105 reviews
I tend to like character-driven movies and am quickly put off by movies that follow one of the familiar Hollywood stories. This movie successfully ventures into interesting and largely untested ground.
The story is about a man (Vincent D'Onofrio) who becomes romantically involved with a woman (Marisa Tomei) who has a history of co-dependence and failed relationships. He claims that he is from the future. The plot takes us on the journey of their relationship and her questioning of the truth to his claims vs. whether he is another in a string of loser guys that she seems to cling to.
The plot synopsis sounded a little odd, but it was my hope that these two talented actors could pull it off. Both Tomei and D'Onofrio turn in excellent performances. They present complex, interesting and flawed characters who engage our interest. The writing is very good and enjoyable.
My only complaint is the the story sags a little about 2/3 of the way through. A little tighter editing of about 10 minutes of essentially redundant scenes would have made the movie a more engaging.
I rate it a 8/10 and encourage those who like well-written, character-driven movies to check this one out.
The story is about a man (Vincent D'Onofrio) who becomes romantically involved with a woman (Marisa Tomei) who has a history of co-dependence and failed relationships. He claims that he is from the future. The plot takes us on the journey of their relationship and her questioning of the truth to his claims vs. whether he is another in a string of loser guys that she seems to cling to.
The plot synopsis sounded a little odd, but it was my hope that these two talented actors could pull it off. Both Tomei and D'Onofrio turn in excellent performances. They present complex, interesting and flawed characters who engage our interest. The writing is very good and enjoyable.
My only complaint is the the story sags a little about 2/3 of the way through. A little tighter editing of about 10 minutes of essentially redundant scenes would have made the movie a more engaging.
I rate it a 8/10 and encourage those who like well-written, character-driven movies to check this one out.
Don't rent this film if you are the kind of movie watcher/goer who doesn't like to have their brain engaged. (i.e. you only want car chases, explosions, bouncing boobies and bathroom humor.) You will be very disappointed.
I adored this movie and will purchase it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. Why do I adore it? A few reasons.
First, it is not your run-of-the-mill story. The time travel concept is handled in a very interesting way. The "back story," the photograph, the "father's" phone number -- all keep you wondering as they do Ruby (Tomei's character). Too, I appreciated the way the viewer is never quite sure (until the end -- and I won't give it away) if Sam (D'Onofrio's character) is really telling the "truth" or really is mentally/physically ill. I had a roommate for seven years who was bi-polar and borderline psychotic. It was scary how true this movie was in terms of what happens to the people who are dealing with (at least supposedly) mentally ill individuals. The writing and Tomei's acting portrayed the enabling, co-dependant thing perfectly and how these types of relationship can spiral into dangerous places.
Secondly, I liked the fact that the whole movie (except for a few brief shots at the beach and the ending) was filmed with a hand held camera. It gave it an almost documentary-like feel. I think the intimacy of the hand held kept the viewer's focus on the characters, rather like sitting in the room and looking back and forth between them. It also underscored their emotions, thereby grounding us in their reality. It just sucks you in. Because of this I never got a sense that this movie was trying to be a SciFi flick, and I don't think it was intended to be. The jerkiness of the hand held also was a reminder, subtle or not, of the shakey ground these characters were treading both separately and together.
Third and last. D'Onofrio's performance. Outstanding. Man, he continually blows me away! His Sam had to be completely gentle and innocent on one hand, but very threatening and creepy on the other. Sam was so engaging and sweet at first but towards the middle of the film, while retaining those qualities, I was really beginning to wonder if he was a physical threat to Ruby. A fine edge to walk as an actor. And all the future and time theory babble was handled with apparent ease. I believed him. D'Onofrio has the ability to just melt into a character's skin, to completely transform himself. He gives it all.
(On that note, there have been many in these reviews who say he usually plays evil characters and are surprised by this performance. He has done a few bad guys, but it is his other roles I love best. If you enjoy his work PLEASE check out - if you have not done so already - The Whole Wide World, Household Saints, Steal This Movie, and Good Luck. All good movies made GREAT by his performances. In my opinion he's one of the best out there and very under-rated.)
