An unforgettably bad movie
PERHAPS REFRESHINGLY, albeit regrettably, Unforgettable, is a reminder that, yes, bad movies do still exist. Although, with one so aggressively bad as this one, it almost seems done out of spite. Unforgettable is the story of Julia, played by Rosario Dawson, a woman with the perfect new life. She’s about marry the man of her dreams and become stepmother to a little girl she adores. The only problem is that ex-wife Tessa, played by Katherine Heigl, threatens Julia’s perfect little life in ways she couldn’t possibly imagine.
How fortunate for Julia, since Tessa’s actions never shock or surprise the viewer. From the first 15 minutes of the film, the events of Unforgettable aren’t a question of “What?”. They’re a question of “When?”. You see all the parts fall neatly into place as slowly as the film will allow. With the best thrillers, the viewer feels pride in being clever enough to figure out the plot. Here, you feel cheated that what the movie does is the best it has to offer.
POOR ACTING
Even if the movie had an idea worth watching, the performances are so insincere. The characters make bafflingly bad decisions, even by horror movie standards. The actors either decide or are directed to be as exaggerated as possible. Heigl’s Tessa does not feel like a genuine character for a single moment of the film. Neither is Geoff Stults’ David, as the husband who is charming as he is stupid.
Two-thirds of the way into Unforgettable, I was done. Finished. The movie had nothing to offer me except another 30 minutes of blank stares, both by myself and the characters. I, at least, wanted to wait for the climax, where all the ‘thrilling’ pieces come together. Even this, the movie fails miserably at.
Credit is to be given for a final twist so shocking, it has yet to set in, hours after the credits have rolled. Had the movie been filled with moments like this, it would have been the trashy thrill ride of my dreams. This movie is, indeed, unforgettable, but in the absolute worst way.