Pauls Valley, Oklahoma —
There’s no doubting the power a film about overcoming the impossible has on audiences. This result is nearly ingenious when you mix what should be an absurd goal with a nerd getting the babe in the same flick and the result is either a Geneva Convention violation on sappiness or at least a well chosen way to spend a couple hours on the weekend.
While I’m sure there’s a level of suffering argument to be made for a few individuals, the result here is actually rather tolerable when the actors counter by throwing in just enough British lack of emotion for the Queen’s sake. I did enjoy the scenes involving the country featured in the title and really would have preffered to see a little more. Still, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” puts together something heartwarming in the end and does at least pique interest in the novel of the same name.
This adventure actually starts off with no real excitement at all where we meet the British expert in salmon fisheries, Alfred Jones (Ewan McGregor). Very serious and professional in his approach, one can imagine why he would brush off a request by consultant Harriet Chetwode-Talbot (Emily Blunt) to introduce his coveted species into the middle of a desert in Yemen.
Unfortunately politics intervenes and he is forced to at least address the issue with the royal dude himself, Sheikh Muhammad (Amr Waked) when the press secretary, Patricia Maxwell (Kristin Scott Thomas), for the prime minister insists. However, though he may at first grumble over his predicament, he quickly finds his life impacted in ways he never imagined from his marriage with Mary (Rachael Stirling) to his own faith. What follows is a pleasant journey of self rediscovery and enough romance to satisfy those bent on chick flicks.
In the end, it’s relatively inoffensive to just about anyone and should be appropriate for any age willing to sit through the problems us adults deal with on a daily basis. To put it simply, even the things which might be seen as mature are presented as mildly as possible to the point where one of the love making scenes might as well not even be called such.
I doubt I’ll rush to even watch it again on the tellie as the UK residents would say, but it’s worth a one time viewing for boredom’s sake. Then again, I would certainly consider a sequel if he came back as Obi Wan and saved the galaxy using fish sabers. Final verdict for “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen:” three out of five lures.
DVD rental courtesy of Family Video of Pauls Valley.
Arts
Related Photos
-
Artwork for "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," available on DVD. BBC Films, CBS Films.
Discussion
‘Salmon Fishing in Yemen’ worth a nibble
DVD Review
- Arts
-
-
‘Silver Linings Playbook’ finds structure in mental script
Only in Hollywood magic land can the stressful and never hilarious situation of dealing with violently mentally ill family members be turned into one of the most beloved comedy creations ever.
-
‘Iron Man 3’ proves nothing is sacred with fresh twists
In a time when God-like status is granted to those who can obtain the franchise tag for a film series, the true test of creative power is not falling flat when that third or later chapter is born.
-
‘Oblivion’ starts off vague, but delivers constant thrills
There may never be a day where science fiction is fully given the attention and praise it deserves from the highest and mightiest of award shows, but for moviegoers it continues to deliver some of the most celebrated moments in cinematic history.
-
‘Olympus has Fallen’ a perfect fix for action addiction
Gone may be the era when moviegoers could freely revel in an overtly cheesy patriotic action fest without being accused of having a political agenda.
-
‘The Host’ under-appreciated at the box office
For all the hype and worship expressed over the past several years for a certain glittery nightmarish treatment of vampires, it doesn’t make much sense that the same audience wouldn’t break down theater doors to see an example of the same author’s next work, especially with actual talent from the lead actress.
-
‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ improves, but still lacks substance
Cue my childhood: A mix of early morning animated adventures and 80s/90s action films, followed by their recreation in the dirt battlefields along the backyard fence.
-
‘Seven Psycopaths’ finds balance in quirky comedy
Looking back on the amount of time I’ve dedicated to escaping the world for the embrace of quirky comedy, one element most things hilarious have attempted to tame is insanity.
-
‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ monumental, though more TV friendly
Unless you had about the most soul crushing upbringing possible, there isn’t a child that hasn’t let their imagination wonder when thinking about the world above the clouds.
-
‘Life of Pi’ an example of artsy done right
As the day the Oscars tell you what movies were better than the ones most people thought were the best inch their way ever closer, I thought it only appropriate to try and at least squeeze in one more of those chosen in the top nine.
-
‘Hope Springs’ cast saves audience from potential geriatric horror
There may be no one thing more disturbing for those still in their youth to hear of any sort of intimate relationship between elderly couples.
- More Arts Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
