On first hearing about it, and with that title, I thought there might be some element of setting a challenge to us, the watchers, and liking riddles and puzzles generally, I was intrigued. On discovering that the 'puzzle', specifically jigsaw puzzles, was merely a device on which to hang a tale of burgeoning romance with small-scale family drama, I still had sufficient interest to try it.
Kelly Macdonald is the mother in a practising Catholic family household in outer New York with a burly gentle giant of a husband (David Denman) and two late-teenage sons. She's always been drawn to jigsaws, occasionally becoming so absorbed in them that she neglects her domestic chores, though has become expert at completing them in record time.
In a puzzle shop, buying some new ones, she sees a notice urgently requesting a partner for puzzle-solving, and this turns out to be a recently-separated wealthy city resident (Irrfan Khan), with whom she makes appointments to meet twice a week leading up to partnering him in an upcoming jigsaw competition, she having to concoct a deceit for her family to cover for her absences. You can see where this will go. As he gradually falls for her she is reluctant to reciprocate, her family loyalties being paramount. Interesting also that on more than one occasion, despite her devotion to puzzles, she belittles the practice as being childish, which is not something her partner expects to hear from her.
It's a reasonably absorbing tale, made a little different by its unusual pretext. Kelly Macdonald captures well the dilemma faced by her character regarding where, ultimately, her allegiances are due, whilst Khan's character is totally free to make his own choices, and he is also convincing.
This is Marc Turtletaub's second major feature as director, and it's more than acceptable. Maybe not a film one would want to go out of one's way to catch but if you do happen to see it it, either on cinema screen or on TV, where it won't lose much, it should go down reasonably well...................6.
(IMDb...........7.0 / Rott. Toms..............7.0 )
I saw the trailer to this and was tempted but it seems to have come along at a time of other films I have wanted to see more and it may be the one that falls by the wayside. Thanks for the review though. Sort of how it looked from the snippets in the trailer.
ReplyDeleteYes, the trailer was fair though I thought the film might have been entertaining in offering a teasing challenge to the cinema audience to work something out for ourselves. There was, alas, nothing like that in it.
DeleteI'd like to see this one, and am content to wait until I can stream it or see it on the box. I have just been reading back on lots of your reviews - and enjoying and enlightening read. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Don't expect more from it than it delivers, Poppy, as I did. If you want to see a plain romance, albeit with an unusual background, then you won't be sorry to see it.
DeleteRay, where are you? You wrote this post and disappeared. I went to see American Animals. You may like to read about it. Hope you are alright. Rachel
ReplyDeleteJust returned from visiting my sister (recently turned 80) on north-east coast, Rachel. I also saw 'American Animals' up there, actually in Middlesbrough. My opinion on it will come, maybe tomorrow now. Thanks for your concern.
DeleteRay, I am also concerned. Please let us know you are okay.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine thanks, Paul. (See immediately above). I'm touched that you too should have been left wondering enough to enquire. Nice of you.
DeleteA relief to learn that you were on holiday. I hope that you had an enjoyable time with your sister and that she enjoyed a very happy 80th birthday celebration.
DeleteYes, not replying to comments within 24 hours does raise concerns as it is so unlike you. But you are back and that is a good thing.
My sister had a memorable day, Paul, with (as pre-arranged) about 40 members of her extended family attending a party at her house in which she was overwhelmed. None of her three surviving brothers were there, though all of course, invited - me having furthest to travel and with consequent accommodation to consider. I saw the photos and they all had a great time.
DeleteHoping again that you are alright Ray, and this disappearance from blogging has a simple explanation, technical or otherwise. x
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed simple, as you can see, Rachel. Feeling a bit guilty of having said nothing, but was only away 5 days.
DeleteGlad the answer was a good one Ray. It is unusual for you to post and then disappear before replying to comments. I look forward to hearing what you thought of American Animals.
DeleteTo be honest, Rachel, I didn't think anyone would notice so didn't give warning. I'll know better next time.
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