The only thing I didn't like in the film was the score. It just didn't work for me.I felt it was intrusive and much too jarring. It seems like a misguided afterthought. For me, if I notice the score over the performances or it interrupts my ability to follow the story, it isn't doing it's job well.
I adored this movie and will purchase it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy. Why do I adore it? A few reasons.
First, it is not your run-of-the-mill story. The time travel concept is handled in a very interesting way. The "back story," the photograph, the "father's" phone number -- all keep you wondering as they do Ruby (Tomei's character). Too, I appreciated the way the viewer is never quite sure (until the end -- and I won't give it away) if Sam (D'Onofrio's character) is really telling the "truth" or really is mentally/physically ill. I had a roommate for seven years who was bi-polar and borderline psychotic. It was scary how true this movie was in terms of what happens to the people who are dealing with (at least supposedly) mentally ill individuals. The writing and Tomei's acting portrayed the enabling, co-dependant thing perfectly and how these types of relationship can spiral into dangerous places.
Secondly, I liked the fact that the whole movie (except for a few brief shots at the beach and the ending) was filmed with a hand held camera. It gave it an almost documentary-like feel. I think the intimacy of the hand held kept the viewer's focus on the characters, rather like sitting in the room and looking back and forth between them. It also underscored their emotions, thereby grounding us in their reality. It just sucks you in. Because of this I never got a sense that this movie was trying to be a SciFi flick, and I don't think it was intended to be. The jerkiness of the hand held also was a reminder, subtle or not, of the shakey ground these characters were treading both separately and together.
Third and last. D'Onofrio's performance. Outstanding. Man, he continually blows me away! His Sam had to be completely gentle and innocent on one hand, but very threatening and creepy on the other. Sam was so engaging and sweet at first but towards the middle of the film, while retaining those qualities, I was really beginning to wonder if he was a physical threat to Ruby. A fine edge to walk as an actor. And all the future and time theory babble was handled with apparent ease. I believed him. D'Onofrio has the ability to just melt into a character's skin, to completely transform himself. He gives it all.
(On that note, there have been many in these reviews who say he usually plays evil characters and are surprised by this performance. He has done a few bad guys, but it is his other roles I love best. If you enjoy his work PLEASE check out - if you have not done so already - The Whole Wide World, Household Saints, Steal This Movie, and Good Luck. All good movies made GREAT by his performances. In my opinion he's one of the best out there and very under-rated.)
The only thing I didn't like in the film was the score. It just didn't work for me.I felt it was intrusive and much too jarring. It seems like a misguided afterthought. For me, if I notice the score over the performances or it interrupts my ability to follow the story, it isn't doing it's job well.
Vincent D'Onofrio and Marisa Tomei are fantastic as this couple that are in love. Things are going great until Ruby (tomei) discovers that Sam (D'Onofrio) claims to be from the future. GREAT, just what she needs. It seems that she has tended to go for the "loser" type guys, and then tried fix them all of her adult life. She is in therapy for this. She is struggling to NOT fall for a guy with "issues" yet Sam is the best thing that's ever happened to her. I don't know if this can really be classified as strictly comedy. Yes, there are lots of funny things that happen, and funny dialog, but the drama is more intriguing. MUCH better than the big box office romantic comedies that are out there.
- ArizWldcat
- Feb 27, 2003
- Permalink
The only reason I selected this movie as a rental was because Vincent D'onofrio was on the cover. I am a committed VDO fan and was not disappointed with this selection. This romantic comedy plays out beautifully on the screen and the element of time travel is handled with a refreshing spin of originality.
Both Tomei and D'onofrio provide captivating performances the range of emotions they both convey make their chemistry on screen very pleasant to watch and their characters very believable.
