ironhorse_iv
I went in with low expectations and I found this movie to be, better than I expected. I just wish, the movie stood out more. It was way too similar to the director's original work; 2011's film, Starbucks. If you watch Starbuck and this movie side-by-side, the two are almost indistinguishable, there are very few differences, between them! Which makes you wonder why they even bothered to remake it? Honestly, the only big difference, I can notice, is the fact, that this film was in English, rather than in French. I know, that the American market is bigger and they wanted the film to appeal to them, but gees…they could had done more, than change a few things. The movie still is a near-carbon copy mirror to the Canadian film. I really hope, that they would bring, something new. If not, just save money, and add English subtitles or redub it for the American audiences. Anyways, the premise of the two films directed by Ken Scott is the same, it tells the story of an affable underachiever named David Wozniak, this time played by Vince Vaughn, who finds out he's fathered over 500 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity. Will David reveal his identity or will David fight back, for his right to privacy? Watch the movie to find out! Anyways, without spoiling the movie too much, I found, the whole premise to be interesting, but very unrealistic at parts. One of the biggest problems in the film is how he found out, that he father certain people. Ryan (Sébastien René) is one of them. The man appears to be mentally handicapped and never speaks. So, how on earth was Ryan, able to contact, a lawyer, so that he can get his father to spill his identity!? It doesn't make sense. Maybe, the hospital caretaker did it, for him, but what would be, the reasons why. Even, if the clinic, that David went to, was somewhat corrupt, which explains, why his sperms was used so much; it's still has the records of donors medical screening and testing. It's enough to help Ryan with his case. While, David spending time with Ryan is heartwarming, I have to say, it's somewhat illogical. Another problem with the film, is the time, he spent with Kristen (Britt Robertson), the heroin addict. It was very miss opportunity, to have, some really needed depth. I really wished, the movie explore, more with her character. I would love to see, David, go through the hard decisions, to send her to rehab, or let her continue to be a junkie, or better yet, have her character die, and him, understand, why it's very importation to have, a father around. Instead of the unrealistic sub-story resolve that we got. It's really hard to believe, that a heroin addict would be able to kick her bad habit, so quickly, because of a new job. Come on, movie! You could had done, better. I would have love to see, the movie go, a little dark at times. I would love the movie to explore, nature vs nurture with the crazy, out there character of Viggo (Adam Chanler-Berat). Honestly, I would love to see Adam Chanler-Berat, play the bad seed-villain, son, but the movie never truly go, anywhere with his character. The movie could had been more risky with its subject matter. Themes like Genetic Sexual Attraction, Abandonment Trauma, Attachment Issues, etc. etc. could had make the movie, so much, more complex and appealing. It's a shame, because a little more family melodrama would have made this film, so much better, instead of the court-room drama. The whole legal obligation of the film seem like add extra unnecessary drama. In reality, even if David had a horrible lawyer, he would still win the case 100% hands down. Still, Ken Scott & Martin Petit's screenplay was well-written. There are a number of really touching, heartwarming, moments in this movie which I didn't exactly expect due to the subject matter and Vince Vaughn being the star. My favorite part of the film was the interaction with the kids. Loved that the kids were all, somewhat different. Honestly, the whole premise of him, helping out his children, could work, better as a TV show. Obviously, each episode could focus on him meeting one or two of his kids. It'd be a good way to flesh out the many children, instead of these half-written caricatures that the audience got to see. There were some moments in the film, that a few characters stories never get resolved or explained. A good example is the nameless gay guy. That particular character's life story, go, really nowhere. Another thing is where are the parents for these young adults? You would think the movie would bring that up. Anyways, because of that, this screenplay could need a little bit, more polish. The marketing for this film, really got it all wrong. The trailer of this film made it seem like a comedy, but the film definitely felt more like a drama then a comedy. I still did laugh at some moments. The acting in this film is alright. Vince Vaughn was fine. He did, very well, with his role. Chris Pratt, as Brett, David's lawyer, not so much, but he was pretty charming. One person that wasn't, is Cobie Smulders as Emma, David's pregnant girlfriend. I didn't like her. Her character was so unlikeable in the way, she treats David. I really didn't want them to end up, together. Overall: While it's an unnecessary Hollywood remake of a lovely foreign film. It's still worth watching, even if this sperm donor dramedy is shooting blanks. As least, it's better than the foreign rip-offs, Bollywood's 2012 Vicky Donor or 2013's Fonzy.
