MovieChat Forums > Water for Elephants (2011) Discussion > The Positive Rob Pattinson Reviews

The Positive Rob Pattinson Reviews

posted 14 years ago by chrisellgold
94 replies | jump to latest

As far as I can tell, Rob seems to have gotten around 70% or more positive reviews for this movie. People keep posting negative rhetoric so I thought I'd start a thread to just compile the positive stuff. The movie currently stands at 60% Fresh on RT and 77% from the Broadcast Film Critics Association but Rob got quite a bit more positives than that. Most negative reviews seem hung up on Edward Cullen which says more about the reviewer than Rob's capabilities, in my opinion. Stole a couple of these from moviejunkie on Rob's board and I'll add more as the days go by.

CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/Movies/04/21/water.for.elephants.r eview/index.html?hpt=Sbin

As for Pattinson, this slender, smoldering 24-year-old is destined to be patronized by the critics and probably a good part of the male population for a while, but he looks like the real deal to me. He has the bone structure, but he also has a sensitivity and seriousness that should stand him in good stead.

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/water-for-elephants,1169505/c ritic-review.html

In his meatiest major-studio role outside the “Twilight” canon, Pattinson acquits himself well.

NBC
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/popcornbiz/120369779.html

While "Water for Elephants" isn't without some serious script-related stumbles (sorry, Hal), it's a pedigreed drama of great beauty that announces Pattinson as a star to be reckoned long after the dust of "Breaking Dawn" settles.

Rolling Stone
http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/water-for-elephants-2011042 1

Pattinson and Witherspoon smolder under the golden gaze of Rodrigo Prieto's camera.

TIME
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2066707,00.html#ixzz1KGzM SHON

Is there life beyond the living dead? Can Robert Pattinson, the 24-year-old Englishman who achieved a teen-talisman celebrity playing the dreamboat vampire Edward, find longevity in a post-Twilight Saga acting career?

For a few moments in Water for Elephants, the answer seems yes. As Jacob Jankowski, a part that requires him mainly to be shy and watchful, RPattz radiates a slow magnetism that locks the viewer's eyes on him.

Variety
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117945058?refcatid=31

Looking far more handsome than Holbrook ever did, Pattinson brings the same sullen sensitivity to 23-year-old Jacob that he has to the "Twilight" pics -- perfectly fitting for an overnight orphan so recently derailed from his intended life path.
<snip>

Considering the unassuming roots of the book on which "Water for Elephants" is based, along with its misfit-focused subject, there's no small irony that the pic should attract such a first-choice roster of collaborators: From dream-cast headliners Pattinson, Witherspoon and Waltz all the way down the line to d.p. Roberto Prieto, composer James Newton Howard (whose rich orchestral score sadly lacks a clear theme) and production designer Jack Fisk, the show is strictly A-list.

ABC
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/hollywood_wrap&id=8 089526

Pattinson continues to impress outside the world of "Twilight." In this movie, he's a gentle wounded soul,

The Hollywood Reporter
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/water-elephants-movie-review-1 80802

—may be well-worn but can always work in the right hands, and Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson and Christoph Waltz are all more than up to the task.

<snip>

Looking 300 per cent better than he did in his last non-”Twilight” outing, “Remember Me,” Pattinson is entirely convincing as Jacob, a Cornell veterinary school student who escapes from the ruin provoked by his parents' untimely death by almost inadvertently joining the circus.

Japan Times
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/rss/ff20120217a2.html

So "Water for Elephants comes as a surprise, because Pattinson in the lead role is, to put it bluntly, excellent. Director Francis Lawrence ("I am Legend") deploys Pattinson's particular privileged-but-unhappy aura to full advantage, and the movie reaps heaps of benefits from his skittishness, his subtle note of unreliability and that calculated lopsided grin. Plus, he takes a punch in the face, which is more than a little gratifying to witness. Win-win, all round.

Buffalo News
http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/movies/movie-reviews/ar ticle400539.ece

And, are you ready, the love triangle is acted splendidly by Witherspoon, Waltz and, yes, Pattinson as the young vet. It’s going to surprise people who’ve only seen Pattinson in “Twilight” foolishness that he can hold his own onscreen with a couple of Oscar winners, but the boy can.

CBS News Online, Showbuzz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBrl8pbBZgA

"This film transforms Pattinson into a full fledged movie star, holding his own against both Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon."

At the Movies
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s3206367.htm

This is a most fabulous film, the performances of the three leads are exemplary,

Total Film
http://www.totalfilm.com/reviews/cinema/water-for-elephants

Drum roll, deathly hush… and glory be, he’s very watchable indeed in this lush, Depression-era melodrama, based on Sara Gruen’s US bestseller.

<snip>

He’s anchoring a movie that’s old-fashioned in the best sense; one that likes its spectacle big and spangly (lions and tigers and coochie girls, oh my!) and its emotional arc bigger, so Jacob’s mixture of restrained doe-eyed suffering, idealism, and hot-headed protectiveness fits it like a tuxedo.

Believability in a period role takes some doing, but Pattinson’s understated aw-shucks courtesy and retro Montgomery Clift vibe pulls it off with élan.

<snip>

Verdict:

A swoony, enjoyable, old-time romance whose best acts are a period-perfect Pattinson and a playful pachyderm.

Atlantic Highlands Herald
http://www.ahherald.com/columns-mainmenu-28/at-the-movies/10761-review -water-for-elephants

The movie is just so well done and so well cast. Who the heck is Robert Pattinson? We are talking a serious heart throb who can really act. Totally dominates the screen and is the hero on to the animals and people alike.