I also found the score to be an interesting touch that adds a light air of wonderment and mystery in just the right spots. My favorite spots were the flute solo in the beginning after Sam (D'onofrio) meets Ruby (Tomei) outside her apartment, it adds a feeling of innocence to a situation that ordinarily would not be described as such. The second is at the end when they meet at the intersection of Chrystie and Delancy after the much anticipated "moment" passes.
Please rent this movie and discover your own reasons for falling in love with it. You will soon find yourselves committed to adding it as a permanent addition to you DVD library!!
Both Tomei and D'onofrio provide captivating performances the range of emotions they both convey make their chemistry on screen very pleasant to watch and their characters very believable.
I also found the score to be an interesting touch that adds a light air of wonderment and mystery in just the right spots. My favorite spots were the flute solo in the beginning after Sam (D'onofrio) meets Ruby (Tomei) outside her apartment, it adds a feeling of innocence to a situation that ordinarily would not be described as such. The second is at the end when they meet at the intersection of Chrystie and Delancy after the much anticipated "moment" passes.
Please rent this movie and discover your own reasons for falling in love with it. You will soon find yourselves committed to adding it as a permanent addition to you DVD library!!
I actually think this 2001 low-budget, indie film has a quirky charm that's hard to resist, and credit goes to director/writer/editor Brad Andersen's singular film-making style. It's ostensibly a contemporary love story between two misfits, but he laces the plot with science fiction elements that seem contrived at first until they start to affect the characters tangibly. The irony is that these far-fetched plot developments are what make the movie resonate emotionally. The two people at the center are Ruby Weaver, a single woman with an unfortunate track record of enabling men to meet her lowest expectations, and Sam Deed, a stranger from Dubuque who may be either mentally ill or a time traveler from the year 2470. Ruby is immediately drawn to Sam's sincerity but when he confesses to coming from the future, she inevitably feels like she is recycling old behavior by trying to save him from his delusions.
It reminds me a bit of John Carpenter's 1984 "Starman" (where an alien takes the form of a woman's dead husband) and a touch of Hal Ashby's 1979 "Being There" (where an insulated gardener tries to make sense of the world around him). However, Anderson puts his own idiosyncratic stamp on the movie by making Sam's seemingly insane assertions credible and Ruby's attraction alternately frustrating and empathetic. The acting by the two leads helps considerably here. Suffering from premature Oscar ejaculation, Marisa Tomei has slowly recovered her acting credentials, and this performance is among her best as she dexterously brings out all the hesitation and vulnerability in Ruby. As Sam, Vincent D'Onofrio tempers his trademark intensity with a genuine sweetness that makes his child-like wonder believable. Holland Taylor effectively tones down her sassy persona to play Ruby's impervious therapist, while Tovah Feldshuh grounds the film with warmth and sensibility as Ruby's mother. The ending is clever with a nice use of stop-motion photography, even if it felt slightly derivative of the legendary "Star Trek" episode where Bones is stopped from saving a peace-loving missionary (played by Joan Collins, of all people) about to be killed. This one is more infectious than you may be assuming from the set-up.
It reminds me a bit of John Carpenter's 1984 "Starman" (where an alien takes the form of a woman's dead husband) and a touch of Hal Ashby's 1979 "Being There" (where an insulated gardener tries to make sense of the world around him). However, Anderson puts his own idiosyncratic stamp on the movie by making Sam's seemingly insane assertions credible and Ruby's attraction alternately frustrating and empathetic. The acting by the two leads helps considerably here. Suffering from premature Oscar ejaculation, Marisa Tomei has slowly recovered her acting credentials, and this performance is among her best as she dexterously brings out all the hesitation and vulnerability in Ruby. As Sam, Vincent D'Onofrio tempers his trademark intensity with a genuine sweetness that makes his child-like wonder believable. Holland Taylor effectively tones down her sassy persona to play Ruby's impervious therapist, while Tovah Feldshuh grounds the film with warmth and sensibility as Ruby's mother. The ending is clever with a nice use of stop-motion photography, even if it felt slightly derivative of the legendary "Star Trek" episode where Bones is stopped from saving a peace-loving missionary (played by Joan Collins, of all people) about to be killed. This one is more infectious than you may be assuming from the set-up.
