Water for Elephants - Movie review

There's clearly one reason why this film will get attention and it has something to do with a tall, lanky, pale-faced overrated actor named Robert Pattinson. Fortunately though he isn't battling werewolves or baring his fangs in this period romantic drama set against the backdrop of a circus

Water for Elephants
A; Drama
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz
''1/2

What's it about: There's clearly one reason why this film will get attention and it has something to do with a tall, lanky, pale-faced overrated actor named Robert Pattinson. Fortunately though he isn't battling werewolves or baring his fangs in this period romantic drama set against the backdrop of a circus.

Based on Sara Gruen's novel Water For Elephants incorporates all the elements that will accentuate Pattinson's appeal but also narrate a love story on the side. Jacob (Robert) is a veterinary student who falls in love with Marlena (Reese) the star attraction at the circus.
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But there's no fairy tale ending here as August (Waltz) her husband plays the truant. At the very heart of the film is a simple basic love story, but the setting and treatment makes it different.

What's hot: Among the performances it's Waltz who shines the most. His portrayal of an overzealous husband has more than just one dimension. He doesn't fall into the trap of going over board with the histrionics but keeps it subtle yet menacing.
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Die hard fans of the genre might enjoy the moments of flirtation between Pattinson and Witherspoon. There's a sense of old fashion to the way everything is laid out. Be it the dialogues or costumes everything has an old school charm to it. Rosie the elephant under the care of Pattinson is adorable. The scenes where he talks and trains her stand out.

What's not: Some of the moments in the film make you squirm. Especially the second half that has Jacob telling Marlene she deserves a better life. Also, how does she manage to look so glamorous all the time when the circus is in debts and struggling to keep their acts going.

However, the biggest hurdle the actors face is trying to build a genuine chemistry. Both Pattinson and Witherspoon however good looking might just fail to create any spark as a couple. On their own they might perform brilliantly, but when put together in a frame they seem clearly awkward. There are scenes where the elephant seems to have more soul than the lead pair.

What to do: High on mush but low on spunk, it's strictly for Pattinson's fans who want to see him out of the Twilight mode.