A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Definitely, Maybe

Date Viewed: 2/16/08

Details:

Ryan Reynolds

Abigail Breslin

Elizabeth Banks

Isla Fisher

Rachel Weisz

Kevin Kline

Written & directed by: Adam Brooks

Score: +

The Review: Let's call this a light romantic outing -- it's not quite a comedy, although it has its moments, and while it has all the elements of drama, it is not intensely serious. Entertaining.

Will Hayes (Reynolds) has custody of his daughter Maya (Breslin) today, and instead of enforcing bedtime, is persuaded to tell her the story of the loves of his life (all three of them: played by Banks, Fisher and Weisz). Reluctant to give away his private life and secrets, he turns it into a puzzle about the 1990's, changing names and facts willy-nilly, so instead Maya has to figure out who her mother really is. A curious gimmick, and it certainly keeps her up past her bedtime -- and us, the audience, engaged. But the end of the story is not the end of the story.

Well-plotted, if occasionally predictable. Effective in taking you down memory lane, with the electioneering and politics of the first Clinton as background. As ever, Breslin is excellent. Small role by Kevin Kline as a curmudgeonly -- and lecherous -- college professor and author.

(16-Feb-08)

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