Review: ‘Before We Go’s’ nighttime walk runs out of steam fast
He’s a starving artist standing in New York’s Grand Central with little cash, expired credit cards and a phone that says “battery low.” She missed her train, had her purse stolen and broke her mobile.
Such are the all-too-familiar screenplay restrictions on money and communication that force two beautiful strangers together for a walk-talk-and-bond night in “Before We Go,” the flat, flimsy directorial debut of its star, “Captain America’s” Chris Evans.
His flirtatious, busking trumpeter Nick initially gloms on to distraught art dealer Brooke (Alice Eve), who’s making her way back to Boston pronto to save her marriage. But neither character seems that concerned about it, not when they’re starring in a 30-second commercial for attractiveness stretched to 95 pointless minutes.
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There’s so little urgency, cleverness or romantic comedy zing to this effort from four credited screenwriters (including Oscar winner Ron Bass) that the whole effort seems to run solely on the smiles of its photogenic leads. And, frankly, the smiles routinely dissipate any perceived tension. “None of your business” and “it’s complicated” are actually lines of dialogue intended to prolong the mystery.
Evans’ approach to directing, meanwhile, is making sure a camera is nearby. What it captured isn’t much.
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“Before We Go.”
Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
MPAA rating: PG-13 for brief strong language, suggestive content.
Playing: ArcLight Hollywood.
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