Irish mail
http://thinkingofrob.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/top-bmp.jpg

But up on the big screen, it's quite wonderful: beautiful to look at, immensely moving at times, and extraordinarily well cast and well acted.

Above all, this is the movie that surely proves Robert Pattinson will have a film career once the Twilight Saga comes to a close. Hollywood is chock-full of handsome young hunks but few are quite as photogenic, and here the camera absolutely loves him. Reminiscent of James Dean in some scenes, and more a young George Clooney in others; as long as he picks his projects wisely and looks after himself, Pattinson could be around for a long time.

And if he keeps making films as food as this, I won't be complaining.

Moviefone
http://www.moviefone.co.uk/2011/05/04/water-for-elephants-review-we-gi ve-our-verdict/

What's good about it?
<snip>

Pattinson could have been forgiven for phoning in his performance, relying solely on miraculous cheekbones and his current tidal wave of adoration. Instead, he acts his chops off, running around with a lot more colour in his cheeks than poor old Edward Cullen ever enjoyed. Pattinson fans needn't worry, the boy's proved there'll be life in him post-Twilight.

Killer Movie Reviews
http://www.killermoviereviews.com/main.php?nextlink=display&dId=14 05&subLinks=

Performances find the truth in the artifice of circus life, and of the movies. Witherspoon in particular is tough without being hard. Waltz, as in his Oscar™-winning turn in INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, makes evil fascinating and not a little seductive, while Pattinson, freed from the white pancake and clunking dialogue of the undead, brings a sweet innocence to the part, one that makes the symbolism of Rosie’s trunk curling up to his chin as he talks with Marlena disingenuous, almost sweet, rather than vulgar and obvious. And there is no getting around that the elephant playing Rosie holds her own in moments of both pathos and pure joy.

Hitfix
http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured/posts/review-water-for-ele phants-is-effective-old-fashioned-melodrama

It makes me laugh that Robert Pattinson is playing a character named Jacob in this one, but honestly, he continues to impress me as a guy who just needs to get past this particular moment in his career so he can start being viewed as an actor and not just his franchise.

<snip>

For me, Pattinson and Waltz are the movie.

Access Hollywood
http://www.accesshollywood.com/moviemantz/moviemantz-review-water-for- elephants_articletab_46945

not only does Pattinson give an impressive performance, but he also holds his own alongside his Oscar-winning co-stars,

The Sunday Mirror
http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/film/film-reviews/2011/05/01/fall-punch -trunk-in-love-with-water-for-elephants-115875-23097197/#ixzz1L2oN7uyG

Robert Pattinson takes a break from his moody vampire in the Twilight films to play a moody would-be vet in this elegant tale, and despite his role being as much about his looks as his performance, he is impressive as a penniless Pole who finds work and romance under the big top.

The CW
http://weblogs.thecwdc.com/entertainment/movies/willie-waffle/2011/04/ water-for-elephants-review.html

Pattinson is great with the longing looks, yearning for the woman he shouldn't pursue and the way he brings Jacob's compassion for the animals through to the audience,

Moviehole
http://www.moviehole.net/201139965-michael-predicts-water-for-elephant s-one-of-2011s-best-films

But the main attraction here is the performances of the three stars. Witherspoon has been very scarce on screen since winning the Best Actress Oscar in 2005 for “Walk the Line.” In the six years before winning the award she appeared in no fewer than nine films. Since, she has appeared in half that number. Her work here is perfectly nuanced in a role that could have quite easily been cliché’d. Waltz is perfect as August in a role that shows us why that Oscar win was so well deserved. But the surprise here, for me anyway, is Pattinson. Quiet and brooding in the “Twilight” films he seems to jump off the screen here, matching Waltz and Witherspoon scene for scene. Who knew this kid could act?? Well done young man.

MacLeans
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/21/opening-weekend-water-for-elephants -african-cats-bill-cunningham-new-york/

Pattinson delivers a solid, well-modulated performance that shows there’s a real actor lurking in the skin of Twilight‘s Edward Cullen,

News of the World
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/notw/nol_showbiz/nolcelebrity_movies/1 284402/Verdict-Empathy-and-ivory.html

Plus, Pattinson's massive face looks quite a lot like Buster Keaton's - he's got a silent-movie-star quality that makes him a perfect choice for the lead. (Also, he's really good.)

Three Movie Buffs
http://www.threemoviebuffs.com/review/waterforelephants

As a fan of Witherspoon, but not normally of Pattinson, I would have guessed before the film that I would have liked her better, but while he actually does a great job, Reese seems miscast.

The Stirling Observer
http://www.stirlingobserver.co.uk/stirling-news/local-news-stirling/ne ws-stirling/2011/09/16/animal-attraction-of-elephant-movie-51226-29430 281/

Water For Elephants has a feel of old Hollywood glamour and storytelling about it. It is beautifully shot, has more than a hint of the movie romances of yesteryear and features strong performances from its leads.

<snip>

Pattinson doesn’t float my boat, but there’s no denying that he has a Rudolph Valentino screen idol look to him ideally suited to this movie.

