I am not a sentimental type. I'm not usually affected by romantic movies. However, every once in a while one comes along that hits all the right notes and gets to me. The Lake House is a film that I found to be unexpectedly breathtaking, even if it is based on a central conceit that winds up as an inconsequential scientific impossibility. Wow, that was a mouthful.
The story centers on Kate Forster (Sandra Bullock) and Alex Wyler (Keanu Reeves). The former is a doctor who has thrown all of her time and energy into her work, leaving little room for a social life, much less any dating. This has left her alone, and in an effort to combat that, she had spent time renting a house on a lake outside of Chicago. Upon leaving, she leaves a note for the next tenant. We are then introduced to Alex, an architect seeking inspiration. He arrives at the house and reads Kate's letter. He responds, in a questioning manner, as some of the details seem to be off.
The two begin to trade letters through the mailbox at the house. They quickly realize that they are living two years apart. She actually lived in the house after him. She is in 2006 and he in 2004. Somehow they are able to communicate through the mailbox. Once you get past that unlikeliest of plot devices, you will settle into one of the most delightful of romances. You will find yourself cheering for these two to get together despite the sea of time that separates them.
My biggest worry when I approached my viewing on DVD was that it wouldn't have the same magic as it did in the theater. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. I found it to be just as magical this time as I did initially. The chemistry between the two stars was there, despite the fact that they share very little screentime. I was just as amazed at how well the impossibilities of plot and potential loopholes are handled. Sure, they are still there, but the audience is expected to look past those things.
Article comments
1 - Jeff Martin
Great point on the movie. When I saw it in the theater, half my brain was rejecting the timetravel plot holes, the other was rooting for the romance to work out. It wasn't a great film, but it was very enjoyable.