WOW!!
I had heard good things about this film, had liked Session 9 a lot, and will watch anything with d'Onofrio. Even so, this film completely blew me away.
It's science-fiction for adults, who prefer ideas and emotions to explosions and goofy makeup.
It's romantic dramedy at its best, with two memorable characters portrayed by highly skilled and REAL actors. In fact both Tomei and d'Onofrio are close to perfect in these roles.
It's a premise that continues to develop over the entire span of the film, never becoming predictable or plot-driven.
It offers striking supporting performances from Holland Taylor and Jose Zuniga, and a flat-out GREAT scene with Tovah Feldshuh that's driven by subtle and moving screenwriting.
It offers memorable and witty cameos from Mike McGlone and Anthony ("just call me Michael") Hall. And you gotta love the conceit of a guy who fantasizes about being A.M. Hall during sex!
From the opening shot to the end, it offers countless felicities of mise-en-scene, camera movement, framing, and editing, courtesy of Brad Anderson.
And there's a final shot that manages to be both very subtle and emotionally complex, while still seeming completely inevitable.
I even liked the loose ends that were never wrapped up!
SEE THIS FILM!
I had heard good things about this film, had liked Session 9 a lot, and will watch anything with d'Onofrio. Even so, this film completely blew me away.
It's science-fiction for adults, who prefer ideas and emotions to explosions and goofy makeup.
It's romantic dramedy at its best, with two memorable characters portrayed by highly skilled and REAL actors. In fact both Tomei and d'Onofrio are close to perfect in these roles.
It's a premise that continues to develop over the entire span of the film, never becoming predictable or plot-driven.
It offers striking supporting performances from Holland Taylor and Jose Zuniga, and a flat-out GREAT scene with Tovah Feldshuh that's driven by subtle and moving screenwriting.
It offers memorable and witty cameos from Mike McGlone and Anthony ("just call me Michael") Hall. And you gotta love the conceit of a guy who fantasizes about being A.M. Hall during sex!
From the opening shot to the end, it offers countless felicities of mise-en-scene, camera movement, framing, and editing, courtesy of Brad Anderson.
And there's a final shot that manages to be both very subtle and emotionally complex, while still seeming completely inevitable.
I even liked the loose ends that were never wrapped up!
SEE THIS FILM!
"Happy Accidents" is all about Tomei and D'Onofrio so if you don't like either of them you can stop right here. The film is a romantic comedy which deals more with the struggle of making a relationship work than it does the sap and goo. And, there is a struggle because the male side of the equation is convinced he's from the year 2439 and has back-traveled through time to be with his NYC dwelling neurotic damsel. At issue: Is D'Onofrio's character a total wack-o or a real time traveler? Not your usual romcom fare, "Happy Accidents" mixes the opposing forces of reality and the metaphysical and comes up with a surprisingly believable story buttressed by two very solid leads performances. Solid three star indie entertainment for romantic comedy junkies. (B)
A great, low budget indy that was very enjoyable and well made! Great storyline which can keep you involved to the very end, and you should stick around. The movie should have had better marketing when it was released so that it could have reached a larger audience.