Reel Talk Reviews
http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/browse/viewitem.asp?type=review&id= 3646

Plus various situations in the Big Top and on a train as the circus travels from town to town add considerable suspense to the film, and stars Reese Witherspoon (Oscar winner for Walk the Line), Robert Pattinson (Twilight), and Christoph Waltz (Oscar winner for Inglourious Basterds) deliver excellent performances in the key roles here. Pattinson surprised me with his sensitive portrayal of Jacob, a young veterinarian student who drops out of college after his parents die in a tragic accident.

The Movie Guy
http://entertainmentspectrum.com/index/movies/1163/waterforelephants.h tml

Pattinson shows maturity in his acting. He holds up his end as the central figure and also serves as the voice-over narrator for the bulk of the movie. His winning chemistry with the elephant is apparent from their initial meeting.

The Scorecard
http://thescorecardreview.com/review/film-reviews/2011/04/22/water-for -elephants/19593

Robert Pattinson as Jacob: He’s good. You can easily see why the ladies on the train throw themselves at him.

He gives Rob's performance a 7/10 and has a few snarky remarks but I count this as very positive since he gives Christoph and Reese 5 and 6, respectively.

Cole Smith The Smartest Film Critic in the World
http://www.colesmithey.com/capsules/2011/04/water-for-elephants.html

Set during the Depression, the film follows the adventures of Polish immigrant Jacob Jankowski (well played by Robert Pattinson).

Urban Cinefile
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=17788&s=Reviews

A rich, layered story filled with emotional undercurrents, Water for Elephants is both a love story and a character drama, and satisfying on all counts. The three leads deliver wonderful characterisations and the screenplay (well adapted from the novel) adds depth and resonance to the love triangle in a way that rejuvenates the old device.

Robert Pattinson is completely free of his famous Twilight vampire persona as Jacob, and makes an effective, likeable (and minimalist) Jacob. There is just the right chemistry between him and Reese Witherspoon as Marlena, who clings to her domineering and volatile husband August, played with wonderful nuance by Christoph Waltz. The three of them, often on screen together, create a terrific dynamic.

Big Daddy Kev
http://www.bdkreviews.com/recent.php#waterforelephants

Anyone who thinks Robert Pattinson is just that kid from Twilight needs to watch this film or Remember Me. He is extremely talented and once Twilight is over, I really do feel that he's going to prove himself to be one of the best working actors today. His chemistry with Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz, two Academy Award Winners, was perfect. The emotional range of Christoph Waltz mixed with the emotions of Pattinson and Witherspoon is what makes the film work.

The Daily Express
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/244966/Film-review-Water-For- Elephants/

Twilight heart-throb Pattinson is well cast.

Jacob is meant to be awkward, bashful and shy and Pattinson’s earnest performance supplies just those qualities, while having to spout dialogue such as: “You are a beautiful woman, you deserve a beautiful life.”

Liverpool Echo
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-entertainment/echo-reviews/20 11/05/06/film-review-water-for-elephants-100252-28643145/

Pattinson acquits himself well in this adaptation of the novel by Sara Gruen about a doomed love affair in a 1930s circus troupe, playing to his strengths – angry-ridden glances straight into the camera – as one point of a volatile love triangle that’s destined to end in tragedy.

He demonstrates impressive emotional range and although screen chemistry with Reese Witherspoon doesn’t exactly set our hearts aflutter, they are an attractive pairing.

What Would Toto Watch
http://whatwouldtotowatch.com/2011/04/22/water-for-elephants-movie-rev iew-toto-pattinson/

Frankly speaking, it’s a pleasure to get lost in this world. And while Pattinson can’t heat things up with Witherspoon, he’s a fine audience surrogate for the craziness under the big top. He oozes decency, which makes him stand out like a 3-D effect in this seedy terrain.

The Age
http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/water-for-elephants-2011 0519-1eu8i.html

Witherspoon is a tad twee while Pattinson puts in his best non-vampire work yet,

The Herald Sun
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/movies/film-review-water-for -elephants/story-e6frf8r6-1226054557365

IF good looks could kill, Robert Pattinson would be facing charges of mass murder simply for stepping before the cameras.

The lady-slaying heart-throb of Twilight fame is not required to act in the conventional sense of the word.

Having been blessed with a delicately sculpted cranium that catches the light just so, all Pattinson needs to do is to remain relatively still and stare intently in an appropriate direction.

All the better for everyone else to stare intensely in his direction.

Needless to say, Water for Elephants is stacked with moody money shots of the Pattinson dial, which may never change channels in our lifetime.

Vulture
http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/movie_reiew_robert_pattin son_l.html

In fact, Pattinson's beauty crowds out just about everything else.

This is actually said in a negative manner. I actually consider this a positive. In my opinion, what the viewer is reacting to is Rob's powerful screen presence. I think that's why some people had an over the top reaction. You can't take your eyes off him and it needs to be discussed whether positively or negatively.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] darrah19 14 years ago

Mucho thanks for this thread, Chris!

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Critics are sheep
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[–] chrisellgold 14 years ago

No prob. I'll add more later.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBrl8pbBZgA&feature=related

"This films transforms Pattinson into a full fledged movie star, holding his own against both Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz and Reese Witherspoon."
Showbuzz, CBS News Online.
.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chrisellgold 14 years ago

Thanks Cullenista. I've added it.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://marshfieldmail.com/entertainment/at_the_movies/water-for-elepha nts-a-pleasant-surprise/article_f2c7617e-afa0-51e2-a893-63cb246c178c.h tml
'Water for Elephants' a pleasant surprise

'Water for Elephants' a pleasant surprise By Brandon Cone and Josh Phillips | [email protected] Marshfield Mail | 0 comments

“Water for Elephants” tells the story of Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson), a veterinary student who abandons his studies after his parents are killed, and joins a traveling circus as their vet.

