The Badger Herald: You’ll Definitely ‘Remember’ This Movie

Latest Rob Pattinson vehicle offers spectacular acting across the board along with a shocker twist you won’t forget

Living in the moment is key — at least that’s what “Remember Me” tries to get across. Directed by Allen Coulter (“Hollywoodland”) and produced by Robert Pattinson (“New Moon”), “Remember Me” forces audiences to tightly grip their seats on a merciless emotional rollercoaster. Through the combination of exceptional acting and a moving storyline, the film proves to be well worth the ride and price.

“Remember Me” follows the story of Tyler Hawkins (played by Pattinson) and Ally Craig (Emilie de Ravin of TV’s “Lost”), two 21-year-olds who find consolation in each other as they struggle to come to terms with the loss of loved ones. After being arrested by Ally’s father, Tyler’s roommate, Aidan (Tate Ellington, “Red Hook”), concocts a scheme of revenge, involving Tyler dating Ally. Naturally, Aidan’s plot goes awry as Tyler begins to fall for Ally, going to her when everything else in his life falls apart.
Awkward scenes between the two lovers are interspersed with family life, as Ally struggles to get her overprotective father to realize that she makes her own decisions. Tyler, on the other hand, has to deal with the pain caused by his older brother’s suicide and being both best friend and father figure to his younger sister, Caroline (Ruby Jerins, “Shutter Island”). Tyler must struggle to get his career-obsessed father (Pierce Brosnan, “The Ghost Writer”) to realize that he is losing his children. Just as things start picking up, the film ends in one of the most shocking twists imaginable.

At first, “Remember Me” seems founded in cliché. Take, for instance, the whole scenario in which boy asks girl out on a bet and then proceeds to fall for her. Sound familiar? While used in an overwhelming number of romantic comedies, the storyline is adapted here. Tyler is far from the popular kid at school asking out the geek, and the pair seems a likely couple, as they both come from similarly horrific backgrounds.

The acting itself throughout the film is above par. Pattinson gives a gripping performance as Tyler, a chain-smoking alcoholic haunted by the death and devastation of his family. While the moody character may not seem new to “Twilight” fans, Pattinson gives Tyler an entirely new dimension, showing once and for all that the boy can act. Pattinson shines through the awkward moments with Ally and the sentimental walks with Caroline. The life that Pattison brings to his character is moving, especially when seen through the juxtaposition of these two important relationships.

However, the dynamic between Tyler and Caroline is much stronger than that between him and Ally, which, when the entire movie revolves around this “love story,” proves to be a little disconcerting. The two give an utterly realistic representation of an older brother and younger sibling, as Tyler’s protectiveness emanates whenever in Caroline’s presence.

Jerins gives a seamless portrayal of a young, spacey artist caught in the grips of a nasty bullying scheme. Picked on for being different, Caroline has to deal with her own struggles, which progressively worsen. The acting here is strong for such a young actress. Within moments of being introduced to Caroline’s character, her personality is apparent just through the way she speaks.

Ellington also gives a realistic portrayal of a college party-boy, as the picture he paints of Aidan would be familiar to anyone on a college campus. Providing the only comic relief in the film, Aidan’s character is highly important, and Ellington’s acting is far from disappointing. Combined with the other supporting actors, including Brosnan and Cooper, the quality of acting on all levels is impressive.

The only true disappointment is the ending. While the title itself, “Remember Me,” hints at something less than favorable occurring, the audience is in no way prepared for this completely unexpected turn of events. Surprise would be one word for it; however, the ending just seems so completely tacked on and out of place that the only emotion being evoked in theatres is that of anger.

While not for the faint of heart, “Remember Me” transports audiences into a grimy and gripping New York filled with many hardships. With strong performances all around, the film is highly commendable. However, be prepared to be completely unprepared for an ending that will leave movie-goers in a complete “what-the-fuck” state of mind.