Catch and Release

This film is fundamentally about how to cope with painful truths; escape with distractions, bottle it up for years, only show the good side of ourselves, blame others for our own failings or what's out of our control, or face it and transmute it into something that's helpful and kind. Every character grapples with this, even the child, and traverses their own story arc without staying stuck in one dimension. They each make mistakes and grow from them. It's so relatable that, by the end, it feels like you're just another friend in the room with these very real-seeming people. I'm a fan of every actor and they each create a story that engaged my heart from the beginning. I felt along with each of them, so they did a wonderful job. Garner managed to express the bitter side of grief in a way that humanized her character without vilifying her. There were plenty of moments when her character could have been played a touch too low or too grasping, but Garner's vulnerability kept the character grounded and lovable. Juliette Lewis was just perfect. Olyphant's character seems to be written as a cartoon cutout at first, but he quickly displays an electric presence that gives the guy interest, self-awareness, and depth. Olyphant consistently steals the show; you just want to see what he's going to do next. The love scenes have a focus on the story being told rather than just exposing the actors' bodies. More is said without words, which makes the story more stimulating. ***SPOILERS*** The scene in the kitchen when Gray runs to hide just when Fritz is about to express his feelings is mostly well executed, but I wish the frame had pulled back enough to show the gesture Olyphant made with his hand when Garner pulled back. He reached for her in a silent "don't go" that was only partially visible. That movement contributed more to the unspoken conversation, so it really shouldn't have been cropped. The storage room scene where Olyphant played Fritz's self-defense with pained humor felt like a real break-up, and the shadow of disillusioned resolve that crossed his eyes looked like he was living it rather than acting it. Olyphant is consistently magnetic and fun to watch. ***/SPOILERS***

Jennifer Garner and Timothy Olyphant...how can you go wrong?! Sweet, real, awesome moving, film. Thank you Susanna Grant! These two both are scene stealers, and their ability to act and express so much with such subtle movements, facial expressions, as well as the way they speak and how the speak their lines....completely engaging, witty, heartfelt, as well as with depth, and sadness. Two truly gifted artistic talents. Really nice to see Timothy Olyphant pick up the camera again - must be an actual passion of is - his character in Broken Hearts Club is also a photographer...and equally compelling and engaging. Bravo, direction, writing, and the whole cast, yes Julliet Lewis, is also always pretty amazing as well. Thank you Susanna Grant for bring us a touching, moving, heartfelt, and tastefully romantic story, and never going for an easy or cheap way with the development and journey of the main characters. Please create more films like this, and please use Jennifer Garner and Timothy Olyphant again :) I didn't know about this movie until just randomly searching for Jennifer Garner (big Alias fan!) and when I saw she was the lead with Timothy Olyphant (he is amazing in everything he does....from Justified, to his role in Damages, Broken Hearts Club, and even as the villain in one of the Die Hard films), I figured it was worth renting and I was more than happy..... I'd even watch a sequel :)

Great movie!

This is one of my favorite Timothy Olyphant movies that just so happens to have an excellent ensemble cast, all around. He is truly a romantic lead. This film is a Chick Flick, a Rom-Com, folks. It's not based on a great literary read. But it does takes a heavy subject, the unexpected loss of a loved one, and explores the different ways the loss is experienced by each character of the ensemble cast. And it doesn't necessarily show them all in their best light. The way the deceased's fiancee, Gray (Jennifer Garner), and his LA party buddy Fritz (Olyphant) meet in the beginning of the film shows the two to be about as polar opposite as two people can be. Then, you have the deceased's business partner, Dennis (Sam Jaeger), falling for Garner's character at such an inappropriate time. Fionna Shaw is excellent casting as the grief stricken mother. The comedy standouts have to be the deceased's good friend, Sam (Kevin Smith is surprisingly excellent) and Maureen (played by the incomparable Juliette Lewis who is a jewel in everything she touches). Garner and Olyphant have serious chemistry going on that translates over the screen. Garner is able to demonstrate a full range of emotions as she progresses through the stages of grief, while Olyphant is the cool, handsome, seemingly superficial Fritz who hits all the right notes opposite Garner's evolving character. There is a kiss between these two that is one of the hottest I've ever seen in the movies. This film is a road picture, a jaunt. It's mindless and heartwarming fun, against a heavy backdrop. Not to be taken too seriously. Have you ever seen David Duchovny and Minnie Driver in 'Return to Me?' A Chick Flick, Rom-Com against the serious subject of a heart transplant? These two films are similar in that way and tone; however, 'Catch and Release' has a younger ensemble cast and is set in a different city. And I found the chemistry between Garner and Olyphant to be more combustable than I did between Duchovny and Driver.

Der Film ist echt Klasse. Ein Frauenfilm durch und durch. Die Schauspieler sind alle echt genial. Die Story sehr gut. Kleine Sprüche die teilweise sehr komisch, aber wahr sind. Wunderschöne Orte, mir geviel die Flußszene sehr schön. Die Natur ist wirklich zum angreifen nahe. Zur Story. Alle müssen mit dem Verlust des besten Freundes und Verlobten zu recht kommen, dabei entwickelt sich das Leben aller weiter. Und es entsteht eine sehr schöne Liebesromanze. Die die Trauer um alles in den Hintergrund stellt.

Such a sweet movie! I was introduced to it only a few years ago and have watched it more times than I can count. It definitely needed a permanent place on my shelf!

It wasn't until I was searching on Amazon for random dvds that I could spend what little money I had on, that I found 'Catch and Release'. Now I must admit that when I was looking at it on amazon it looked rubbish and deathly boring and maybe quite old. When I eventually gave in and watched it I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole film! It's safe to say that this film is captivating! Jennifer Garner played her character in such a way that I felt everything she was feeling! I got butterflies and just couldn't look away! The comedy aspect of the film kept me highly amused and I really giggled at parts! Once I'd watched the film once, I watched it again every night for the next week because I loved it so much and got something new from it everytime I watched it! After watching it endlessly I bought more copies for my friends for christmas and they all loved the film almost as much as me! I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good old chick flick! Even if you're doubting this film because of how it looks I would urge you to give it a chance!!

Good

Wow! Love this movie. I'm so glad I own it. For once the movie is as good (probably better) than let on by the previews! Previews were good, movie is great! Wish I could watch more, didn't want it to end.