Once upon a time, I’d have said that multiple Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster could do anything and sell it to the camera. But after seeing this…
…I think I’ve gotta revise that statement. There is one thing she can’t do: hapless. I’m all for actors realizing that their body of work isn’t appropriate for their own kids, and so they make a family film as a result. I’m convinced that’s why most of the UK’s finest are lining up to be in Harry Potter flicks. But this warmed-over take on Romancing the Stone—timid genre novelist must shed her cloistered life and plunge into the very world she writes about—just feels so forced, so lacking in spirit, that I can’t imagine any kid opting for this over, say, braces. And Jodie looks so out of her element it’s a little painful to watch. Every character she’s ever played has had a sense of command; and despite her mistakes, she’s always been the captain of her own fate. But here, she just looks lost at sea…sometimes literally. (And poor Gerard Butler is well on his way to squandering all that goodwill he earned in 300. This and P.S: I Love You are no way to cultivate the crowd that made you a star.)
Granted, I could be wrong—I thought Alvin and the Chipmunks looked like a steaming pile of bad and it made, like, a gazillion dollars and counting—but Nim’s could well be the answer to "What if they threw a family film and nobody came?"
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I liked the clip. So did my kids. I’ll take them when it comes out. It has Jodi Foster in it so it should be good. She usually does good movies. She is trying something new, good for her.
Call me crazy, or a sucker for cheesy family adventure films…or both. But this doesn’t look that bad to me. Of course, I wouldn’t pay money to see it in a theater, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea for Jodi Foster to step outside her tried and true “tough girl gets even” persona. Besides, this film looks a heck of a lot better than ‘Maverick’ ever did to me.
It actually looks like it could be kinda cute.
I’m with pp…I actually think this looks sort of fun. I have a 9 year old daughter and would probably take her to this and enjoy it myself…okay, it’s not “Silence of the Lambs”, but variety is a good thing!
I thought this looked fun as well. I laughed at several lines and I thought it just looked enjoyable. I’ll go see it, and I’m not a kid.
What are you talking about this trailer was hilarious? And Jodie shows in it that she is a natural at comedy. It’s just a goofy kids movie and the idea of her playing a agoraphobic, germaphobic writer is funny and of itself. It’s supposed to be a little forced because it’s in a kid’s imagination. You’re forgetting that Jodie did tons of family comedies for Disney as a kid and was fabulous in them and she was brilliant in Maverick. I think you have JOdie as the thriller actress engraved in your mind so much that you don’t want to accept her anything else and that’s really unfair because so many people thought she was funny and great in the trailer.
I thought this movie looked enjoyable as well. I’d love to take my nieces to see it.
did abigail breslin just get top billed over jodie foster???? i’m not interested in this movie but jodie foster looks comfortable, i dont know what youre talkin bout.
Looks like great fun and a great family film. I read the book to my kids – Jodi Foster fits the role. As far as Gerard Butler is concerned kudos to the guy – he sure has more talent that the usual action star in Hollywood. It looks to me that he’s heading for major stardom.
Nah, I’m with Marc. It looks really bad, so cliched.
I don’t think it looks that bad. Jodie hasn’t made a lighthearted movie in ages. Remember she was the Disney queen of the 70s. There’s no reason why she can’t pull this off.
With all due respect, Marc – I don’t think you’re the “target audience” here. What’s not appealing to me, IS appealing to my 8yr old son — he LOVES this trailer! I can only thank heavens that I’ll have some eye-candy, in the form of Gerard Butler, to get me through what promises to be multiple viewings.
Rip-off! That’s the trailer music from WALL.E. I can’t watch it now. I’m going to watch the WALL.E trailer again instead.
I saw Candleshoe a gazillion times growing up, which is probably why I’m giving this one the beneift of the doubt.
I couldn’t even make it halfway through that trailer. I can appreciate that she’s doing that more for her kids than her career and; therefore, I am not the target audience. However, I would think that if anyone could pull a kids movie off it would be Jodie.
ok I have to see that – that looks adorable!
Looks like a fun Disney type movie. Her character looks like her ‘Freaky Friday’ character grown up. Give her a break. I am tired of seeing her as a victim in every movie. Enough.
Abigail Breslin gets top billing over Jodie Foster? Really??
Anything that has GIRLS doing adventurous, imaginative things instead of getting makeovers from “ugly because I am wearing glasses” to gorgeous or playing second banana to a boy is worth a second look to me. I thought this looked cute. I can’t wait for Inkheart too. More movies with girls (and women) in the lead roles doing smart, exciting things are much needed!
I don’t have kids, am in my 20s and generally HATE stupid wacky kid movies…but this, I have to say, looks awesome. I would definately round up my friend’s kids for a movie just for an excuse to go see this.
Sure, hapless isn’t her strong suit, but it’s got GERARD BUTLER! In a cool hat! Rocking the Scottish accent! What’s not to love?? The rest of it looks kinda fun, too, in a “leave your discerning qualities at the door, sit back and enjoy the ride”. No, I don’t get out much – why do you ask??
I don’t know…it looks okay to me…
Kids are going to love this movie.
Jodie looks like she had a blast making it, and she rarely gets to show off her comedic chops. I don’t think this one will be that bad. How wierd though, that they billed Breslin before her. Um, hello?!
I can’t wait for this. I love all the actors. Just chill out, the “narrowly focused” fan boys can see Gerry in another action role in Game (coming out next year).
All of the actors here are showing their diverse talents.
@T-Rex: They’ve used the music in that trailer in EVERYTHING. I can’t even remember the movie it’s originally from anymore.
This clip is cute and the movie looks like fun. I love all the actors (especially Gerry Butler), but am tired of all the cynical reviewers. Lighten up! This movie looks great for the genre. PS I Love You got bad reviews from movie critics, but has a high rating from the “common” folk who went to see it. This movie looks to be the same. Can’t wait to see Amy, Jodie and Gerry.
The music at the end of the trailer is from what famous movie???
Gerard Butler should not be written off as an action star; hasn’t anyone seen Dear Frankie (which was made long before 300)? I personally love him most in romantic comedies and dramas, although I have not seen P.S. I Love You (I can’t watch Hillary Swank and her giant mouth). I’m looking forward to this film and all Gerard romantic roles to come.
Sorry, but I think this looks terrific and I ain’t no kid! Course, I think JF can play just about any role convincingly, and she looks just fine in this. As for Mr. Butler….have always thought he was the perfect actor to inherit the Indie Jones crown and here we have it. Of course, critics will slam this (started already based on a trailer, FCS!) especially if it is entertaining and has no political agenda.