"Water for Elephants" (Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson) in Theatres on May 4, 2011

Water for Elephants (2011)

Audience
Rating: 4.3/5
Like the Movie: 93% (n=20,117)

Critics
Rating: 3/5
Like the Movie: 49% (n=70)


Reviews:

"A splendid period swooner that delivers classic romance and an indelible insider's view of 1930s circus life." - Peter DeBruge, Variety

"Like 'The Notebook,' but with an elephant, the unexpectedly good film version of "Water for Elephants" elevates pure corn to a completely satisfying realm of romantic melodrama." - Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

"In an age of prefabricated special effects and obviously phony spectacle, it's sort of old-fashioned (and a pleasure) to see a movie made of real people and plausible sets." - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

"Can the film live up to Sara Gruen's best-selling novel, an adored word-of-mouth phenomenon? [Yes.]" - Joy Tipping, Dallas Morning News

"It's a tale tastefully told and beautifully filmed, but Water for Elephants suffers from a pronounced lack of chemistry between its leads." - rottentomatoes.com

"Will please fans of Sara Gruen's best seller, but it lacks the vital spark that would have made the drama truly compelling on the screen." - Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

"The script by Richard LaGravenese, who is well-versed in adapting popular fiction such as Bridges of Madison County, lacks the sparkle of his best work." - Claudia Puig, USA Today

"[Witherspoon and Pattinson] are game, but the pulse between them approaches Dracula's resting heart rate." - Peter Howell, Toronto Star

"Add romantic chemistry to the list of things that fall flat in the film, alongside dialogue and acting." - Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic

"If basking in the simulacrum of [Pattinson's] need-filled gaze is your bag, then by all means..." - Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies


Movie Info

Genre: Drama

Synopsis: Based on the acclaimed bestseller, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS presents an unexpected romance in a uniquely compelling setting. Veterinary school student Jacob meets and falls in love with Marlena, a star performer in a circus of a bygone era. They discover beauty amidst the world of the Big Top, and come together through their compassion for a special elephant. Against all odds -- including the wrath of Marlena's charismatic but dangerous husband, August -- Jacob and Marlena find lifelong love. - (c) Fox

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hr.

Distributor: 20th Century Fox

Directed By: Francis Lawrence

Written By: Richard LaGravenese

Cast
Reese Witherspoon (Marlena)
Robert Pattinson (Jacob)
Christoph Waltz (August)
Hal Holbrook (Old Jacob)

Source: rottentomatoes.com