Movies.ie

• Critic rating
• Currently 1/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

THE VOW (USA/12A/104mins)

Directed by Michael Sucsy. Starring Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, Scott Speedman, Wendy Crewson.

THE PLOT: Based on a true story, happy loving couple Leo (Tatum) and Paige (McAdams) have a sweet night out at Chicago’s Music Box cinema mildly ruined by a truck rams their car from behind as they drive home. Sending Paige through the windscreen, and wiping out all memory she has of her loving hubby. Which suits her wealthy, snobbish parents (Neill and Lange) just fine, keen as they are to take their pretty little daughter back home. With the mantra of “I’ve got to make my wife fall in love with me again” running through his head though, Leo isn’t about to give up on the love of his life…

THE VERDICT: Hey, it’s 50 First Dates, only without the meager laughs! From the writers of Valentine’s Day. And Never Been Kissed. And He’s Just Not That Into You. So, you know even before the curtains open that this is going to suck. And suck it does, Tatum and the once-promising McAdams grinning and bearing it for 107 minutes of maudlin heart-tugging. Is it any wonder that Sony only sent soft journalists to talk the duo when they went out on their press junket, The Vow being the sort of shameless girly filler fluff that will make a little money for everyone involved – only, no one involved will ever want to speak of it again once that money has all been counted up.

Director Sucsy’s previous directing gig was the HBO dramatization of Grey Gardens in 2009, so, he definitely should know better too. Avoid. Even if the missus keeps on nagging you about it. RATING: 1/5

Review by Paul Byrne 

• Avg User rating
• Currently 2/5 Stars.

User Reviews

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  Onionhead

  

  It's nice to see a romantic drama that absolutely isn't trying to rely on smut or the inexplicable pulling power of an actor like Adam Sandler to get by.

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  vepyewwo

  

  I went to see this with low expectations because Channing Tatum is in it and I usually find him completely wooden but I liked this more than I thought I would. It's an interesting story and I thought Tatum and McAdams has good chemistry together although her character is a bit unlikable. If you like romantic films, it's worth going to see.

• • Currently 1/5 Stars.

  mart

  

  The two stars look dewy and glossy and unexceptional, bound together less by chemistry than by the ministrations of a hard-working costume designer.

• • Currently 2/5 Stars.

  WildRose86

  

  Mumbles from Fighting is back and this time he's understandable! Not that he has much to say. His leading lady plays the amnesia stricken wife pretty well, but they both seem awkward in their roles. Him trying to be, well, a hipster, doesn't work when he's bench pressing all of us and her trying to be a Stepford Wife and a Hipster, she does a decent job, just there's something missing. Could be the fact that she seems very unlikable. I wouldn't want her in my family!! A nice little film, you may reach for the tissues or throw up your cereal. Perhaps both!

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  Ellegibbons

  

  I really enjoyed this movie, one of the best chick flicks I've seen in a long time. Yes its predictable but both Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatem give great performances, worth a look if your into girlie movies :)

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  filmbuff2011

  

  "Inspired by true events", with an emphasis on the word "inspired"... The Vow is a Hollywoodised story about finding love, losing it and finding it again. Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams are the sweet, perfectly matched (of course) married couple whose lives are knocked for six when a car accident wipes out 5 years of McAdam's memories. As she re-adjusts to her new life and is unable to remember her husband, he tries to win her back. The Vow is reminiscent of 50 First Dates, but only more stretched out. The performances are good throughout and even Tatum shows a soft side to his usually tough-guy image. It all feels rather contrived and manufactured though. I'd imagine the real-life story is much more moving and heart-breaking. This is the sugar-coated version -easily digestible and just in time for St Valentine's Day. All the same though, given the time of the year it just about gets by on its bittersweet charm and the strength of its earnest performances.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  JDX

  

  Really enjoyed this film, well made and the actors worked well together, not usually a fan of Channing Tatum other then in still form. LOL Overall very enjoyable.