Wild Mountain Thyme is a dull romance
Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Wild Mountain Thyme is a dull romance

Every so often, I will check out a film just based on who is behind the scenes. Screenwriter John Patrick Shanley’s latest project Wild Mountain Thyme is one of the moviesThe writer who won an Oscar back in 1987 for penning the still  classic Moonstruck returns to the romance genre. Shanley brings his sweeping romantic vision to Ireland with Wild Mountain Thyme. The headstrong farmer Rosemary Muldoon (Emily Blunt) has her heart set on winning her neighbor Anthony Reilly’s love. The problem is Anthony (Jamie Dornan) seems to have inherited a family curse and remains oblivious to his beautiful admirer. When he discovers his father Tony (Christopher Walken) plans to sell the family farm to his American nephew (Jon Hamm), Anthony springs into action.

I love a good romantic comedy. I figured with a cast made up of the likable Emily Blunt and Jamie Dorman that the film would be enjoyable. Sadly the film has earned a spot in one of my years ten worst. The film’s accents are terrible for starters, which is surprising given that Jamie Dornan is from Northern Ireland. Talented thespian Christopher Walken is on autopilot and why he was cast in the role is beyond me. Emily Blunt is ok for the most part, but seeing as she is from London and not Ireland, some may find this offensive. The only bright spot in the film’s casting is Jon Hamm, and his role ends up as an extended cameo.

I also had issues with the film’s pacing as it is painfully slow. I looked at my watch numerous times and couldn’t wait for the film to end. John Patrick Shanley is a talented writer in his own right. Still, his adaptation of his own play to the big screen just doesn’t transition well. Perhaps releasing a filmed version of the stage play would’ve produced a better end result.

Final Grade : D

Wild Mountain Thyme opens in theaters today and is also available on demand  here and here

Movie Clappers

More to explorer

Sleeping Dogs is a snooze fest without a bone

Renowned Academy Award-winning actor Russell Crowe continues to build upon his esteemed career with his latest cinematic endeavor, “Sleeping Dogs.” Adam Cooper made his directorial debut with the film and co-wrote the script with Bill Collage. The film is an adaptation of the novel THE BOOK OF MIRRORS by Romanian writer E.O. Chirovici.

Clichés withstanding, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire keeps the franchise alive

Director Gil Kenan and co-writer Jason Reitman continue to keep a beloved franchise alive in Columbia Pictures “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” In the previous film, Phoebe (McKenna Grace) and Trevor (Finn Wolfhard), the grandchildren of the late Ghostbuster Egon Spengler, defeated Gozer. As a result, they have relocated from Summerville, Oklahoma, to the New York City firehouse. Under the guidance of their mother, Callie (Carrie Coon), and Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd), who are now dating, they continue to bust ghosts.

Romance, the 80’s and crime fill the enjoyable Love Lies Bleeding

Director Rose Maud has switched genres, trading horror for a romantic crime drama in her second film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” Glass and Weronika Tofilska wrote the script, and A24 produced the movie. The story takes place in 1989 and revolves around Lou (played by Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym manager, who falls in love with Jackie (played by Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder heading to Las Vegas to chase her dreams. However, their passion ignites violence, and they get pulled into the web of Lou’s criminal family, led by her father, Lou Sr. (played by Ed Harris).

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

© Copyright Reviews & Dunn. All rights reserved

website designed by Red Robin Digital designers