London

It seems clear that London‘s undeniably one-note sensibilities will turn off a good portion of its viewers, as the film transpires almost entirely within the confines of a posh bathroom – where an alternating selection of characters participate in drug-fueled conversations about life, death, god, etc. There’s subsequently little doubt that the jabbering and bickering eventually wears the viewer down with its relentlessness, although, to be fair, Chris Evans delivers an expectedly solid performance as the movie’s far-from-sympathetic protagonist. (His character, Syd, is hoping to win back Jessica Biel’s London, who broke up with him due to his inherently suspicious nature.) It becomes increasingly impossible to root for Syd’s efforts, however, as writer/director Hunter Richards, through a series of flashbacks, paints the guy as something of a self-obsessed sleazeball. The stageplay-like sensibilities of Richards’ script are generally alleviated by his ostentatiously stylish visual choices, while the unexpectedly affecting conclusion does ensure that the movie ends on a distinctly positive note. Yet in spite of its smattering of intriguing elements, London ultimately comes off as a well-intentioned failure that admittedly might hold some appeal for fans of the various actors. (The supporting cast includes, among others, Jason Statham, Isla Fisher, and Dane Cook.)

** out of ****