Sara Gruen's bestselling novel comes to glossy life in this period romance. A sparkle-free Robert Pattinson plays Jacob Jankowski, who studies veterinary medicine during the Great Depression. After a family tragedy, he los... more »es everything, including the chance to graduate from prestigious Cornell, so he hops a train, where he finds himself part of the struggling Benzini Brothers Circus. Ringleader August (Christoph Waltz, echoing his Oscar-winning Inglourious Basterds performance) has doubts about the softhearted lad, but a fellow Pole smoothes the way, and Jacob becomes the company vet, which leads him to platinum-blond equestrian Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), August's wife. The two make eyes at each other, but an affair would surely end badly, so they concentrate on their work. When Marlena's prize steed falls ill, August purchases an elephant, hoping Rosie will turn their fortunes around, and enlists Jacob to train her. Unfortunately, she's slow to respond to commands until Jankowski unlocks her secret--and after August has beaten the poor thing into submission. After that, things start to look up until Jacob steals a kiss from his dream girl. As in The Notebook, the film it most closely resembles, an elderly version of the central character (Hal Holbrook, touching) narrates in the present day (screenwriter Richard LaGravenese also adapted The Bridges of Madison County). He tells an interesting tale, so it's too bad the leads strike so few sparks. For those who find big-top classics like Nightmare Alley too dark, however, Francis Lawrence's feel-better variant may be just the ticket. --Kathleen C. Fennessy« less
Good story but pretty gritty at times. Not a keeper or rewatch either especially after Witherspoon's later performance.
Michael V. (horseracer21) from LAGUNA WOODS, CA Reviewed on 4/7/2021...
Great Movie!! very underrated and a hidden gem!! Super acting by all and wonderful story-line.
Claudia K. from BLUFFTON, SC Reviewed on 4/6/2021...
I read the book years ago...so I can't say if it mirrors the book...but I loved the movie.
Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson did a great job. I started watching last night and thought I would only watch part of it and finish it today....but...I watched the whole thing...needed to see the ending.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Lorilea G. (lorilea) from FREDERICKSBRG, VA Reviewed on 4/6/2012...
I love this movie. My boyfriend even likes it. I didnt read the book, so I dont know how closely it was made to it, but this movie is great. And I think a big part of it is the cast. I love Reese Witherspoon. Shes almost impossible not to love. And then theirs Robert Pattinson. (Yes, I am a "Twilight" fan) But thats not why. Whether you love or hate him because of the "twilight" series, you cannot deny he is an amazing actor. They had a great chemistry, and the story is beautfiul. So I would definitely recommend this movie. Its not just a "chick flick".
And also, another great movie with Robert Pattinson, "Remember Me". If you haven't seen it, you should.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Karen D. Reviewed on 11/4/2011...
The movie followed the book very closely, If your an animal lover this movie can be disturbing because animals get hurt and I loved the animals and felt empathy for each one of them.I also think the circus owner was a jerk and a very disturbed man who didn't like animals so I don't know why he got into the circus in the first place he was a mean drunk who beat up his own wife. if it wasn't for Rosie the elephant he would have murdered his wife. Rosie the elephant was a true hero in this film if it wasn't for Rosie the guy who joined the circus wouldn't have gotten married and had kids with Marlena and lived a happily life.
I would have to say I wouldn't recommend this movie to animal lovers.