Opening 23 Feb 2006
Directed by:
Mikael Håfström
Writing credits:
Stuart Beattie
Principal actors:
Vincent Cassel, Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Melissa George, Addison Timlin
Charles Schine (Clive Owen) is a hard-working, responsible, faithful husband and father until one day he meets by chance Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston) on a daily commuter train to Chicago. He is instantly in lust with Lucinda, who also happens to be married, and he pursues her and shortly after coaxes her into a sleazy hotel for a night of passion. Charles and Lucinda do have quite a night, but in the process get themselves into far more than either had bargained for.
Torn between 3 and ½ popcorn buckets and four, I wish it were possible to give 3 and ¾ popcorn buckets. But as the action and intrigue of Derailed had me often perched on the edge of my seat, I’m rounding up to four. Jennifer Aniston might be the biggest name in this film, but Vincent Cassel, cold, evil and fantastic as bad guy La Roche, definitely steals the show. And it is his performance that really makes this film. Despite that though, it is Lucinda’s foreshadowing comment that some people just don’t know how to appreciate what they have that remains foremost in my memory. Big names, lots of action, and a sudden big twist in the plot will ensure Derailed does well at the box office. (Shauna Keeley)
