Laws of Attraction is like a court case with a great opening statement, but very little evidence and an even weaker closing argument. In short – unwinnable. The final verdict is unfortunate, because this Pierce Brosnan/Julianne Moore romantic comedy had a lot of potential.
Audrey Miller (Julianne Moore) is an uptight, professional New York City lawyer. Her insecurities and pessimism about marriage also make her into one of the city’s top divorce lawyers. She doesn’t lose – until Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) shows up in town. With his brash behavior and unconventional courtroom tactics, Audrey doesn’t know how to cope with this new competition and is introduced to her first lost case. What ensues is an intense and complex rivalry between the two over a string of cases, until they find themselves on the opposing ends of a high profile divorce case. This case is different though. When the Audrey and Daniel go to Ireland for depositions, the beauty and magic of the country turns the rivalry into a romance.
If there is any good evidence for the defense of the film’s final grade, it is the interaction between the film’s stars. Both Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan play their parts perfectly. Ms. Moore is her typical fiery self. She displays insecurity without it going over the top or being overt about it. This straight-laced performance is a sharp contrast to Pierce Brosnan’s character. The best way to describe Brosnan’s performance is to imagine a James Bond who went to law school instead of British Intelligence. Confident, charming, brilliant and handsome – Brosnan has mastered the character. However, he also shows a measure of heart and fragility in this film that we don’t see in his 007 counterparts. The early battles between the two are worth the price of admission in itself.
Objection! Leading the witness!
Great interaction between two actors is not enough to make a good movie. Without a decent plot, there is no way to care for the characters being portrayed. What’s funny is that the convoluted plot is NOT the main problem. It is the pacing. The movie starts out great, and the first case is thoroughly enjoyable. Unfortunately it quickly loses focus and begins to drag. By the second trip to Ireland, the audience is ready for the thing to just end. The supporting acting doesn’t help matters much either. Other than Frances Fisher – who makes for Audrey’s likeable and ornery mother – the rest of the cast is just plain annoying. This is especially the case for Parker Posey and Michael Sheen who portray the high profile rock star couple in the final trial. When the two resort to throwing objects at each other in the courtroom to make their point, the audience wants to just tell them to grow up.
The movie also tries to strike a nerve on the subject of divorce, but ultimately fails. When the writer’s final analysis for divorce is “because the couple just gives up,” the audience isn’t fooled. Fortunately, this is a romantic comedy and not a drama, so weak attempts at making a statement can be overlooked. Unfortunately, the weak plot cannot be overlooked, and it ultimately mars what could have been a great date movie. The movie will still appeal to older moviegoers, but, for the majority, the final verdict is a thoroughly predictable and forgettable lover’s quarrel.
