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Very much a play as a movie, which it is, and that's a good thing since it drives itself on its excellent dialogue and interplay between characters. It's a showcase for some fine acting from all four of the players, even Julia Roberts who I feel is the most uninteresting and overrated actress ever to be a big star. She brings a lot of weight to her scenes though. Natalie Portman is captivating, of course. Jude Law continues to never play the straight up heart throb like you'd think he would. Like Hugh Grant he plays a good cad. Clive Owen has the most interesting role, I think, and he plays it viciously.

The story is about two sets of intermingling couples and it is involving in its way of spanning lengths of time and letting you feel your way around the intricacies of their relationships. It's also a bit uninvolving in the selfish and, at times, implausible connections they seem to make with each other. These are selfish, insecure, and pathetic people. At times it's hard to rectify why they do this to themselves and each other. But it's a trainwreck so it's compelling to watch.

Interestingly, an older couple in the theater told us they were warned that the movie might be a little racy for them when they bought the tickets. The dialogue is definitely explicit at times but it's nothing unusual. Probably Julia Roberts fans need to be warned that she talks about enjoying oral and anal sex. They may not be able to take it.

B+

Posted at December 7, 2004 12:07 PM

i was very disappointed in closer ... felt pretty stiff with forced dialogue ... only good part was clive owen ... i gave it a C

saw ocean's 12 - VERY disappointing ... such high expectations and it was very boring ... C +

looking forward to avaitor and million dollar baby!

Posted by: Mike at December 13, 2004 12:30 PM