D'nofrio plays a great character that catches you and takes you on a ride. Marissa Tomei also shines. She gives another great performance as a concerned and confused lover, burned in the past and now wondering what comes next. You can see that they had a lot of fun working on the films. Check out the cameos, they're a hoot. Especially the scene in the art show. Rent or catch on IFC and you will not be disappointed
D'nofrio plays a great character that catches you and takes you on a ride. Marissa Tomei also shines. She gives another great performance as a concerned and confused lover, burned in the past and now wondering what comes next. You can see that they had a lot of fun working on the films. Check out the cameos, they're a hoot. Especially the scene in the art show. Rent or catch on IFC and you will not be disappointed
- blrunner2002
- Nov 9, 2004
- Permalink
Happy Accidents begins like a typical chick flick. Allow me to sum up the first few minutes of the film. Women talk about their relationships and toss photos of their awful ex-boyfriend's into a box marked the Ex-files. Tomei throws a hissy fit every few minutes and acts like she severely needs Prozac. She's in therapy for her co-dependency, quotes what her therapist tells her to do, and recites affirmations to a mirror.
I tried watching it with my boyfriend and we turned it off after 10 minutes because neither of us wanted to see an overly dramatic, nutcase whine for 90 minutes. I decided to try watching it on my own. I adored Next Stop Wonderland, so I wanted to see more from the same director/writer. Happy Accidents isn't as polished as Next Stop Wonderland and I was very surprised to find out it was made after Next Stop Wonderland.
After the first 10 minutes the film gets very strange. It is definitely not a typical romantic comedy. All of sudden turns into a sci-fi movie about 15 minutes into the film. I knew nothing about the plot before watching it and I think that really helped my enjoyment. I can usually predict where a film is going, but not this one.
The pace is a bit frenzied. Instead of exploring dating like in Next Step Wonderland, Happy Accidents focuses on one relationship. The film is actually quite funny. I convinced my boyfriend to give it a second try and he really liked it after the character Sam Deed enters the picture. Vincent D'Onofrio is perfect in the role and the script is very creative.
The over-acting in the film is a bit over-the-top for my taste and there are some weak points in the plot, but Happy Accidents is really worth watching. Just know that it gets much better after the first 15 minutes.
I tried watching it with my boyfriend and we turned it off after 10 minutes because neither of us wanted to see an overly dramatic, nutcase whine for 90 minutes. I decided to try watching it on my own. I adored Next Stop Wonderland, so I wanted to see more from the same director/writer. Happy Accidents isn't as polished as Next Stop Wonderland and I was very surprised to find out it was made after Next Stop Wonderland.
After the first 10 minutes the film gets very strange. It is definitely not a typical romantic comedy. All of sudden turns into a sci-fi movie about 15 minutes into the film. I knew nothing about the plot before watching it and I think that really helped my enjoyment. I can usually predict where a film is going, but not this one.
The pace is a bit frenzied. Instead of exploring dating like in Next Step Wonderland, Happy Accidents focuses on one relationship. The film is actually quite funny. I convinced my boyfriend to give it a second try and he really liked it after the character Sam Deed enters the picture. Vincent D'Onofrio is perfect in the role and the script is very creative.
The over-acting in the film is a bit over-the-top for my taste and there are some weak points in the plot, but Happy Accidents is really worth watching. Just know that it gets much better after the first 15 minutes.
- zerogirl42
- Jan 16, 2007
- Permalink
We happened across "Happy Accidents" by happy accident: there was nothing worth watching on any other channel and the description of the movie on IFC was enough for us to give it a go.
We made the right choice.
This is a sweet little romantic comedy. I had never heard of it before through the mass media; perhaps that's because nothing gets blown up in the movie, no guns are drawn, and only a few punches are thrown. Instead, Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio mostly interact with each other (as aided and abetted by Tomei's therapist and girl-friends). (Nowadays, does that make it a "chick-flick"?)
One cautionary note: If you've seen "K-Pax", you may feel "Happy Accidents" is a bit derivative, almost like a trip back into the past, but hang in there. If you're a fan of either Tomei or D'Onofrio (probably most famous for his role as "the bug" from "Men in Black"), or even if you're just looking for a pleasant way to pass an hour and fifty minutes, catch this the next time it comes around on cable/satellite -- you won't be disappointed.
We made the right choice.
