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If ex-Sony head Amy Pascal’s leaked email assessment of the film was anything to go by, we would be expecting (in her words) a ridiculous script, unlikeable characters and a plot that made no sense. But instead Cameron Crowe’s “Aloha” delivers a likeable rom-com that was well cast with some wholesome messages and picture postcard scenery.
As you’d expect from a rom-com of this nature, “Aloha” is not a must-see-in-the-cinema type of film. Nonetheless the big screen does lend itself nicely to the Hawaiian scenery and easy-on-the-eye faces of stars Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone and Rachel McAdams!
The trio deliver solid performances with good chemistry as likeable, relatable characters that we have no reason not to grow fond of. Stone is particularly enjoyable as the fun, bubbly, perhaps naive air force watchdog Captain Alison Ng. Cooper plays her superior, military contractor Bryan Gilcrest, who returns to his ex-home of Hawaii for a second chance to save a career at breaking point. Upon his return, Gilcrest reconnects with long-ago love Tracey (McAdams) while simultaneously falling for Captain Ng. Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, and Alec Baldwin provide a solid supporting cast, with Krasinski’s Woody particularly fun, despite his small role.
That said, “Aloha” is not without its flaws. We’re all aware of the dissatisfaction the Sony execs felt towards the film, and as a result they’ve clearly tinkered with the original script. At the end of the day, it’s obvious that they’ve ultimately cut out a fair chunk of the film. A little forced in places, some plot points are left dangling while others seem tacked-on or stitched together. Perhaps the inevitable Directors Cut on the Blu-ray might make for a more fulfilling film.
But otherwise “Aloha” is an enjoyable film with a good cast and solid performances. We know what we’re going to get from Crowe and, while it’s not as tight as some of his other films, we certainly get what we’re expecting. And you know, I think something has to be said for “simple” films like this. In today’s landscape of big-budget, action-centric, CGI franchises, it’s nice to see an original, human story once in a while.
