Movie Review: Remember Me (2010)
Life is full of surprises, and this film is one of them
Photo: Summit Entertainment
Anything can happen at any time. The quote "life is full of surprises" is a popular one because it's true, and it's not often in filmmaking a movie is able to capture the essence of that quote and give it true meaning. Remember Me manages to do just that, using well developed characters in a story that, admittedly, is rather generic. But the story is only a starting point as first-time screenwriter Will Fetters and director Allen Coulter (Hollywoodland) are much more interested in the idea of living your life to the fullest because you never know what's around the corner, which ultimately outshines the relatively simple and predominately cliched plot.
Robert Pattinson is best known as Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise, but here he shows there may be some talent locked inside, which has otherwise laid dormant while he cashed paychecks for playing a diamond-skinned vampire. Here he plays Tyler, a tortured New York twenty-something with no goals in life and no real direction. His brother Michael committed suicide six years ago at the age of 22 and Tyler is just a few months away from turning 22 himself and his connection to his lost brother is one that's never been broken.
The cast includes Robert Pattinson, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper, Emilie de Ravin, Ruby Jerins, Lena Olin and Tate Ellington. For more information on this film including pictures, trailers and a detailed synopsis choose from the following menu.
Review
"Remember Me" is a Summit Entertainment release, directed by Allen Coulter and is rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content, language and smoking. The running time is 2 hours 8 minutes.
While the sudden death of Michael may have caused Tyler and Caroline to grow and remain close, the cold shoulder they receive from their at-arms-length father (Pierce Brosnan) makes for a strained family dynamic. Brosnan plays his character's negative, macho lawyer vibe to the hilt and every-so-often takes things too far, but I got the sense Coulter was asking each of his actors to occasionally play things a bit big in an effort to draw the audience into the lives of the characters a little more. Remember Me doesn't delve squarely into melodrama, but it comes close.
Tyler's life changes once he finds company in Ally (Emilie de Ravin), a college student whose father (Chris Cooper) arrested Tyler only a couple of days earlier, a fact Tyler knows, but doesn't reveal until later in the movie. It's a stereotypical move for a film of this sort, but it's handled easily enough and I only mention it now not to spoil the moment, but to prepare you for what you will already see coming from the film's opening moments. It's best to accept it early on so it doesn't bother you as much while watching the film.
Remember Me relies solely on the ability of the cast to create characters and relationships you believe in, and for the most part it had me sold. I cared about the ordeals these people had been through and where their lives were going. Pattinson dons an American accent, and for the most part pulls it off. A shouting match between him and Brosnan was really the only moment I was sort of taken out of the feature, but the ramifications of that confrontation were necessary.
The only real issue I had with the film was Tyler's roommate and best friend Aidan played by Tate Ellington. Aidan's character is necessary and he supplies a certain amount of comic relief to the story, but Ellington's performance was a bit grating. While funny at times, I also found him to be frequently annoying. I have a hard time telling if it was Ellington's performance that rubbed me the wrong way or if there was just a bit too much of his character and it ultimately got to me, but later in the movie I could have done without him.
Nevertheless, my complaints are few, but I have already seen other reviewers calling the film a cheat. It's a good description, just not for the film as much as it is for the film's subject matter. This film spins a web of family ties dealing with tragedy, schoolyard bullying, the benefits of friendship and importance of new found relationships illustrating a world in which anything can happen, and more often than not, will happen.
Some of what comes to us in life makes us feel as if we've been cheated. It's not fair. Why me? Why now? All good questions, and to say this film is a cheat is to buy into it hook, line and sinker… you just don't know it yet.
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Yeah, I found this to be a really interesting film. Solid acting too, and I definitely connected with the main characters in a way that I rarely do. The story definitely puts life in perspective. I think its a film worthy of some discussion, and I hope people don't just dismiss it.
I just got home from watching Remember Me with my daughter and of course we expected a VERY romantic movie – instead we got to see the life of an average everyday person who falls in love but also comes from a broken up family, has issues, hurts and tries to do what’s best for his family as a son and as brother – there are many people out there with family problems and others with not enough time for their family – this movie reminds us all of the importance to love and enjoy the ones closest because you just don’t ever know when you will loose them – it was a sad and shocking ending but it really couldn’t have been a better ending – this could have been exactly what someone on that terrible day in that office had been going through in their personal life … good movie but too sad to watch again
I'm glad you gave this such a positive review! I like Pattinson and I hope he goes beyond the teen-craze he's experiencing now.
I can't remember you ever giving such a positive review to a movie with such a low RT and imdb score. I'm wondering if you connected with it more than others, or if the others are just bashing it being of Pattinson.
I'm guessing the latter more than the first.
