MOVIE REVIEW - Water For Elephants

Been a while since we've had a good circus tragedy move at the theaters. But that's this weeks Water For Elephants.

This beloved book now comes to the big screen with three big stars. Reece Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. This is an eternal triangle love story that takes place in 1931 at the heart of the great depression, in the golden age of the competing traveling circuses. It's the story of a young man named Jacob (Pattinson). After his parents are killed, he drops out of Cornell University where he was studying to be a veterinarian. He runs off and joins the Benzini Brothers circus and eventually ends up as the circus vet.

He also finds he has eyes for the star attraction of the circus, Marlena (Witherspoon) who is married to the head of the circus, August (Waltz). August is a maniacal man who sees nothing wrong with treating his wife badly, others, and animals. He buys an elephant, Rosie as his star animal attraction, and wastes no time in abusing her, and virtually everyone and thing around him. He learns of the Marlena/Jacob affair, and goes on the warpath to get his life right and kill Jacob. Rosie is the central character that brings them together as lovers. This is a nutshell of course, as this story is actually quite complicated, with many side characters and plots.

This is a very powerful story told with the backdrop of the circus in the early 20th century. It is wonderfully filmed with fantastic costuming and sets. It is a deep love story in the spirit of Titanic. Really great performances by our three big stars and a wonderful supporting cast as well. Should be noted, there is some very uncomfortable animal cruelty scenes from time to time here. This will make most of us flinch and cringe, and that's the idea. But in it's defense, there is nothing here that isn't central to the story.

It is also good to see Witherspoon make a good movie again. She is an Oscar winner, and her last couple of movies have been a real step back for her, but here she shines. It's also good to see Pattinson away from the Twilight movies again. I am so ready for those to be over, because this is Hollywood's next male dramatic star. He's very good here, and is each time he steps away from Twilight. Waltz, also an Oscar winner, is simple great again - period.

Water For Elephants, well written, and well done.