S R

Bill Murray is as charismatic as ever, albeit grumpy and rude to everyone. You just can't help enjoy every minute that he's on screen , with his subtle expressions and dry sarcastic humor. He doesn't have great screen chemistry with Scarlett Johansson. Their scenes together feel silly and forced - as if a rich, lonely guy at this stage of life wouldn't 100% sleep with the beautiful, lonely girl staying at the same hotel and giggling at everything he says. Call me cynical, it's just not believable. Johansson is a decent actress but her character is so freaking dull and unlikable. She doesn't DO anything. For someone who is supposed to be smart, having studied "philosophy at Yale", she doesn't make any use of her time or brain cells by exploring, creating, touring, learning. Instead, she wanders around, stares out of windows, and mopes. Her husband is nerdy, but not a bad guy. She shouldn't have joined him on this work-related trip if she expected him to lay aside all his plans for her. As for Anna Farris' archetypal early-2000's blonde bimbo character: what is she doing here? Is this a goofy romcom? Honestly she served no purpose and it ruined the film's serious overtone for me. I'm surprised no one else has commented on it. I knocked off a star just because of her character. This movie does have its charm, and it would have worked if there was more character development, context, and a better script. There is a note of fantasy to it, especially Bob and Charlotte's relationship. But nothing about it is very deep. Style over substance seems to be the rule of thumb with Sofia Coppola movies; the music, ambience, cinematography, and performances are all very good, making you FEEL like the story has substance....when it really doesn't.