A Typical Love Story, Surprisingly Impressive Acting, and a Twist.

Remember Me

Directed By: Allen Coulter

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan

Rated: PG-13

1 hrs. 53 min.

Remember Me is the love story of college students Ally (Emilie de Ravin) and Tyler (Robert Pattinson) in New York City, set in 2001. While Ally is the type of girl to live life as if everyday could be her last, Tyler is an introverted, brooding, poetic type; the traits of both lovers come from having seen death of loved ones (for her, the murder of her mother, and for him, the suicide of his older brother). However, the circumstances that brought the two of them together, involving an incident between Tyler and Ally's father that she knows nothing of, threatens to ends the relationship.

The story itself is rather cliche. The entire time the relationship unfolds, the audience knows what the climax of the relationship will be. The other issue with that climax is how long it takes to occur. It is not too unbearable, though, so the pacing of the film is tolerable. What is most shocking about Remember Me is the ending, which you will not likely see coming. The moment in which you realize what will happen is a moment of impact to say the least. Remember Me is definitely a tear-jearker, so don't forget the tissue. In fact, something is wrong if you don't get choked up at least a little.

Surprisingly, Robert Pattinson proves that he does actually have some talent. One would never guess upon seeing the Twilight films that he could actually act, but his performance here is good. He does have his monotoned flat moments, but the emotionally charged high moments more than make up for them. The performances by the other actors are wonderful as well, including Tate Ellington as Tyler's roommate and best friend Aiden, the typical male college student who is a partier and loves to sleep in.

Overall, while the main love story is something seen in any number of other romantic films, Remember Me does offer a great deal of original elements and an unexpected ending. The performances also make this a film to see.

Grade: B+