Movie Review: Wicker Park

Josh Hartnett's mad about Helen of Troy... or was that Orlando Bloom? Anyhoo, "Helen" (Diane Kruger) is hot for Josh in the romantic drama Wicker Park and he's so obsessed that he's seeing her everywhere.

Advertising rising star Matthew (Josh Hartnett) has been working in New York and, after two years, returns to Chicago engaged to his boss's daughter. He just doesn't seem happy, however.

He's about to close a huge business deal in China but thinks he's spotted his old girlfriend Lisa (Diane Kruger) on the phone in a bar. Two years ago the duo had a passionate affair and he asked her to move in with him then poof!, she took off without a word, apparently accepting a dancing gig in Europe. Matt was shattered.

Using phone calls, he pretends to his fiancée that he's in China while getting help from pal Luke (Matthew Lillard), a shoe store clerk/manager who has got his own romantic trouble with his girlfriend Alex (Rose Byrne). Matt's goal is to find Lisa and get an explanation after all this time. To say any more would reveal too much of this twisted "who is who" mystery romance.

Wicker Park is one of those convoluted films with tons of flashbacks that dovetails together in a pretty unexpected manner. If you can keep up with the plot, you might have some fun with it. There are some plot-ends left dangling. Who is a mystery widower? Was he married to Lisa or what?

Can't tell you why but this is really Rose Byrne's movie and she's great in her part. Far moreso than Josh or Diane whom I never really did feel any real heat from. They seem mismatched. Josh is cute, okay, but he's just playing a nice, bland guy and he plays him quite blandly. Matt Lillard may be sick of playing the sidekick but his comic relief is welcomed and very funny and winning as his poor character just stays confused through much of the film.

Despite the trailers you may have seen, this isn't a crazy killer babe Single White Female style film but more of a who is who and what do they know thing. If anything but a straightforward plot confuses you then this isn't the movie for you. Diane and Josh look hot but love scenes are strictly PG-13.

For some decent Josh viewing and good performances by Matt and Rose... 3 out of 5 stars.

***

Lynn Barker is a Hollywood-based entertainment journalist and produced screenwriter.