in freshman year has brought some to tears and others to laughter. Set in modern-day Verona, the movie Letters to Juliet places a twist on the story of Romeo and Juliet. Hopeless lovers write letters to “Juliet” and leave them tucked in a designated wall in hopes that their pleas for help will be answered. Sophie, an aspiring Manhattan journalist decides to visit Verona with her soon-to-be absentee fiancé, Victor. After happening upon a letter written in 1957 about a lost love, Sophie is determined to reunite the author of the letter with her one true love.
In my opinion, this film is one of those cute, predictable romantic comedies that will amount to nothing more than you forgetting you even saw it come the beginning of summer. If you’ve seen the trailer, that’s pretty much the synopsis of the entire story. Although you might expect a cliffhanger or 180-degree twist in the story halfway through, don’t hold your breath. The story doesn’t always make sense (a hopeful journalist seeking fame and prestige through answering letters), but the flaws are easily overlooked. Without giving too much away, the plotline is incredibly predictable (after all, it is a romantic film) but nonetheless pleasing to see. The message is rather cliché as well; It is never too late for love. Though some might regard it as incredibly cheesy, the message encourages hope and is easy to relate to. Though our relationships might stumble and life might seem meaningless, there is no expiration date on the existence of love. Plot line? B-.
The talented star Amanda Seyfried coupled with 73-year-old Vanessa Redgrave made a pair that meshed well on screen. Redgrave signed onto the movie a little while after losing her daughter Natasha Richardson in a tragic ski accident. It’s difficult to be certain whether the event made an impact on the onscreen relationship with Seyfried, but from the looks of it, the bond the pair shared was almost familial. Meant to be lighthearted and carefree, their journeys through the gorgeous fields of Verona are definitely one of the plus sides to the movie. Genuine and heartfelt, the actresses displayed their talents beautifully. Acting? A.
As a whole, the film exceeded my expectations, as the trailer didn’t reel me in as viciously as I would have liked it to. The beautiful setting mixed with a fairy tale love story with a dash of excellent cinematography and acting makes for a well-made movie. Definitely labeled a chick flick, girls across the globe are sure to appreciate the romantic aspects of the film. Boys, I suggest you stay away unless you have an inclination towards sentimental melodramatic movies or your significant other threatens to leave you if you don’t accompany her. Overall? B+
Though the characters are stereotypical, the plot line is mediocre, and the ending relatively predictable, the charm that comes with the film in addition to the adorable soundtrack make the flaws forgivable. Definitely give Letters to Juliet a quick glance before signing off on it.