This is a sweet little romantic comedy. I had never heard of it before through the mass media; perhaps that's because nothing gets blown up in the movie, no guns are drawn, and only a few punches are thrown. Instead, Marisa Tomei and Vincent D'Onofrio mostly interact with each other (as aided and abetted by Tomei's therapist and girl-friends). (Nowadays, does that make it a "chick-flick"?)
One cautionary note: If you've seen "K-Pax", you may feel "Happy Accidents" is a bit derivative, almost like a trip back into the past, but hang in there. If you're a fan of either Tomei or D'Onofrio (probably most famous for his role as "the bug" from "Men in Black"), or even if you're just looking for a pleasant way to pass an hour and fifty minutes, catch this the next time it comes around on cable/satellite -- you won't be disappointed.
- antoinebachmann
- Sep 21, 2003
- Permalink
I start with admitting that have no clue who is Brad Anderson. Looked his profile, and really, did not watch any of his movies until this. Maybe watched some TV serial episode(s) directed by, but who remembers such things.
So, here see many delighted reviews, rating 10, and much less negative ones. Rating 1 too. But that's how it goes in this years. For me, this was pretty much forced, unrealistic, even shallowly presented relationship. They met, some almost stalking ... and they live together. Then lot of hysterical scenes - what could be reason why they choose Marisa Tomei . But why she accepted role in this mess ? I guess usual reason - it looked much better on paper than on screen.
Surely, most of time and dialogs served one purpose: to keep viewer in dilemma - is he (Sam Deed) just a psychopath or it is true what he talks. Maybe best scene was that at exhibition, where talked with some scientist guy - at least some sense to hear.
For the end - the final scene at traffic light gave the answer. But I really did not care at all at that point. Even with basically silly basic idea, this could be much better with more versatile storyline, dialogs, more realism. Verdict: Brad Anderson director and writer: 5/10 . Good actors and camera can not make really good movie when ...
So, here see many delighted reviews, rating 10, and much less negative ones. Rating 1 too. But that's how it goes in this years. For me, this was pretty much forced, unrealistic, even shallowly presented relationship. They met, some almost stalking ... and they live together. Then lot of hysterical scenes - what could be reason why they choose Marisa Tomei . But why she accepted role in this mess ? I guess usual reason - it looked much better on paper than on screen.
Surely, most of time and dialogs served one purpose: to keep viewer in dilemma - is he (Sam Deed) just a psychopath or it is true what he talks. Maybe best scene was that at exhibition, where talked with some scientist guy - at least some sense to hear.
For the end - the final scene at traffic light gave the answer. But I really did not care at all at that point. Even with basically silly basic idea, this could be much better with more versatile storyline, dialogs, more realism. Verdict: Brad Anderson director and writer: 5/10 . Good actors and camera can not make really good movie when ...
I'm always intrigued by small titles, because sometimes they're better than the big moneymakers. This one failed to disappoint, especially because of the superb acting and camera shots. Vincent D'Onofrio(still "the bug" from "Men in Black" in my mind) did a wonderful job of stepping out of that role and into one that's believable, despite Sam's odd story. The first time I watched this, I was intrigued by the possibility that Sam may be telling the truth. Fortunately, K-Pax hadn't managed to ruin that scenario completely for me. The ending was a complete surprise and there were some nice twists.
I picked this up again to see if it was still as intriguing and to my surprise, it was. Even knowing Sam's true identity takes none of the emotion out of the film. I saw that this movie is not just the audience deciding whether or not to believe Sam, but Ruby deciding as well. It's a terrific inner conflict for her, as she struggles in the face of love and honesty after a string of horrible men. Haven't we all met someone that we loved and wanted to trust, but we didn't know we could? The time travel aspect makes this movie impossible but the characters are so real and deep, then the movie feels real and you find yourself thinking if only for a moment that it is perfectly possible. That's why I say that even if you know the ending, watch this movie for the quality that it is.
