[.ca] The Lake House [Blu-ray]

A moving love story:
I gave this four stars because I liked it so much, but there are a few predictable/corny moments that weigh it down a bit. I didn't expect much when I watched this and so was pleasantly surprised and quite moved. The time-warp idea worked well for me - I love that kind of thing, though it took a while for me to work out which one was in which time. The answer is: Alex Wiler, an architect, is in 2004, two years behind Kate Forester, a doctor. The premise: Kate, with her dog Jack, moves out of the Lake house, a uniquely designed glass house wrapped around a giant maple tree, and leaves a letter of welcome for the next tenants in the mailbox. Next we see Alex moving in, finding the letter in the mailbox and puzzling over it. He's confused by the date, the reference to the box in the attic (it's not there) and the paw prints on the deck (which aren't there either). A few days later he's painting something on the deck when Jack turns up, runs across the paint and prints paw prints along the deck. (Jack seems to have been a stray, turning up in Alex's life and later running off to be with Kate. That was a little corny for me.) Confused, mystified, Alex writes a letter to Kate, putting it in the mailbox for the postal worker to collect, but Kate, having had a man die in her arms on Valentine's Day, goes out to the Lake House (still empty since she moved out) to think, and, checking the mailbox, finds Alex's letter. After some writing back and forth they figure out that they're in two different time zones, parallel (as in, it's the same date, just different years). It's the perfect premise to keep two people in love, apart. It's a movie about waiting, though Alex meets Kate in 2004 - it's beautiful to watch him as he sees her for the first time, she having no idea of its significance because the Kate he knows is two years in the future. I know I liked this a lot because I couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards, and wanted to watch it again. Keanu is in top form, just as good-looking as ever, and Sandra Bullock does a fine portrayl of a woman in love but forced to let go, give up, and try to move on, only to have the past force itself into her life, she the only one with a chance to prevent it. It may be escapism and it may be typical Hollywood, but I still plan on watching it again!

I am just SO sappy!:
Against all odds, I really liked this movie and found it quite charming even though I confess that I had to "get past" the quirkiness of the time warp concept which, early on, had my subconscious nudging me "Hey! wait a minute guys!.....". However, having put that to one side, the performances by Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves were incredibly sweet and I actually became quite captivated by the whole notion of a "magic" mailbox, etc. The cinematography was very well done and, when Alex takes Kate for an architectural tour of Chicago, the walk was much appreciated here!! This may be corny: There is a tiny scene in which Kate plays chess with Jack (her canine friend). While not particularly necessary to the "plot", I found it to be a touch of reality that provided an anchor - been there, done that! Well - maybe not played chess with my dogs but they ARE my close companions much of the time. Whether we would like to admit it or not, we have all been lonely at some time or other. I could be wrong but I don't think this movie will thrill too many guys, but what do I know? The main thing (for me) is that I liked it ... three times so far!

"What if you live your life and no one is waiting?":
"The lake house", directed by Alejandro Agresti, is not a film for everybody. If you want to enjoy it, you must forget about logic, and be ready to overlook quite a few inconsistencies in the plot. Provided that you do exactly that, you will enjoy an engaging and thoroughly delightful romantic movie that will leave a smile on your face. From my point of view, the main theme of "The lake house" is the existence of a soulmate for everybody, and whether we are ready (and able) to wait in order to meet the person that completes us. Kate (Sandra Bullock), who along with Alex is one of the two main characters of this movie, asks herself the question everybody has asked himself at least once, "What if you live your life and no one is waiting?". I suppose the only valid answer is to have hope, and go on searching. But I digress... I would like to point out that for Kate and Alex (Keanu Reeves), the problem of meeting their other half is even more complicated than for us. You dont believe me? You cant conceive of someone with more problems than you in your search of the "right" person? Well, you should take into account that Alex Wyler and Kate Forster have our same problems, but also need to struggle with the fact that they live at the same place, in different years. And yes, you read that well, but please remember you need to suspend your disbelief for the duration of this film, if you want to enjoy it. The way in which Alex and Kate get in contact with each other, and fall in love, is strange, and whimsical. It doesnt make sense, but... when did logic become an obligation? "The lake house" is a magical movie that entertains, and can completely charm the right spectator. Are you that person? Are you interested in their story, and on whether they will overcome the obstacles before them in order to be together? If that is the case, just rent or buy this movie. All in all, I can say I really liked "The lake house", and I highly recommend it to those that like romantic films, and dont feel uncomfortable when fiction doesnt follow reality closely. This movie is not for everybody, but if you know what you are getting into and still decide to go ahead and watch, you will love it. Belen Alcat