Predictable and not entirely entertaining. Jason Reitman's new drama is an unfortunate misfire says Scott Gentry, as he reviews "Labor Day".

"Labor Day" (12A)
Director: Jason Reitman.
Starring: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Clark Gregg and Tobey Maguire. 
Running time: 111 minutes and 5 seconds.
Rated: 12A for containing infrequent moderate sex, sex references and violence.
Released in UK cinemas on the 21st of March, 2014.
                                     
Narrated by (and starring in part) Tobey Maguire, "Labor Day" tells the tale of Henry (Gattlin Griffith) and his mother Adele (Kate Winslet), who are swept into the dangerous activity of aiding and abetting a fugitive, after they are forced to protect a convicted murderer, named Frank (Josh Brolin). Soon, the family develop a unique bond with their captor and shortly realise that Frank may not be the man that the Police make him out to be. 

Son of the legendary "Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman, Jason Reitman is a director of undeniable talent. Often writing and directing films based upon certain subjects of sincerity, Reitman produces an ingenious blend of drama and hilarity in many of his films, including the excellent comedy drama "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney (nominated for six Oscars) and the equally funny "Young Adult", starring Charlize Theron. 

Despite the impressive CV of films to his name, it is here that it seems as though Reitman has unfortunately pushed aside his capabilities at creating a moving and emotional drama, to construct a film that is far too affectionate for a story-line such as this.

Many reasons contribute to the film's ultimate failure, but it seems as though that Reitman himself might be at the centre of its problems. Reitman's script might just be that problem, by acting far too safe for its own good. Kidnapping dramas are normally sincere pieces of drama, but Reitman has instead dared to produce something which is clichéd and unbelievable in terms of it's narrative, but all the while remaining a film that has included its vital emotion, whilst providing an overly-sentimental script to an otherwise engaging story. 

The film's cast barely manage to hold the film together, with Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet (despite being capable and first-rate actors) providing fairly unconvincing performances, seeming as though they were unwilling to push themselves as seen in previous performances.  

The film's only saving grace seems to be its cinematography, with Reitman deliberately creating engaging sequences by focusing on the way his film is shot, including his elaborate opening credits sequence and constant cameo clips from famous 80's classics, such as "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". 

Verdict

Jason Reitman has proved in many instances that his work is of an extremely high quality, but its here that the auteur focuses far too much on his camera work, rather than the film's script. Leaving a sentimental, tonally confused piece that is in part, disappointing. However, for those that enjoy overly affectionate pieces, there's plenty to enjoy. 

5 Stars out of 10

Written by Scott Gentry.

Film Rating Key

1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.

3-4 stars out of ten = Average.

5-6 stars out of ten = Good.

7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.

9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.