Catch and Release (2006)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2007

Many love stories highlight the problems of an old relationship while investigating the difficulties of a new one. But “Catch and Release” does this in a fascinating way: The man of the old relationship is deceased; and the man of the new relationship is the deceased’s best friend.

Gray Wheeler (Jennifer Garner) was about to be married when her fiancé died on a fishing trip. Again, this happened right before their wedding. But it’s not the new love story that makes this romantic comedy so interesting, it is the old one. (That’s not to say that we don’t cheer for the new guy, however.)

Gray begins to discover that she didn’t know her fiancé very well at all. In the days following his death, she stumbles upon some startling revelations. This is the primary appeal of “Catch and Release”: waiting to see what she’ll discover next.

Most of the humor comes from the dead guy’s pals, particularly Sam (Kevin Smith). I recommend “Catch and Release.” It still follows the romantic comedy formula, but it does it with originality.

Directed by Susannah Grant
Jennifer Garner / Timothy Olyphant / Kevin Smith
124 min. Romance / Comedy
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 10 and up

DVD release date: May 8, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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