'The Lake House' - A Movie Review

Check your mailboxes. You may have a letter from your one true love. Only they’re writing to you in two years before your time.

The Lake House is a 2006 film directed by Alejandro Agresti and stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, playing two lonely people searching for life’s answer. Upon discovering that they live a couple of years apart, Kate and Alex communicate through letters which are transported through a mailbox. Now they must unravel the mystery and somehow meet.

Although a creative and mysterious plotline, The Lake House left me with unanswered questions. The film lacks in plot construction and leaves a few plot holes in its finished product. However, I did admire this film for its unique plot trying to set up what could have been a great story.

Bullock and Reeves do an exemplary job selling their characters. I am not disappointed as these two talented actors always make an effort to make a film believable. And they also did a convincing job on their whole relationship. It’s all about connection. All movies that focus on love should make sure that viewers get this important message.

I have so many questions about plot elements. If they’re writing to each other in two different years, how come one of them does not already exist? The film does touch upon that question, only it was an unnecessary scene confusing viewers even more. It turns out that they have met up before in Reeve’s time where they had a full conversation, shared a dance, and even a kiss.

Second of all, they own the same dog. The film implies that the dog ran away from Reeves and Bullock found the dog. It’s still a very confusing plotline. Still, it adds a creative twist. And a furry animal to smile at onscreen.

I feel that writers tried a little too hard to make The Lake House a memorable film. It is memorable don’t get me wrong. It was entertaining enough to keep my focus to see what happens next. If the time travel mailbox idea were fleshed out more and a certain important scene in Reeve’s world was erased this film could have been better in my opinion.

The scenery and overall beautiful interior design set of the glass house standing on stilts over a lake of water is a landmark that deserves an applause. Although I’d like to live in a house like this, being an avid horror movie lover turns me away. On the other hand, the beautiful sunsets make it worth it.

As for direction, The Lake House develops unique and fun scenes. For example, through the montage of writing and answering the letters, Kate and Alex are talking aloud and even going about with their usual day in their own years. Although awkward, I think it works.

There is a very important message about love. You don’t have to fall in love, but love is important. Don’t isolate yourself. As implored in the film, open your eyes to life and go someplace where you most feel like yourself. Despite being separated by two years, Kate and Alex ignore the impossible.

Characters, beautiful setting, and emotional angst make The Lake House a good film. However, the story does lack construction leaving unanswered questions. Some scenes felt unnecessary, too. That’s not saying that I didn’t enjoy The Lake House. I thought it was a well-acted picture with a touching storyline that could have been developed more before being on-screen.

No one can turn down a film with Sandra Bullock or Keanu Reeves. I recommend the film for a nice date night.