REVIEW: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

MOVIE
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

CAST
Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt

RATING
PG-13

RELEASE
March 9, 2012

DIRECTOR
Lasse Hallström

STUDIO(S)
CBS Films, Lionsgate UK

RUNNING TIME
1 hour 47 minutes






STARS
**1/2








REVIEW:

I bet nobody here has even heard of this movie, let alone ever expressed interest in going to see it. I probably wouldn't have seen it if it wasn't for the numerous free screenings around town, as well as some strong buzz coming from critics and audience goers alike. I guess that's why I decided to check out 'Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,' an unknown British movie starring Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt. The title basically tells the plot, but to elaborate on it, an autistic married man teams up with an eccentric woman to introduce salmon fishing to the Yemen. There wasn't much I was looking forward to, mainly because no expectations were held at all. Coming out of the film, I felt no different than I did going into it. It's just an okay movie for me. Nothing is terrific, and nothing is mediocre.

Ewan McGregor is fine for what he's given, the same being said towards Emily Blunt, who suffers through a stupid war subplot. Kristin Scott Thomas was annoying and, in my opinion, unnecessary. Her character is even a part of the last minute of the movie that is both dumb and forcing you to give out one last chuckle. Amr Waked, the actor whose character is the leader of this whole salmon fishing plan, is my favorite part of this movie. His persona and charm engaged me from the opening shot of the film where you see him fishing pops on the screen. This is a guy who should be in more movies, possibly bigger and better moves than this. Unfortunately, some characters are in here for no reason at all. The story is even so desperate that they have to add a character that has to go to war and goes missing in action. Yes, the story does play out as you'd expect. The script is okay, but it should have been a bit more creative rather than following the typical clichéd route that many movies these days travel.

 Even though nobody will probably see this movie, is it enjoyable for what it is. However I can't exactly say this is a great movie, because this is just an average film. The cast is fine for what they're given, (except for Scott Thomas) the script is okay, and the story suffers for ending in the typical clichéd fashion. If you go into this expecting a great movie, you'll probably be disappointed. However if you go in expecting nothing, you may enjoy it for what it is. Nothing is really harmful in this film, so nothing can scar anyone for life. I wish there was more to say about this movie, but there really isn’t. It's a highly forgettable movie by all means, but you will have a good enough time watching it if you do check it out with an open mind and no expectations whatsoever. Don't expect any awards for this smelly piece of fish.