The opening sequence, of what a newspaper headline will describe as a "Freak Balloon Accident," disrupting an idyllic picnic in the English countryside, is a true grabber. The protagonist, who loses his grip both literally and then figuratively, will be tortured over his role in the mishap, despite the reassurances of his friends ("Compared to most people, you're a fucking action hero"). And between the histrionics of Daniel Craig and the enigmatics of Rhys Ifans -- a fellow participant who begins to stalk our hero -- the film loses its own grip, too. (Roger Michell's unsteady direction doesn't help.) The conventional melodramatics of the climax cannot regain it. Based on an Ian McEwan novel. With Samantha Morton, Bill Nighy, Susan Lynch. (2004) — Duncan Shepherd
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