Catch and Release: A Definite Keeper

I went to 'Catch and Release' expecting your typical romantic comedy fare. Not so, for this movie. Although much was made in the previews of the central character falling for 'the least expected person', what this movie primarily examines is the topic of grief, and how we all handle it in unique, often inconceivable ways.

Jennifer Garner plays the central role of Gray Wheeler, a post-collegiate young woman who has lost her fiance in a boating accident. The opening scene is a funeral taking place on what would have been their wedding day. Wheeler is seen standing in the foyer, tolerating the kind sentiments of those who have come to pay their respects. At last, she can take it no longer and breaks away from the gathering to go hide in an upstairs bathroom.

Enter Fritz (Timothy Olyphant), a childhood friend of the deceased and a slicked back west coaster who invades on Wheeler's grief by taking a lady caterer into the bathroom where Gray huddles, cringing in the shower while they 'affirm life' together. A moment after the deed is done, Olyphant hangs over the sink a moment, thinking himself alone, when suddenly Wheeler comes bursting out of her hiding place. With one long look of surprise/disgust exchanged between them, the audience knows that their fate is sealed. These archenemies will surely link before the curtain closes.

Yes, the romance is no twist in this film, you can see it coming from miles down the track. But that is really a minor part of the movie. Next we are introduced to Wheeler's friends and house-mates, Sam (Kevin Smith) and Dennis (Sam Jaeger). This is where the magic begins. Sam and Dennis were best friends of the deceased, so all the key characters are grappling, in their own specific way, with the pain of that loss. Though Garner's character handles her grief in the straight-forward, typical fashion you might expect of someone who's lost their love: Falling apart and gathering herself slowly together again, each of the other members of the household, Sam, Dennis and Fritz, are working through their pain in alternate ways.

I was impressed by how funny the film was despite its central themes of loss and bereavement. Kevin Smith's character, Sam, provides a wildly comic bent to the film in several scenes. Over indulgence becomes his method for taming the pain and he eats and drinks his way through the first part of the film while providing balance and support to the others. Dennis, the other best friend, creates what was for me one of the most poignant moments in the film. At the tail end of a terrible date we see him give in to a short bout of temper. He flings a bottle into the corner, and it shatters all over the ground.

He sits, silently overcome for a moment, his head buried in his hands. But then, with a sigh he rises, collects the dustpan, and gently tidies the mess. What is powerful about this moment is that it reveals how intricately this response is woven into his character: While everyone around him falls apart, while other people make messes and walk away, he is that responsible, reliable guy who will pick up the pieces no matter what. He cannot leave the mess just lying there for someone else to trip on.

I really liked this film, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little deeper than the usual date night fare. There are themes of forgiveness, compassion and love in this movie. It sends an encouraging message while still tickling the funny bone. 'Catch and Release' is well worth watching.