entirely separate from any discussion of the merits of the film below, it should be noted that if nothing else it is a serious barrage of music. i would not be surprised one bit if all the songs used in clip form exist as some massive mixtape compilation in cameron crowe’s closet. most of it though i didn’t really know or notice other than that there was constantly something new to hear. i was, however, reminded in a big way during an important scene of how wonderful the wheat track don’t i hold you is at capturing the feeling of a romantic evening full of stars. so even though it’s old (off 1999’s hope and adams), it justified being brough back as a pay day song.

elizabethtown – 3 stars

the movie, however, was what i would call ‘really greatly average’. at times there was really great dark humor, but at others it seemed like it was trying too hard to be charmingly offbeat. the story on paper is extremely romantic but there weren’t enough moments in the film where i felt like i was seeing people fall in love; it was more like they both thought they were being extremely clever at flirting on film. like i said, there’s a wealth of scene-appropriate music, but so much that you almost don’t get to feel a song before its on to the next track of the soundtrack (how the soundtrack can only be a single disc must have been a tough choice for someone).

i did like some of the characters a lot (the rocking cousing was great), or some of the scenes a lot (the memorial service is what i think everyone’s funeral should be like), and i have to give major credit for this film taking the burden of planning an impossible feat of romantic setup and placing it on the female lead for a change. that, at least, was something i couldn’t remember another, better example of. but overall i’m just not sure i believed it — or yes, didn’t feel like maybe garden state did the loss + right girl in the right place at the right time = true love thing a little better, probably the most agreed upon condemnation of this movie. in both cases, i get the feeling the writer/director was basically just creating their fictional dream girl scenario where they are lucky enough to find the most wonderful, quirky, beautiful female in the world without having to DO anything, and not only does a great relationship ensue but she also makes killer mix tapes. unfortunately i’d still rather see zach braff’s dreams come true than crowe’s, in this case, and can only recommend this one as a rental you’re sure to think is really good in a ‘definitely not a waste of time’ kind of way.