In Premonition, Sandra Bullock plays an apathetic housewife whose world is turned upside down when she finds out that her husband has been killed in a terrible car accident. To make matters worse, she wakes up the next day to find out that the accident has not yet happened, that it was only a premonition.
After seeing this film I believe that I, too, have had a premonition. What did I see in the future? I saw that this film will draw in a decent audience this weekend at the box office, then proceed to disappoint it.
Why is such a good turnout expected? Simply because there are plenty of ladies out there who are either tired of seeing nothing but family comedies (a la Wild Hogs) and blatant guy movies (300) filling their local Cineplex. And when they see that Sandra Bullock is starring, they immediately associate that with a sappy romantic storyline. Sadly they are in for a rude awakening when they discover that the closest this film gets to romance is the near rekindling of flames lost through years of stale married life between Bullock’s Linda and her soon-to-be-dead husband Jim (played by Nip/Tuck’s Julian McMahon).
Now the lack of romanticism in this flick is not quite enough to steer audiences away, as it is being marketed as a psychological thriller about being able to see into the future and make moral decisions based on those future events. The only problem there is the fact that in order to successful execute a decent thriller, you must be able to lead your audience down a path, surprise them and then at least explain what the heck is going on by the time the credits roll. This is where Premonition fails miserably, with an ending that is not even worth spoiling because it is so bad. It is one of those movies that, when the credits do finally arrive, you are forced to look at the screen and say “Huh?”
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Article comments
1 - Iloz Zoc
When I saw the promos on TV listing "Fantastic" "Thrilling", a sure "Winner!" from reviewers hailing from some radio station or some magazine from Pittsburgh, I expected the low ratings on it. A shame, too. Must have gotten lost on the cutting room floor.
2 - Chris Beaumont
I still intend on checking it out, but I am an incurable cine-addict....
Just tell me it is better than The Return!
3 - ChrisB
Neil Miller's review is right on. Too bad I didn't read it before seeing the movie.
4 - Belle
I think Neil got it wrong. The movie hits on some hard truths of marriage and if you are looking for a "feel good" flick this is NOT the movie for you. However, if you find your marriage is in a stale place this could be the movie to make you sit up and pay attention.
5 - Brooke
I LOVED the movie.....it teaches everyone to appreciate what they have now, because you never know when you might lose it, love you sandra, you're amazing!
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