The Girl on the Train Review

Oct 8

Preview

R: Violence, Sexual Content, Language and Nudity

Universal Pictures, Dreamworks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment

1 Hr and 52 Minutes

Cast: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Édgar Ramírez, Lisa Kudrow, Laura Prepon

REVIEW: For the past year prior to this film, I’ve seen numerous of women on the train reading The Girl on the Train. With no idea what it was about and leaning towards picking up the book, Dreamworks answered my call by immediately adapting it into a feature film with Tate Taylor at the helm and Emily Blunt in the lead. Once the trailer was released everyone got a Gone Girl type vibe here. But is it a Gone Girl clone, or a good enough mystery to become its own thing?

Rachel Watson, an alcoholic who divorced Tom after she caught him cheating on her, takes the train to work daily, fantasizing about Scott and Megan Hipwell's relationship while commuting. However, one day, she sees something life-changing, especially now that Megan is missing and presumed dead.

THE GOOD: Much like Gone Girl and a handful of other mystery films, from the very beginning this film gets you invested into the story. The film is broken into different perspectives in a continuous timeline that have you twist and turning yearning to see more. It is one of those entertaining films that you and your audience will OOOH and AHHH at. With every scene of insanity comes a crazy turn that is surprising. It is an audience pleaser.

Emily Blunt’s performance carries this film. You’ve never seen her in a role where’s she’s a complete mess more than this. She’s drunk and the movie rides on her piecing her drunken night together once she’s a suspect in this murder. Though you truly won’t like her character you want to see her come out triumphant with this case. Her character pretty much has the lesson of don’t poking your head into shit that isn’t any of your business.

Besides Blunt, the rest of the cast’s performances are exceptional. I haven’t seen Justin Theroux in much roles outside of Zoolander (sorry I've never seen The Leftovers), but his performance is both expanded being comedic into someone quite shocking. Haley Bennett. She is that actress that has been everywhere to me now especially in this year. With every 3 films Haley Bennett is just there like a new Jennifer Lawrence. And I’m absolutely satisfied with that. She’s talented, she’s beautiful, and she can turn crazy in a heartbeat. And of course Allison Janney who is amazing in everything at this point. Its just her voice its really her chilling voice that gets you. She is here for a while but isn’t around for much. There’s even some actress that pop up and you question wait you’re in this?

THE BAD: With something like Gone Girl there was lot of artistry of filmmaking that went withthe storytelling. That film featured a lot of beautiful cinematography and brilliantly designed production. It was after all a David Fincher film. This is a Tate Taylor film who has done a great job with films such as The Help and Get on Up. He does a great job directing his cast. But the adaption of its story itself doesn’t really stand out. It may have enough story and enough material to make a competent film but it doesn’t provide the level or art to coincide with the story that ultimately makes it a bit too melodramatic.It does have a set up where it can come across something of a Hitchcockian feel but it immediately drops that ball It may be entertaining and will require a second viewing because of its well developed twist but it some instances has a televised Lifetime Movie vibe especially with its ending scene.

A lot of elements from the book are changed, rearranged, or ultimately cut from the film. Like the entire film was supposed to take place in London. Here its Hempstead New York. As a New Yorker its fine to say, but its much better to stick to the source unless you’re doing something new or different than coming out to be lazy. Even some of story elements are cut such as Scott and Rachel’s relationship which is just one of many. As for someone who hasn’t read the book, I would see why some fans would be upset over some choices in the movie.

LAST STATEMENT: With a Talented cast helmed by Emily Blunt’s performance, The Girl on the Train is entertaining enough for audiences despite its constant melodrama.

Rating: 3/5 | 65%