jnelson522

Much about the movie is charming, thoughtful, compelling (especially the extraordinary Frederikke Dahl Hansen). But the unrelievedly annoying, boring persona of the character William, and a performance by Gethin Anthony that substitutes pouting for acting, spoils the whole effort.

The amusing reversal - a 28-year old consumed by teenaged angst, a 14-year old with capacity for thought and empathy - might have given the movie energy and interest. But in order to get there, the 28-year old would have to be interesting, at the least. Neither the writers nor the actor get him to that point.

If you're looking for glorious scenery, a modern, comic Greek chorus of widows -- and otherwise flat characters, inconsistent performances, uninspired direction, and a predictable story -- the movie might be for you.

The formula (exotic location, culture clash, boy gets/loses/gets girl, etc.) is a workable formula. But this one seemed like a first draft of a story that needed many re-writes before it became a workable script. The formulaic plot never generated interest. Matthew Modine's character had no discernible appealing qualities, and Richard Griffiths is uncomfortably grotesque to watch. Agni Scott is beautiful and managed to make something of her role, as did Hristos Valavanidis in an amusing turn as the mayor.