I have to admit honestly, that I did not have a desire to see this movie based on the previews and advertising campaign. Yes, it had Sandra Bullock, who I could watch fold laundry, but it had little else. The plot had been done before, the scenes looked boring, nothing at all appealed to me. But still, for all my faithful readers, I did go see it, and dear movie lover, I am quite glad I did. This is the first truly pleasant surprise of 1999. It is an unexpected joy.

From the previews, I expected a typical guy who's with one, but not sure if she's the right one, and meets another on a journey or such (i.e. The Sure Thing). It had been done before; this just looked like prettier faces doing it. What I got, instead, was a surprisingly smart, deep, and incredibly filmed look, into the search for true love, and what it means.

Sometimes, to find it, all we have to do is look inside ourselves and let go. Ben is in love with his fiancée, but you get the sense that something isn’t quite right. She travels to Savannah, leaving him NY with his ailing father (and boy you should see why he's ailing).

The journey for Ben to get to her, is the basis of the movie. He meets Sandra during the first of many Job-like prophetic tragedies, and they slowly, but surely develop a bond.

The only remaining question then is, will he choose Sandra, or his fiancée. I shall not divulge said answer, for it is part of the joy of the film. This becomes less a film about the trip from NY to Georgia, but of Affleck’s emotional journey to discover who he really is, and what he really wants. Is Sandra the love of his life, or just the messenger and guide of this journey.

The things I enjoyed about this movie are numerous. I'll try not to get too carried away in describing them. First, the cinematography is amazing. You don't usually expect a light-hearted romance to be filmed this well, but this one is. The shots of rain, and hail falling are truly amazing, but overall, just the look, and perspectives here, give it a slow, patient, sensuous feel. Secondly, I admire that the director didn't feel the need to go overboard on tugging at emotions. I've complained about that a lot lately (from movies ranging from Message in a Bottle, to Patch Adams, to even Saving Private Ryan). Movies that go for an emotion, and when have it, twist the screws a little harder to make sure you get the point. Well, here, they don't do that. The director gives the audience credit for being smart, and being able to interpret the feelings and emotions of the moment, and not hammering into our hearts. There is a true passion between, and in, all of these characters, and it is shown in actions, lingering looks, and simple dialogue, rather than going straight for our heartstrings and playing them like a harp. Next comes the music. A lot of the music that I’m listening to right now comes from movie soundtracks. Mostly, The Wedding Singer, Boomerang, or Crimson Tide, varied tastes I know, but I am admirer of the soundtrack of a film. It can set moods, carry emotions, and support the emotional power of scenes. The music in this film conveys its personality. It is powerful, yet playful, emotional, yet spunky. The music in the strip club, U2’s remake of Everlasting love, and a remake of Love the one you’re with, are just a few of the pleasant delights here. The music never replaces dialog, but rather holds the mood, and helps drive the scenes along. This is another one, along with 200 Cigarettes, that I will own very soon. Finally, the performances were all fitting, and well done. Like I’ve said before, I can watch Sandra do just about anything on screen (save Speed 2, and In Love and War) because usually she seems so natural, and fun, and at home in her roles. This applies here as well, she relaxes, and puts some energy into her character, while Affleck drops his Boston tough guy image, and actually gives a believably emotional performance. The camera also loves these two, and shows the chemistry between them. This movie exudes slow, seductive passion, without having to throw it in your face. The looks, the eyes, the body language, are all caught by the camera.

We all like surprises, good ones, and unexpected ones at least, and this movie is truly a surprise.