This Rob Pattinson craze is eerily similar to what Leonardo Dicaprio went through. The fact is that many do not want to accept the fact that this guy has talent because he is connected to a ridiculous, poorly written teenage angst saga. While Pattinson frequently broods throughout the picture, he also develops a character the audience can care about and relate to if the look beyond his sparkling vampire image. Give the guy a break, he did a good job in a controversial film that critics have attacked because of his celebrity as well as the 9/11 ending.
I guess sometimes we need a change, right? If only everyone can see that rather than put up hate to a movie before they even watch it.
My girlfriend has been wanting me to see this with her. We are going tonight, and this review just got me more excited to see it. Nice.
Reviewer thought about what he wrote. Not always the case in reviews of Remember Me. I think everyone connected with this production knew, going in, the chances they were taking. They had the character to go forward, perhaps because some things are worth standing up for. Special thanks to Robert Pattinson as he will take most of the heat. Pls read Ramin Setoodeh's review of this film in Newsweek. Worth the read.
Reviewer thought about what he wrote. Not always the case in reviews of Remember Me. I think everyone connected with this production knew, going in, the chances they were taking. They had the character to go forward, perhaps because some things are worth standing up for. Special thanks to Robert Pattinson as he will take most of the heat. Pls read Ramin Setoodeh's review of this film at http://www.newsweek.com. Worth the read.
I just saw it and thought it was quite good.
Brad, do you think most critics are reacting so harshly to it because of the ending or because of Pattinson? Or perhaps a combination of both? The 30% Rotten Tomatoes score is just far too harsh for this movie.
I am hoping to address this in an article in about a week once people have had a chance to see it so as not to spoil it before then and right now I am trying to get a comment from the writer and director to go with the piece, but one of them is on vacation for a few days so it may take a little longer.
However, I will say I think it is more of a misunderstanding of what the overall film is about, which is due to the ending. But if you ask me the hatred is almost a perfect reaction considering the ending, but it shouldn't be aimed at the movie. Does that make sense?
I saw the film last night with my 75 year old mom- we both found it moving. We did not go see it because of Robert Pattinson- we both knew the film had something to do with 9/11. We both left crying and determined that 9/11 will never be forgotten. I don't think it was a cheap shot to use 9/11 as an ending- it's time we accept it and incorporate it into film themes much as we have done with Pearl Harbor and WWII. I think that our collective psyche does not allow us to accept 9/11 because we were invaded, as opposed to films about the Iraq War where we're the ones doing the invading. Lastly, go see films and form you own opinions- film critics are a dime a dozen. Don't let someone else influence your life – do you agree with Rush Limbaugh when he said he wanted Obama to fail? And kudos to Sidney Lumet (Rachel Getting Married) for another great screenplay.
I'm confused. Jenny Lumet wrote Rachel Getting Married, but she had nothing to do with this film. Sidney Lumet is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time and directed movies like Network, Serpico and 12 Angry Men.
Still, I had a similar conversation when the movie was over. At some point we are going to become comfortable with seeing those types of references in movie storylines. It is similar to a movie like Titanic, except there is the big difference that most of that generation was gone by the time the movie came out.
And Brad, I can't wait to read that article when you get it out to us.
Yeah, Marina, is a little confused, it was written by Will Fetters.
Jenny Lumet, Lena Horne's granddaughter,) wrote the script for Remember Me. She did not write the screenplay. Sorry for the confusion.
Jenny Lumet actually did some rewrites on the script, but she was uncredited. So I'm not sure how much she affected the story.
I didn't think I would, but I really loved this movie. I think part of the hate comes from the ending, and the rest because Pattinson is in the film, and many are unwilling to give him a chance, even though here he showed he can act. I didn't find the ending offensive in any way; no one made fun of the event or was disrespectful to it. How much critics dislike this movie has really puzzled me. I think the movie is thought provoking and insightful, and definitely worth a watch. Looking forward to the article this upcoming week.
i agree. i do not see why the critics disliked this movie. i went into the movie expecting just an okay movie because of the reviews i read from the critics. i walked out of the movie really loving this movie, alot. everyone should watch this movie, because it is worth the watch like Sarah says.
I consider myself a fan of movies, I try to watch one every weekend, and this one it happened to be RM. I went because when I saw the trailer I didn't get what it was about, and that really intrigued me. I don't like to read reviews since I like to make my own opinion not follow someone else's taste.
I don't understand how people say they cheated with the ending. From the beginning they show you the first clue in the background and a date, if you went to school you can do the math of what the next time frame means. Through out the movie you actually forget that detail because you are intrigued by the characters. I have to admit that as soon as I saw how things were developing after Caroline's incident it was like a switch turned on and I felt what was comming and my heart was about to pop out of my chest. When then I recognized other clues and that's when I lost it, people were looking at me wondering why I was crying if nothing had happened. Needles to say I loved it, the ending was good, and I thank whoever made the trailer that way otherwise it would had spoiled it. Favorite moments Pierce Brosnan looking up and Aidan's arm. Those were the real tear jerkers for me.
