Abandon (*1/2)
review by Jon Waterman

Since “The Ring” was sold out, here’s my review for “Abandon.”
 
Abandon is the story of a girl, Katie, whose boyfriend disappeared two years ago.  When a cop is brought in to investigate the case, Katie begins to believe the boyfriend is back.
 
Here we have the directorial debut of Stephen Gaghan, the man behind the incredible “Traffic.”  Steve-O wrote this one, too, but it was probably cranked out quickly or maybe suspense thrillers just aren’t his thing.  The dialogue actually didn’t bother me too much.  For the most part, it was natural and seemed to fit the situation.  The script hinted at subplots that he knew wouldn’t matter to anyone watching the film, so they are placed in such a way that it becomes overheard dialogue that is interrupted, or just mentioned briefly and never returned to.  I’m glad nothing more tried to develop in this overly long (99 minutes) Katie Holmes showcase.  So, back to Gaghan.  The biggest problem I have with the script is the structure and the plot.  The movie is filled with convention after cliché after standard, chopped up by the new and exciting idea of the, forgive me if I spell this breakthrough incorrectly, “flash-back.”  These “flash-backs,” although completely revolutionary, are still quite burdensome and rather unnecessary.
 
The way the film was shot brought nothing new, nor interesting.  Matthew Libatique (“Pi,” Requiem for a Dream,” “Josie and the Pussycats”) was the cinematographer.  After learning this, I was surprised the film was full of such deep tinting.  I don’t know who’s choice it was to make everything so dang blue, but I hope it wasn’t his.  Like I said…conventions.
 
One last point of interest before I delve (briefly) into the cast and go into my closing thoughts is the music.  Clint Mansell scored this film.  His work on “Pi” and “Requiem for a Dream” was phenomenal and truly aided in the emotional impact of those films.  His work on “Abandon” was completely unnoticeable.  In my mind, that means it was average.  The music didn’t help the film, but it didn’t deter from it.  The score did not make the film any more laughable than it already was.
 
Now, the film has been hyped as a star vehicle for Katie Holmes.  People have lauded her performance and have talked about how she is now moving on to more grown-up rolls.  Let’s get something straight.  Playing a college student…not that grown-up.  She’s still playing younger than she actually is.  She is now in a leading roll, something she hasn’t done before.  As for her acting, it wasn’t bad.  None of the actors were bad.  None of them were outstanding, either.  At least Katie didn’t do the sneering lip thing when delivering her lines like she is very prone to do.  The best I can say is that no one over-exaggerated…except for Charlie Hunnam (TVs Undeclared, played the boyfriend).  He was a little too much and over the top.  Supposedly that was the point of his character, but it still annoyed me.
 
In conclusion, I would say that “Abandon” is not very good.  I would see something else instead.  The end.

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