While traveling with the Benzini Brothers circus, he crosses paths with its owner, August (Christoph Waltz), when he falls in love with August’s wife and the show’s main attraction, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon).

Brandon Cone: OK, I can admit when I’m wrong. I thought this movie would suck. I was prepared to write a scathing review, telling everyone who read it to stay away from this flick. To my surprise, this movie was quite good and one that I would recommend to anyone.

Josh Phillips: I, too, was ready to pan this movie, as another in a long line of movies made to capitalize on a best-selling novel, selling the lowest-quality merchandise to the highest amount of filmgoers. But I was proven wrong, something I’ve become accustomed to since getting married.

BC: It would be a grand injustice for anyone to classify this movie as a “chick flick.” While the casting of Pattinson clearly shows that the filmmakers’ intention is to bring in the female crowd, there’s a lot more at work in this script than just a simple love story.

JP: This was an impressively simple movie, with healthy doses of drama, romance and love thrown in. While the romantic in all filmgoers will find the broad story appealing, the movie deserves a closer look by fans of history.

BC: To me, the most interesting part of the movie was the look at circus life in the 1930s. A movie about circus life would probably be interesting on its own, but throw the Great Depression in as a backdrop like this movie does, and there’s a ton of potential for a pretty solid drama.

JP: While the snapshot of the Great Depression and circus life is intriguing, the strong presence of prohibition is a very effective tool to set the tone and mood of the movie. One character’s use of “jake” (Jamaican ginger extract, I had to look it up) in place of alcohol is telling, because it illustrates the differences between the have and have-nots in the film. One man drinks a potentially lethal substance to satisfy his addiction, while his boss drinks whiskey and eats off fine china.

BC: Early reviews of the film called it long and boring, but I didn’t get that at all. I though the story was very tight, and I was engaged with what was going on the entire time.

JP: Was it a long movie? Yes. Was it boring? Not at all. I was quickly swept up in the story, which ended at just the right place, with no extraneous padding or tomfoolery.

The Players

BC: This movie has also helped change my opinion of Pattinson. He really moved past his “Twilight” character and has now proven he can be a charismatic actor.

JP: He quickly distinguished himself as a subtle but powerful figure, capturing the audience’s attention with his quiet dignity and humble love of a woman seemingly out of his reach.

BC: Pattinson proving his skills as a thespian in this movie was no small task either, considering that he had to do it between a pair of Oscar winners such as Waltz and Witherspoon.

JP: Cedric Diggory has come a long way, somewhat overshadowing the meager film work of his more famous “Harry Potter” co-stars outside that franchise. He stands tall (and I mean tall, he’s a giant in this movie) along side Witherspoon and Waltz, and even manages to hold his own with an elephant. No mean feat.

BC: Waltz once again gets to play a jerk with no redeeming qualities. You think he’d get tired of that kind of role. I’d like to see him play a good guy some day.

JP: He again showed his terrific ability to play a wide range of emotion, playing what is essentially two roles, the charming leader of a circus, and a cruel, sadistic man bent on protecting his things. (Fans of the book will point out that he did actually play two characters, as the role here is an amalgamation of two characters from Gruen’s novel.)

BC: Witherspoon was all right here. Of the three stars of the movie, she had the least to do, but she played her role well here, nonetheless.

JP: I recall the first film I saw with Witherspoon, 1991’s “The Man in the Moon.” Her dramatic ability was impressive even then, and it has only improved since. My one complaint about her here is that I believe the filmmaker’s tried incredibly hard to make her appear younger than her 35 years. It was unnecessary. In fact, I think it made her look older.

The Look

BC: There weren’t a whole lot of special effects to speak of, but there was a lot of work with animals, which I imagine was no easy task. That elephant was huge!

JP: I want to again point out that Pattinson’s apparent ease with the elephant was a huge selling point for the movie. He worked well with Rosie, which is also a compliment to the animal handlers working behind the scenes. Witherspoon shared the screen with the pachyderm, too, but she sometimes seemed a little skittish.

BC: One scene that really stuck out to me was when the speakeasy was raided, and it was a really frantic one. I felt a little disoriented myself, while watching it.

JP: I, on the other hand, was shocked at a fairly early scene, when August expressed his anger on poor Rosie. As an animal lover, and above all, a human being, I was horrified at the example of the cruel behavior circus animals faced then and, surely, even now. It was a powerful scene, meant to further alienate the audience from August. But don’t let it keep you from watching this fine film; it was simulated violence to prove a point, nothing more.

BC: In short, this was a good movie. It’s unfortunate that it’s already getting a very undeserved bad rap. Give it a chance. I think you’ll like it.

JP: I agree. And if you find yourself applauding at a scene close to the end, don’t feel any shame. It’s always a treat when love wins out over evil.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chrisellgold 14 years ago

JP: I want to again point out that Pattinson’s apparent ease with the elephant was a huge selling point for the movie. He worked well with Rosie, which is also a compliment to the animal handlers working behind the scenes. Witherspoon shared the screen with the pachyderm, too, but she sometimes seemed a little skittish.

I really enjoyed Rob/Rosie interactions. You really can tell by watching the movie that they had great rapport.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2066707,00.html

Is there life beyond the living dead? Can Robert Pattinson, the 24-year-old Englishman who achieved a teen-talisman celebrity playing the dreamboat vampire Edward, find longevity in a post-Twilight Saga acting career?

