Movie Review: Water For Elephants

Synopsis: Set during the depression era of the early 1930s, a veterinary student (Robert Pattinson) abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet, where he becomes interested in a performer who is also the owner's wife (Reese Witherspoon).

I liked this better than I expected to as I'm not a big fan of romance movies really. It's just good storytelling and the setting of a traveling circus in the era of the Great Depression was compelling. The movie is well shot and looks fantastic and I found the acting to be very competent as well. I expected it from the usually fantastic Reese Witherspoon but I thought Pattinson held his own as well, despite not a lot of depth for his character (which may work to his advantage for all I know). Together as an on-screen item though personally I found their chemistry a bit lacking. Christoph Waltz's performance as a jack-ass with bursts of violence makes up for a bit of that though.

Other than the lack of chemistry, the only thing I really found it suffering from was that it drags a bit at times and it's really quite predictable with a telegraphed love triangle and an ending that though it is well shot and exciting, you could see coming with a very heavy-handed set-up early on.

Overall though the epic backdrop of the 1930s-era train circus just cool and fun and it's got solid special effects and a grand finish. Just what I want from a circus... or a romantic drama for that matter.

7/10