A film has only done its job when the audience leaves with something to think about. This film captures the suprise of 9/11 masterfully, even though the entire film foreshadows the event down to a shadow puppet Pattinson makes across Emily de Ravin's back. Remember Me tastefully captures the grief of 9/11 without showing the audience the actual attack. We are each left with a heavy slate of cinematic thoughts to digest.
Thank you for this great review and for the interview with Will Fetters. I'll wait eagerly for your next piece. I also have loved the movie and do not find the ending offensive, bu handled with respect and taste, although it punches you in the gut – but that is just what the real event did. Shit happens. This is real life. Anger and hate are normal and all the more so when something so brutal and huge happens. We have to try and recall how we all reacted on this terrible day. Did we expect it? No. No one could imagine sich a thing. Ever. Did we feel cheated of hope and innocence? Yes. Did we feel overwhelmed with anger, hate, and sorrow? So I think you've nailed the message/meaning of the movie to perfection. I can only recommend this to everyone: do not let yourselves be deterred by reviews which seem to be more influenced by anger and – let's say it – personal, gratuitous hate (Pattinson's sudden stardom has gained him a lot of heinous jealousy). Go and see this movie, and judge for themselves. This is a courageous movie. See for yourselves, think for yourselves, assess for yourselves. Don't let a Rotten Tomatoes rating decide for you. "Remember Me" deserves so much more.
Thank you for a well thought out review of the film, it seems they are a bit hard to find from critics. It seems many of those who are bashing the film are not finding ir understanding the meaning.
I went into the movie knowing the storyline. I read an earlier version of the script The ending seemed to tie the story into nice tight tie bow, reinforcing the meaning more. You never know what life may bring… We are tied to others in our life and we affect each other for the better or worse, so we need to pay attention to life.
The performances were very solid from all. More than anything it bothers me, that some will not see the movie just because of some critics awful review.
Robert Pattinson still has a lot to learn in the world of acting, but he is smart and capable. He will do well.
Thank you for a good review of this wonderful film. i saw it and loved it and thought that Pattinson was excellent in it. It is a shame that a lot of people won't see this great movie because some critics were overly harsh. i think it is a must see. I think Rob really shined in this film. I really cared about all of the characters.
Thank you for your insightful and studied review of the film. I enjoyed so much reading the interview with Will Fetters. I found this movie to be thought-provoking, sad, but mostly uplifting in its final moments. Yes, one feels the grief and tragedy of that day in 2001, and the randomness of fate. But the overwhelming message that I took from the film was the importance of embracing life and love, to be all that you can, while you can, and that you leave an indelible mark on your loved ones. For the most part, I thought all of the actors portrayed their characters and relationships beautifully. Each relationship brought something unique and different to the characters, making them seem so authentic. Tyler's room-mate was the only character who seemed initially more one-dimensional but even he proved later to have more depth.
I loved the movie, it is hard to stop thinking about it. It is difficult to understand some of the negative reviews. Maybe people have become so used to the special effects and unrealistic heroes and villains of many modern films that they can't recognize the true heroism of real-life people overcoming personal problems and tragedy.
Thank you to everyone involved for being brave enough to undertake this project and to handle the subject so tastefully and respectfully.
Hell Yeah. Im happy to see that others are loving the movie as well. i know this movie is so much bettter then the critics presented it to be.God, i want to see the movie again!
Wow, finally a reviewer who shared my feelings about this movie. I loved this movie.. yes it was sad but it was so much more. It exceeded all my expectations and I am so glad that I resisted reading the spoilers. I have been so disappointed with some of the rubbish that has been written – I doubt that most of them even watched the same movie that I did. I applaud you for contacting Will Fetters… all week I have been thinking about how devastating it must be to work so hard on a project and be crucified for all the wrong reasons. I hope that Will and the others follow your story and see how many people truly appreciate their efforts. I know where I will be looking for future movie reviews. Great Job!
I think the reason why people don't get this movie or don't like it is purely because of the ending.
Human nature being what it is people don't want to be reminded of 9/11. Now don't get that wrong…it's nature for us to want to block out the bad things in our lives.
Here we are sitting there thinking this is going to have a Happy Ever After ending and then we are reminded about one of the worse days in our lives.
I knew exactly where Tyler was when he touched his dad's office chair and sat down to look at the computer monitor. I gasped and put my had over my mouth and immediately my heart broke for this couple and families on the screen.
This happened to nearly 3000 couples and/or families that day. This is our reality being shown to us – I think it was beautifully done.
Those who don't "get it" simply don't want to get it. They don't want to be reminded about it. Shame on them!