For a few moments in Water for Elephants, the answer seems yes. As Jacob Jankowski, a part that requires him mainly to be shy and watchful, RPattz radiates a slow magnetism that locks the viewer's eyes on him. His easy smile — not the smirk he often plasters on Edward, or the louche sneer familiar from TV interviews — invites us inside his star quality. And even without fangs, he's got great teeth.

Riffling Hollywood history for other icons who can suggest preternatural handsomeness in galoot roles, we might think dreamily of Gary Cooper, Montgomery Clift...until the vapors pass, we return to 2011 and realize that, however strong Pattinson's anachronistic attractiveness, they don't make movies like Cooper's Ball of Fire or Clift's A Place in the Sun any more.
.

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Glenn Lovell - CinemaDope:

Of the three principals, Pattinson acquits himself best. He’s likable and understated, the quintessence of Barnum’s prize chump.

Witherspoon, who I usually like, is miscast, both as incipient femme fatale and star bareback rider. Little wonder Benzini is in trouble - Marlena’s specialty act, which makes liberal use of stunt double, is, in a word, lame-o.

Waltz, who scored an Oscar for his laughing Nazi in “Inglourious Basterds,” seems to be channeling Klaus Kinski at his most bug-eyed this time around. In the tradition of some of the screen’s least memorable loonies, he’s charming one moment and threatening the next. But maybe that’s the point: Someone this unstable would run the Titanic aground.

http://cinemadope.com/reviews/water-for-elephants/
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Sophie Ivan - Film4

Alongside Waltz, Pattinson is the perfect fit for the wise-beyond-his-years yet still wide-eyed Jacob, and his pairing with Witherspoon as kindred older woman Marlena sufficiently sparky.

http://www.film4.com/reviews/2011/water-for-elephants

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[–] chrisellgold 14 years ago

Review from the Irish mail. It's a newspaper clipping from the fansite Thinking of Rob but I expect it will be online at some point hopefully.

http://thinkingofrob.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/top-bmp.jpg

But up on the big screen, it's quite wonderful: beautiful to look at, immensely moving at times, and extraordinarily well cast and well acted.

Above all, this is the movie that surely proves Robert Pattinson will have a film career once the Twilight Saga comes to a close. Hollywood is chock-full of handsome young hunks but few are quite as photogenic, and here the camera absolutely loves him. Reminiscent of James Dean in some scenes, and more a young George Clooney in others; as long as he picks his projects wisely and looks after himself, Pattinson could be around for a long time.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] Alex1980628 14 years ago

Thanks.

Do people who bash Rob and Trolls who come to this board read this?

"Life is the most spectacular show on earth" - WFE

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Crazy Zac Efron fan, why don't you go back to his board, he's not in this movie. The majority of Rob's reviews for WFE have been positive, get over it.
.

[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Clicking on someone's posting history to see if they have an agenda is not stalking. You asked for it with your comments.
Yeah, but you're not hater. That much is obvious.

The US box office is now over 20 million for WFE, in just 5 days.

Friday-Sunday $16,842,353

Monday $1,784,291

Tuesday $1,712,594
-------------------------------
Total $20,339,238
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[–] 14 years ago

[deleted]

[–] chrisellgold 14 years ago

Adding a MacLeans review. My understanding is that they're the equivalent of the Times in Canada? http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/04/21/opening-weekend-water-for-elephants -african-cats-bill-cunningham-new-york/

Pattinson delivers a solid, well-modulated performance that shows there’s a real actor lurking in the skin of Twilight‘s Edward Cullen,

I must say that people ragging on Rob's acting in the Twilight movies is beginning to annoy me. He was fabulous in the first Twilight and the only reason he doesn't seem that great in the other two is because the make-up is sooooo bad it's distracting. No one could work around that. He's still engaging on screen despite all that horrible make-up so that alone should have said something.

Water for Elephants
http://tinyurl.com/6jpsf6p

[–] vanee_1980 14 years ago

I must say that people ragging on Rob's acting in the Twilight movies is beginning to annoy me. He was fabulous in the first Twilight and the only reason he doesn't seem that great in the other two is because the make-up is sooooo bad it's distracting. No one could work around that. He's still engaging on screen despite all that horrible make-up so that alone should have said something.

And don't forget the scripts... they're lamentable... Even if you're the best actor on earth, you can't do anything good with that kind of stuff...

~Namaste~

[–] CorpusChristiCarol 14 years ago

Thanks for this.

Water for Elephants-now playing!
http://www.waterforelephants.com/

[–] Alex1980628 14 years ago

Hoping for Alcogel to read these reviews

"Life is the most spectacular show on earth" - WFE

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

JackRicofficial Jack Rico
http://bit.ly/dO3GVo

Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson’s individual work here is the best I’ve seen him do. He’s photogenic, charming and definitely has the magic to attract a vast contingency of female cinephiles with that ‘aww shucks’ demeanor.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-22/news/29463248_1_circus-robert-pattinson-abusive-spouse Excerpt:

Action! Romance! Animals! "Water for Elephants" is a circus movie offering all these - and more
April 22, 2011|By Carrie Rickey, Inquirer Movie Critic

In his first major role outside the Twilight franchise, Pattinson is both effective and affecting as the youth who pines to rescue the woman in jeopardy from her abusive spouse. His Jacob is a quick study who learns when to tell the truth and when to exaggerate it.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Jason Best, Movie Talk:

Pattinson's co-stars are both past Oscar winners, while Tai the elephant is a scene stealer in her own right, but amidst the sweat, sawdust and spangled glamour of the circus, he more than holds his own in the ring.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

WFE is still opening all over Europe, and is getting great reviews:
http://thinkingofrob.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/top-bmp.jpg
From the Irish Times, just an excerpt at the moment:
5 our of 5 stars *****

But up on the big screen, it's quite wonderful: beautiful to look at, immensely moving at times, and extraordinarily well cast and well acted.

