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Water for Elephants (2011)

Director: Francis Lawrence

Time Out rating

Average user rating

9 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

Some promo shots for this likeable, Depression-era melodrama show Robert ‘R-Patz’ Pattinson getting cosy in the hay with Dumbo. But don’t fret: their love stays as unconsummated as that of Bella and Edward in ‘Twilight’. This adaptation of a Sara Gruen novel plays as one long flashback: we dissolve to 1931 as nonagenarian Jacob (Hal Holbrook) tells of his early life: he jumped a circus train after the death of his Polish parents and the end of his Ivy League veterinary career.

Told at a leisurely pace and with attractive period detail, the film explores a four-way tussle between young Jacob (Pattinson), circus boss August (Christoph Waltz, again hiding a dagger behind a grin), his showgirl wife Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) and elephant Rosie (Tai, the biggest ham of the lot).

It’s overlong yet, paradoxically, the final stages feel rushed. But ‘Water for Elephants’ has charm, and this more grown up role suits Pattinson more than the histrionics of last year’s ‘Remember Me’. The film offers a life lesson for pet owners, too: next time your animal plays up, try talking to it in Polish.

Author: Dave Calhoun

Time Out London Issue 2124 - May 5011 2011

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User reviews of this film

Mark said...

Posted on Oct 28 2011 10:08 Like a really awful Disney film. A mess of a story that felt as if it was being made up as it went along, and terrible acting.

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ric said...

Posted on May 16 2011 15:54 pleasantly surprised by this movie-in a good way because i loathe mr paterson(went with girlfriend) Honestly one of my fav movies of the year. Go see while you have the chance-if not get on dvd-if not wait 3 years for it to come out on channel 5.
Wasnt a classic but worthwhile trip to the cinema.

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scrumpyjack said...

Posted on May 14 2011 17:58 Romance! Dirty dealings! An elephant who NEVER forgets! One thing i'll never forget too...this is the first good "Patterson" film I've ever seen! Recommended for all (bar Kate, Rees and Dianne, obviously) 7/10

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Kate said...

Posted on May 11 2011 23:03 Wouldn’t go to see this film if you paid me £1 million. The ADI footage of ‘elephant training techniques’ shows me all I need to see. Horrific - if unsurprising. That’s how you train big wild animals – don’t believe for a second anyone that tells you otherwise.

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scrumpyjack said...

Posted on May 08 2011 17:34 You did not see it all, so your comments are neither here or there, Di. I have not seen it, but when I do, i'll watch it all and tell you what you did or didn't miss. dear oh dear, cant sit still for 120 Min! tut.

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Diane said...

Posted on May 08 2011 16:03 My friend and I thought this film predictable, corny, poorly acted and far too long. We left well before the end - something we NEVER do - and had a more enjoyable time talking to the cinema staff by the popcorn!

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Evie said...

Posted on May 07 2011 18:00 It's a jolly good old fashioned film you could take your date, your gran or your kids to and none would be bored. It feels authentically 1930s in design and if some of the elephant/animals are CGI then you can't really tell. Both RPatz and Reese are likeable on screen presences and Reese makes balancing precariously high in the air on an elephants trunk look like the most natural thing to do in the world. As circus movies go, its not on a par with Trapeze but its a worthy addition to the genre. And ok i admit it i cried at the corny ending.

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Mike said...

Posted on May 06 2011 13:11 Surprisingly good film - well acted, scripted etc. A bit long in places and a small crowd left not long before the end. It won't win Oscars, but a good night out - it could easily pass as family entertainment and end up being shown at prime time on Xmas day. Three stars.

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Anna said...

Posted on May 04 2011 04:46 Really enjoyed this movie. Its got a certain charm that has been missing from movies lately. The cast was wonderful and it was beautifully filmed.

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