Letters to Juliet Movie Review

Movie:  Letter to Juliet

Grade: C

If you've seen any of the previews for this movie, you pretty much know before you go in to expect a certain level of predictability with this movie.  Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  A well done predictable story can be comforting and encouraging to the viewers.  This one...not so much.

This is the story of Sophie (Amada Seyfried), a fact checker for The New Yorker magazines with dreams of one day becoming a writer. On a pre-honeymoon trip to Verona with her finace, she finds herself on her own visiting the home of Juliet (of Romeo and Juliet fame).  Woman of all kinds visit this site leaving notes asking Juliet for help with their matters of the heart..  It's here that Sophie stumbles upon a 50 year old letter written by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave).  When Sophie writes her back, it starts an adventure as they search the countryside for Claire's first love.

See...it sounds intersting doesn't it, but the script ended up being rather trite and obvious. There seems to be a growing trend in movie making whereby the story is rolled out very quickly with no subtlety.  In addition, I don't think the actors were given much direction as most of the performances were flat.

Note, I said most of the performances.  There was one notable exception that made the movie worth seeing for me and that was Vanessa Redgrave.  In all her scenes, she just lights up the screen.  She is as beautiful as ever and she is able to convey feelings and emotions with just her eyes.  Also it was great to see Franco Nero again.  They made a cute and very believable couple.

Mid-way through the movie there is a very special scene with Vanessa (Claire) and Amanda (Sophie) where Claire brushes Sophie's hair.  It was very touchingly sweet and not overstated. I wish there had been more of those moments in the film.

I've also got to let you know that the scenery is amazing.  I've always want to visit the Italian countyside and this movie makes me want to do that even more.  

Overall...wait for it to come out on DVD or cable. 

BTW, our popcorn tasted burnt and the Coke was flat...I wonder if this added to our frustration level.  Possibly as I am very particular about my Coca-Cola.