Above all, this is the movie that surely proves Robert Pattinson will have a film career once the Twilight Saga comes to a close. Hollywood is chock-full of handsome young hunks but few are quite as photogenic, and here the camera absolutely loves him.

Reminiscent of James Dean in some scenes, and more a young George Clooney in others; as long as he picks his projects wisely and looks after himself, Pattinson could be around for a long time.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.examiner.com/movie-in-boston/water-for-elephants-robert-pattinson-s-circus-romance

Robert Pattinson is known primarily by the teen and tween audience as Edward Cullen from the Twilight flicks. Most adults probably don't know him from other things and this really is his first big film after his vampire role.

Surprisingly he is quite good in Water for Elephants. He has an overall look that fits the Depression era quite well. Some actors like George Clooney have a style or look about them that make them seem timeless and be able to fit any time frame. Pattinson has a similar quality. The 1930's clothing and feel fit him well and he could easily land another role in that time period. And the look on his face while he walks the rails back to the circus is quite moving.

The elephant has more personality than past Pattinson co-stars and the scenic backgrounds as the train travels are quite impressive. A strong performance from Waltz and a surprising performance from Pattinson make a pretty enjoyable film.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.theyorker.co.uk/news/film/7065
By Lois Cameron

If the plot is a bit predictable, the writing and performances certainly make up for it. Robert Pattinson displays a surprisingly deft flair for comedy when required, but he can also brood with the best of them. And Reese Witherspoon fits right into the period setting, easily showing both Marlena’s charm and her underlying vulnerability.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Thomas James Mitchell - Word Press review:

With Pattinson and Witherspoon leading what is practically an unknown cast, this unexpected pairing works perfectly, moving Pattinson away from the teenage love triangle Twilight fans know him for. Water for Elephants showcases his true ability of performance, and allows his character to break free from his customary vampire role that started his career.

http://tomjamesmitchell.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/review-coming-soon-wa ter-for-elephants/
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.jackiekcooper.com/MovieReviews/WaterForElephants.htm
7 out of 10, Excerpt: Slow But Enjoyable Romantic Drama

Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel is the basis for the hit movie “Water For Elephants.” The book provides the steady framework for this slow but enchanting movie about a love affair between a young man and an older woman. Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz bring their characters to life and make the words of the book live on screen.

Pattinson is not as experienced an actor as these two but he manages to hold his ground in the film. His performance should satisfy his “Twilight” fans and also bring him some new ones. He and Witherspoon combine their talents and their chemistry to make Jacob and Marlena a heart-breaking couple who defy the odds to be together.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Translated from the French site filmsactu.com

Gifted with an artistically ambitious direction, WFE owes a lot to its casts' charm: no doubt, Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon look very good on the screen. Escaped from Twilight and recently seen in the likable Remember Me, Robert Pattinson proves here that he is not limited to playing heartthrobs, and his Jacob is very engaging, with a kid's smile.

It's mainly with the love triangle that the director manages to create tension. Christoph Waltz is excellent as a psychopath, at once terrifying, pathetic and unpredictable. An emotional climax finally arrives in the end, thanks to the intervention of Rosie, the elephant who becomes the object of a power struggle, in the circus and in Marlena's heart. If you love animals, this movie is for you, too.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/
At the Movies with David & Margret, in Australia:

"This is a most fabulous film. The performances of the three leads are exemplary."
Review on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjQGhXp_V1k&feature=player_embedded
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://nextprojection.com/2011/04/27/review-water-for-elephants/

77/100 – In a year so far filled with disappointing blockbusters, poorly crafted teenage supernatural thrillers, and two despicable Nicholas Cage films, Water For Elephants is a gorgeous looking picture that embodies Robert Pattinson’s strongest performance to date, and illustrates that the Twilight star has a bright future outside of the wildly popular vampire franchise.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

New era movie star headlines an old fashion drama to satisfying results in Water for Elephants.
http://www.mattsmoviereviews.net/water-for-elephants.html
***1/2
Robert Pattinson seems to be an unfortunate victim of guilt by association, with the Twilight series painting the expressive actor into a corner where he has been poked and prodded. Now with the era of Twilight nearing its conclusion, Pattinson seems eager to prove himself with several high profile roles in the horizon.

...here Lawrence chooses key spots for Pattinson to unleash the patented R-Patz spat to make for his most complete performance yet. When Pattinson is coupled with Witherspoon and Waltz, an interesting clash of acting styles engulfs the screen...

It is their portrayals which drive the film and Lawrence’s visual prowess which makes it such a pleasant piece of eye candy. Yet this was Pattinson’s film to lose, and in his first steps to a successful post-Twilight career, he is treading the right path.
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[–] Platy85 14 years ago

- flat -

OMG! Guys, it´s fresh right now on RT! yaaaaaay, I hope it holds!!