Thanks Brad for this great review. This kind of review is not very popular out there. You are very brave to stand up and speak out for this small movie which might be crushed by the giant Box Office Monster and those reviews trashing this movie. I am wondering if some of the critics have ever watched RM themselves. I can not believe some critics call Remember Me a “Forget It”. They don’t know what they are talking about. They either didn’t watch this movie or they don’t have heart at all.
I think the ending delivered the whole point of the movie powerfully, respectfully and tastefully. The movie told us that we should live up our life even tragedy hits us. 3000 lives have 3000 stores, which extend to millions hearts. How should we deal with it? We can block it out, like many people are doing now, or we can face it and walk into our life. At the very end, Ally walked into the subway she hadn’t walked in for ten years. The moving train is our life, it constantly moves, no matter what. If we stay out of it, we will miss our life. Ally woke up after 9.11, so she overcame her fear and boarded the train to continue her life. That is the message.
I was absolutely moved by this movie. It made me happy, sad, and angry all within a span of 113 minutes.
This review made me so happy! I was glad to see somebody out there actually understood the meaning of the movie. I cannot comprehend some of the comments like "offensive" and "a forget it" movie. It was none of the above.
The movie really connected with me. And the ending only added to the meaning of the movie. Live each day like your last. Love. Forgive. It approached the subject of how to move on and deal with tragedy.
I really wonder if half of the people who wrote these awfully negative reviews even watched the same movie, or just hated it because Rob Pattinson was in it, who by the way, put on an excellent and compelling performance, along with Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Ruby Jerins and Chris Cooper.
Those who claim they don't "get it" simply don't want to get it. They want to push that day out of their minds. I believe this film dealt with the situation gracefully and completely and was completely un-offensive.
Great job Will Fetters and Allen Coulters for undertaking such a heart-wrenching subject matter so respectfully!
I am one of those people who went to watch this movie solely on the fact that Robert Pattinson was it. I walked out of the theater a different person. I can not get this movie out of my head. I did not feel angry nor did I feel cheated after I watching this movie. I wanted to go home to my husband and make sure he was still home. People will never know what is going to happen in their life day after day. I am lucky in the fact that I did not know the ending of this movie and glad I didn't, it would have ruined it for me and I probably would have not looked at the movie the same way I do now. I will forever have this movie in my head and will keep with me to realize I could lose someone I love and not know it and to cherish my life and the people in it because I will never know when I will lose them.
http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/reacting-to-remember-me-an-interview-with-screenwriter-will-fetters#comment-41888
A link for those who want to know more about the film and why the story was written the way it was.Many have also commented about the beauty of this film that have made some impact on their personal lives, including mine.
I feel that the film may have been better received if it weren't marketed as a romance genre, some went in expecting something light so they ended feeling slightly 'cheated' at the end of it all. But even so it was a thought-provoking film and story that I would watch at least twice, maybe once they get over the anger they would slowly appreciate the essence of the film.
Finally this opened here and I got a chance to see it. I loved it, the story was beautifully told and the characters totally believable people that I could relate to. Crushing ending but hopeful at the same time. I left the theater feeling sad and happy and confused and can't seem to stop thinking about this film.
beautiful reviews but anyway I'm shocked 'cause I used to think of myself as a person who cares about every little thing except some things that I haven't been convinced about like LOVE and I usually see a movie by myself so I can pause it and and think about every single reason why something should be done but I think someone who thinks is in love have enough reasons to stay alive & I tried so hard to find out one to prove me the otherwise but had no luck so does this means I have to doubt in my experiences in life?I'm going crazy over here could anyone help me and tell me why he killed himself because I liked the whole story and the movie so much and I don't want to think it's some sort of crap!!!!
Tyler didn't kill himself. He died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Buildings, just when he most wanted to live again.
I'm relieved to see a positive review and read affirming comments by others who loved the movie Remember Me. I thought it was amazing. It was so multilayered, incredibly acted, and brilliantly written. It's thoroughly challenging in terms of making one think about the very essence of what it means to live, to strive to do anything at all, and to connect with other people. It makes you want to live your life as fully as possible, savoring every moment and seeing the beauty in every moment. I, too, have had some tough things happen to me, but when you see this movie, it sweeps those things away and puts everything in perspective. I was shocked and saddened by the negative reviews by respected critics who should have more insight and be able to see through to the essence of a movie. To all who made this film – forget them, it's their shortcoming! This movie is an inspiration!!
Ending rips the believable ' out of the whole movie
Ending doesn't relate to the context of the whole movie
It's one of those movies that at the end YOU wish YOU hadn't watched the movie in the first place
The people who wrote this screenplay have got no talent with the writing of a story and the meaning of related believability within the context of the movie ( story ) experience for the audience …