I picked this up again to see if it was still as intriguing and to my surprise, it was. Even knowing Sam's true identity takes none of the emotion out of the film. I saw that this movie is not just the audience deciding whether or not to believe Sam, but Ruby deciding as well. It's a terrific inner conflict for her, as she struggles in the face of love and honesty after a string of horrible men. Haven't we all met someone that we loved and wanted to trust, but we didn't know we could? The time travel aspect makes this movie impossible but the characters are so real and deep, then the movie feels real and you find yourself thinking if only for a moment that it is perfectly possible. That's why I say that even if you know the ending, watch this movie for the quality that it is.
Rented the DVD last night and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the science fiction side of the movie. The two main actors of "Sam" & "Ruby" did a superb job!
I hadn't heard of the movie before. I'm glad I saw it on DVD simply because it is the kind of show where you might just want to replay certain parts you don't catch the first time.
-Neat Romance/Sci-Fi movie -One too many uses of the F word -Great acting -Worth renting
I hadn't heard of the movie before. I'm glad I saw it on DVD simply because it is the kind of show where you might just want to replay certain parts you don't catch the first time.
-Neat Romance/Sci-Fi movie -One too many uses of the F word -Great acting -Worth renting
Ruby Weaver, a person who has made bad choices in the boyfriend department, thinks she's finally found a decent life partner in Sam. That is, until he claims he's a time traveler from the future. She plays along at first, but Sam's stories become increasingly weird, and Ruby questions his mental health.
This was such a cute little movie, I decided to by the DVD. The two lead characters were actually entertaining, unlike the cardboard cutouts in most romantic comedies i've seen in the last few years. Brad Anderson is a talented guy, and i'd like to see what else he's directed now.
This was such a cute little movie, I decided to by the DVD. The two lead characters were actually entertaining, unlike the cardboard cutouts in most romantic comedies i've seen in the last few years. Brad Anderson is a talented guy, and i'd like to see what else he's directed now.
"Happy Accident" has a good cast. Vincent D'Onofrio and Marisa Tomei shine in the leading parts. The direction is also good and shows a promising Brad Anderson. What's not so good is the pacing of the whole thing and the story itself. It's an unusual combination of genres, one has to admit that. Sci-Fi meets romcom, not too many movies have pulled that off successfully so far. "Happy Accidents" is quite funny and intriguing at times, but mostly it just moves on way too slowly and uneventfully. The story borrows a lot in style and substance from "La jetée" and "Somewhere In Time" and apart from the lack of originality there are also hundreds of logical plot holes in the script. You can ignore those and enjoy the movie for its good performances and the dedication of everyone involved or you should prepare for a decent movie with a lot of flaws. "Happy Accidents" is definitely recommendable for fans of Brad Anderson, but it's not what I would call an early masterpiece. Just an interesting little indie flick, that's all.
- Superunknovvn
- Aug 14, 2006
- Permalink
This is an excellent film indeed that has been somewhat underrated by many people who I know that have seen it. It is a strong character-driven story about a man named Sam Deed who traveled back in time from the year 2470 to avoid prosecution for his sister's accidental death, to resolve the issues of his life and to find himself. In our contemporary society, he meets and falls in love with Ruby Weaver, a woman who has had much bad luck with men. Sam seems to be a good guy but as this site's summary says "someone not of this world". She thinks he's delusional (but I cannot blame her, as anyone would if someone claimed to be from the future--- I mean as time travel is not possible, as of yet anyway!). However, Ruby goes on to appreciate Sam for himself and wants to stay with him, making for a definite good story line for a great film.
One of the greatest things of this film, at least in my opinion is that it is a contrast to many futuristic-style stories in that it has a somewhat happy tone. I will not risk spoiling the film here for those who haven't seen it by telling the major plot details or the ending, but it is a wonderful contrast to most stories involving the world of the future. Everyone knows the type, the futuristic sci-fi cinemas talking about in sometimes graphic detail of evil corporations and totalitarian governments and world dictatorships; the kind of films that seem to be designed to drain the hope from people. This film is a wonderful story of adventure, romance and hope and grand possibilities. The kind of film which can uplift one's spirits rather than drain them with evil forecasts for a future of world dictatorships and universal totalitarianism. Therefore, I have to give this film a 10!
