Heather Graham has used her charming personality and undeniable sex appeal to play fitting characters in Boogie Nights, Austin Powers 2, and Bowfinger. Most recently however, she returned to her independent film roots with Committed to portray a drastically different character in a lead role. While she has the charisma and ability to handle lead roles, her natural persona is completely out of place in this gimmick film that fails miserably to deliver on almost every count.
Graham plays Joline, a girl who, simply put, is absolutely committed to everything she does. Whether it be regarding her job operating a low key nightclub, her simple promises, or her husband of a year and a half, Joline is always ready to go the extra mile and more, much more, to keep her word.
One day Joline's husband, Carl (Luke Wilson), who has perhaps just needs a break from her, all of a sudden packs up and takes off. He leaves her a brief note saying that he needs a break, but he gives no signs of a quick return. Pretty soon, Joline takes the hint of a postcard from Texas and sets off to track him down. All too true to her wedding vows, no matter what she may find, she will not be angry with Carl.
When she quickly discovers Carl's whereabouts, Joline is in no hurry to throw herself at him; she believes that he may still need more time apart. Nonetheless, she speaks with his boss, becomes friends with Carmen (Patricia Velasquez), the waitress with whom she finds Carl one day, and gets to know his neighbors, notably the charming Neil (Goran Visnjic).
Committed has almost nothing at all going for it. Writer / director Lisa Krueger combined a weak script and a terribly silly story, perhaps expecting to succeed on pleasantries and gimmicks alone. Velasquez brings a fair amount of charm to the game, and Visnjic is very good in his small role, but their performances are overshadowed by weak ones from Casey Affleck (as Joline's brother), Luke Wilson, and Graham herself.
Although Graham certainly has the talent to play the lead in a successful film, no actress would be able to make good out of the material with which she had to work here. Perhaps Graham is to blame after all; she should have never signed on to play this part. Committed is a total dud of a film, and even huge fans of Graham, such as myself, would be better off skipping it so as to avoid its disappointing resonance.
3 out of 10.
Rated R for brief strong language
DVD Extras: Besides the film being in its original widescreen format and including its theatrical trailer, this DVD, like the film, has nothing at all going for it. Then again, if you do choose to check out this DVD, after seeing the film, you will have no desire to learn any more about it, so you will not be missing anything.
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