[–] vanee_1980 14 years ago

O.M.G...

ps: I've made a capture of RT page!

~Namaste~

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

I've been watching the reviews the past 24 hours and wondering why RT didn't add them, cause they've been good!

So I've been refreshing RT all day, and I just went out for lunch and come back to this news. Yay!!!
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.filmink.com.au/review/water-for-elephants-film/

While it’s not without its flaws, this atmospheric and largely well-acted adaptation proves stronger than its source material. This may be a mainstream movie, but it's low on Hollywood factory gloss and high on atmosphere. The Depression-era setting is superbly realised, while the seemingly off-kilter [b]casting of Reese Witherspoon opposite Robert Pattinson ultimately works.

Twilight's Pattinson could be accused of making it big based on his bone structure. He won't get an Oscar nod for this, but he's surprisingly good, delivering a natural performance.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/movies/film-review-water-for -elephants/story-e6frf8r6-1226054557365

IF good looks could kill, Robert Pattinson would be facing charges of mass murder simply for stepping before the cameras. Having been blessed with a delicately sculpted cranium that catches the light just so, all Pattinson needs to do is to remain relatively still and stare intently in an appropriate direction.

All the better for everyone else to stare intensely in his direction. Needless to say, Water for Elephants is stacked with moody money shots of the Pattinson dial, which may never change channels in our lifetime.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.buffalonews.com/entertainment/gusto/movies/movie-reviews/ar ticle400539.ece
‘Elephants’ actors splendid in love triangle tale
By Jeff Simon, ARTS EDITOR

And, are you ready, the love triangle is acted splendidly by Witherspoon, Waltz and, yes, Pattinson as the young vet. It’s going to surprise people who’ve only seen Pattinson in “Twilight” foolishness that he can hold his own onscreen with a couple of Oscar winners, but the boy can.

Even when he’s not shoveling up all that “show business.”
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Gabriella Miller:

Enter Jacob Jankowski, played by Robert Pattinson, who is at his acting best. Despite the bad name Pattinson has received from many critics for his role as Edward Cullen in Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” series, he is, in fact, a genuine actor. He slides easily into his role as someone who is not a boy but not yet a man.

http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/articleid /440634/newspaperid/411/Elephants_stays_afloat_even_though_weighed_down_by_Witherspoon.aspx
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.thefilmpie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl e&id=2071:water-for-elephants&catid=36:reviews

I’ve quickly grown tired of the Twilight series and so it’s nice to see Robert Pattinson in a juicier role. I enjoyed watching his relationship develop with Reese Witherspoon. Instead of blurting out every feeling and emotion (which tends to be the norm in such films), these two go about things a little more slowly. You’ll see the connection but also the trepidation as they struggle to gauge each other’s feelings.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://insidepulse.com/2011/04/23/water-for-elephants-review/

One imagines that if Robert Pattinson never imagined that Twilight would become as popular as it has. It’s easy to see that he would rather be an actor and do independent films rather than popcorn features designed to turn him into the latest tween crush de jour. Why?

Because he actually wants to be an actor and known for being one as opposed to being known for his looks or his relationships.

Water for Elephants is the sort of film one can tell Pattinson loves to do purely on his relatively high level performance.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

From an Interview with Rob in Elle UK:

Water for Elephants is set during the last American Depression, and Pattinson’s performance is impressively controlled, with a subtle sense of period. "I looked at Gary Cooper films, at his stance and stillness. Camera technique wasn't what it is, and you used to have to stay really still. Acting was much more about your voice.

Also, my character is a vet, so there's a calmness to him, as there is with anyone who's good around animals." He and Reese Witherspoon crackle on screen; by his standards, the decade between them is nothing. "She isn't really much older than me at all," he says gallantly.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.assignmentx.com/2011/movie-review-water-for-elephants/
By ABBIE BERNSTEIN / Excerpt:

The three human actors at the top of the bill are also excellent. Witherspoon is luminous, made to look like a ‘30s movie star and still like she belongs in the world of WATER, an accomplishment that speaks well both of actress and filmmaking team. Witherspoon also gives Marlena surprising warmth that brings added tenderness to the proceedings. Waltz is so charming and has so much showmanship as August that we understand how the character commands such loyalty, even when he has such vivid flaws. Waltz also shows us the pain and helplessness underlying the character’s compulsion toward violence.

Pattinson has the most straightforward of the lead roles. Jacob is a good man with a great deal of compassion and a reasonable sense of humor, all qualities that Pattinson puts forth effectively.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Set during America’s Great Depression, the story gathers pace with an empathetic opening and initially captivating performance by Robert Pattinson as Jacob Jankowski, an as yet unqualified vet who, following a family tragedy joins up with a travelling circus.

Fans of Pattinson can rejoice as the entire tale arcs around his character, plus he can wear loose, high waisted trousers and broad shouldered thirties jackets with surprising poise considering his slender frame in the Twilight series.

http://clothesonfilm.com/review-water-for-elephants/20369/.

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.trespassmag.com/review-waters-for-elephants/
BY MATTHEW PEJKOVIC – MAY 10, 2011

Robert Pattinson seems to be an unfortunate victim of guilt by association.

It’s the performances which stand out the most. Pattinson is known for his ability to play angst (perhaps a little too well)... here Lawrence chooses key spots for Pattinson to unleash the patented “R-Patz spat” to make for his most complete performance yet.