One of the greatest things of this film, at least in my opinion is that it is a contrast to many futuristic-style stories in that it has a somewhat happy tone. I will not risk spoiling the film here for those who haven't seen it by telling the major plot details or the ending, but it is a wonderful contrast to most stories involving the world of the future. Everyone knows the type, the futuristic sci-fi cinemas talking about in sometimes graphic detail of evil corporations and totalitarian governments and world dictatorships; the kind of films that seem to be designed to drain the hope from people. This film is a wonderful story of adventure, romance and hope and grand possibilities. The kind of film which can uplift one's spirits rather than drain them with evil forecasts for a future of world dictatorships and universal totalitarianism. Therefore, I have to give this film a 10!
"Happy Accidents" is one of those movies you don't find every day. It goes just enough against the grain to feel fresh. Very much a romantic comedy (/drama?) rooted in science fiction.
Central to this thing are good performances from Vincent D'Onofrio and Marisa Tomei, the former for his gawky weirdness and the latter for struggling to decide (like the rest of us) if D'Onofrio is really from the future or just traumatically scarred. There's always a new seed of doubt to be sown, which is what made the journey vexing for me. The mystery is way too drawn out, and it ends up just a bit of a slog But the movie does have its winning features (particularly Ms. Tomei) and a decent payoff once we get to bottom of all of this.
6/10
Central to this thing are good performances from Vincent D'Onofrio and Marisa Tomei, the former for his gawky weirdness and the latter for struggling to decide (like the rest of us) if D'Onofrio is really from the future or just traumatically scarred. There's always a new seed of doubt to be sown, which is what made the journey vexing for me. The mystery is way too drawn out, and it ends up just a bit of a slog But the movie does have its winning features (particularly Ms. Tomei) and a decent payoff once we get to bottom of all of this.
6/10
My wife has had me watch almost every romantic comedy out there. Some of them are good, most are tolerable and a number of them are just bad. I tend to favor the comedy side more than the romance, but I do like a good romance, too. This movie had a lot of both.
Happy Accidents isn't a typical Hollywood-Meg Ryan-style romantic-comedy. It's quirky and unique. The acting is very good. Dialogue is fresh. Overall, it is very original. A fun watch where you never look to see how much time is left. Highly recommended.
Happy Accidents isn't a typical Hollywood-Meg Ryan-style romantic-comedy. It's quirky and unique. The acting is very good. Dialogue is fresh. Overall, it is very original. A fun watch where you never look to see how much time is left. Highly recommended.
I loved this movie. LOVED IT!!! Unfortunately, it was released here in Philadelphia the week of the terrorist attacks and was lost in the madness. Went to see it with a friend I'd lost contact with and who usually likes edgier fare and he loved it as well. Great story, funny, engagingly paced, at times almost lyrical, and even a bit dark and suspenseful towards the end. A wonderful,funny and romantic date movie. Written and directed by a MAN. A man named BRAD!
Due of on video sometime in December 2002. Look for it.
*****out of*****!!!
Due of on video sometime in December 2002. Look for it.
*****out of*****!!!
- JustMe2008
- Oct 18, 2006
- Permalink
I watched this flick eight years after the fact. Its one of those movies that you are skeptical about for quite some time but that eventually just win you over to their side. The bottom line is that Marisa and Vincent's argument scenes are just so hilarious that it hardly matters what the rest of the film is about or does. Anyone who is married or in thick relationships gets into those arguments that are so stupid that logic, wisdom and intelligence become besides the point. The point is these two people and their wants, fears, needs and their underlying desire to love the person they are arguing with lead to a conclusion that may not make sense but becomes Cupid's compromise. I was not not familiar with Vincent O. but he was just great. And no one, no one, does New York better than Marisa.