Movie Breakdown: Wild Mountain Thyme
Pre-Screening Stance:
Wild Mountain Thyme looks – for lack of a better word – sweet. I could use some of that here as this bizarro year winds down. Speaking of bizarro, John Patrick Shanley has only directed two other films – Doubt and … Joe Versus The Volcano. How weird is that?
Post-Screening Ramble:
I’d really like to spend this review buzzing on and on about the super strange reveal that happens near the of Wild Mountain Thyme, but that would take away your chance to be suddenly and completely confused by it (just like I was). So, instead let’s look at the rest of the film, which is a completely standard dramedy.
Rosemary (Emily Blunt) loves Anthony (Jamie Dornan), and he loves her. However, he has no idea about any of these feelings (on either side) because he’s wildly oblivious to seemingly everything in his life. His father, Tony (Christopher Walken), is well aware of this, and since it would appear that Anthony will remain directionless and alone forever, he opts instead to leave the family farm to his distant nephew, Adam (Jon Hamm). This puts a variety of very predictable things in motion.
For the most part, I liked this movie – it’s a generally harmless, endearing affair that will zip right out of your head as soon it’s over. I do, however, think that it consists of things that might make some people hate it. The Irish accents are dodgy across the board, the story often meanders, and then – of course – there’s the totally out-of-left-field twist that’s a real head-scratcher. If you’re going to watch it, definitely go in knowing that your mileage may vary.
The film will hit VOD services this Friday.
One Last Thought:
The world considers Jon Hamm to be a leading man, but he’s really more of a character actor. I mean, when was the last time he was the sole focus in a movie? It’s always what I would consider bit parts. Also, it’s kind of funny to me that those small-ish roles usually feature him as an asshole (Richard Jewel, Bridesmaids, Baby Driver, this movie, etc.).