It is their portrayals which drive the film and Lawrence’s visual prowess which makes it such a pleasant piece of eye candy. Yet this was Pattinson’s film to lose, and in his first steps to a successful post-Twilight career, he is treading the right path.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.thefilmpie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl e&id=2071:water-for-elephants&catid=36:reviews

I was pleased with the traditional, simplistic style used by director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend) in bringing the film together. The delicate score and softly-focused camera lens help transport us back into 1930s America and into this fulfilling tale of romance and circus animals. The closing credits serve as a final confirmation that Lawrence wanted to make an “old school” movie.

I’ve quickly grown tired of the Twilight series and so it’s nice to see Robert Pattinson in a juicier role. I enjoyed watching his relationship develop with Reese Witherspoon. Instead of blurting out every feeling and emotion (which tends to be the norm in such films), these two go about things a little more slowly. You’ll see the connection but also the trepidation as they struggle to gauge each other’s feelings.

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[–] vanee_1980 14 years ago

I love this part:

I’ve quickly grown tired of the Twilight series and so it’s nice to see Robert Pattinson in a juicier role. I enjoyed watching his relationship develop with Reese Witherspoon. Instead of blurting out every feeling and emotion (which tends to be the norm in such films), these two go about things a little more slowly. You’ll see the connection but also the trepidation as they struggle to gauge each other’s feelings.

~Namaste~

[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

Thomas James Mitchell - Word Press

With Pattinson and Witherspoon leading what is practically an unknown cast, this unexpected pairing works perfectly, moving Pattinson away from the teenage love triangle Twilight fans know him for. Water for Elephants showcases his true ability of performance, and allows his character to break free from his customary vampire role that started his career.

http://tomjamesmitchell.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/review-coming-soon-wa ter-for-elephants/
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

In what was an otherwise bad review of WFE, Richard Corliss, esteemed critic for TIME Magazine, singled out Rob's performance as the good part of the film:

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,2066707,00.html

Is there life beyond the living dead? Can Robert Pattinson, the 24-year-old Englishman who achieved a teen-talisman celebrity playing the dreamboat vampire Edward, find longevity in a post-Twilight Saga acting career?

For a few moments in Water for Elephants, the answer seems yes. As Jacob Jankowski, a part that requires him mainly to be shy and watchful, RPattz radiates a slow magnetism that locks the viewer's eyes on him. His easy smile — not the smirk he often plasters on Edward, or the louche sneer familiar from TV interviews — invites us inside his star quality. And even without fangs, he's got great teeth.

Riffling Hollywood history for other icons who can suggest preternatural handsomeness in galoot roles, we might think dreamily of Gary Cooper, Montgomery Clift...until the vapors pass, we return to 2011 and realize that, however strong Pattinson's anachronistic attractiveness, they don't make movies like Cooper's Ball of Fire or Clift's A Place in the Sun any more.
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[–] Curzon_Street 14 years ago

http://www.examiner.com/movie-in-raleigh/movie-review-water-for-elepha nts-review
Excerpt:

Chemistry between characters was a big part of this film. Some were spot on and believable while others fell short. Much the same as he did in Remember Me, Pattinson once again shows that he can hold his own against a Hollywood heavyweight. The scenes he shares with Waltz are filled with tangible fear, awe, jealousy and hatred that are believable and draws audiences into the struggle between these two characters.

The chemistry between the actors and animals was another aspect that brought this film to life, particularily those scenes involving Rosie the elephant. Pattinson and Witherspoon's characters connect with Rosie in such an endearing way that audience members get lost in the beauty and tenderness of their scenes.
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[–] Alcogel 14 years ago

Water for Elephants, Francis Lawrence’s glamour-soaked adaptation of Sara Gruen’s Depression-era circus novel, stars Robert Pattinson’s Stubbled Jawline, Robert Pattinson’s Furrowed Brows, Robert Pattinson’s Supple Lips, and Robert Pattinson’s Tousled Hair. In supporting roles are a talented elephant and a blonde woman who is — let me check my press notes — yes, Reese Witherspoon.

The world’s most famous vampire is curiously toothless as the kindhearted, parentless, animal-loving, veterinarian-wannabe Jacob (Team Jacob!), a sensitive soul not meant for this cruel world and clearly engineered for some tween’s scrapbook. His two defining traits? He likes animals and thinks mean people suck. In keeping with the oddly pristine Depression-era circus he joins, Jacob's rough edges are entirely cosmetic: He’s stubbled, not stirred. Emotional range would be wasted, however. The camera doesn’t so much propel the story forward as orbit Pattinson's head, like a reverent CAT scan. Even when Jacob is bludgeoned and beaten, the fake blood is artfully applied, the better to enhance his chiseled features.

LOL.

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/04/movie_reiew_robert_pattin son_l.html

[–] Curzon_Street 13 years ago

David Cronenberg talking about Rob again.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/11/20/david-cronenberg-on-a -dangerous-method-robert-pattinson-s-acting-and-s-m-with-keira-knightl ey.html

Another young actor whose acting ability has polarized critics is Twilight star Robert Pattinson, who stars as a millionaire enduring a limo-driven odyssey across Manhattan in Cronenberg’s next film—an adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel Cosmopolis.

“I think that [skeptics] are being critical of the Twilight series, they’re not being critical of him,” said Cronenberg. “He’s just a cog in that machine and they’re confusing the nature of that project with him. He’s a terrific actor, trust me. I’ve directed some of the best in the world, and he’s terrific.”
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