The Rebound is… nice? It isn’t smart or sexy, though it’s somewhat sweet – the three qualities apparently most attractive in a man. It isn’t funny or particularly interesting. There’s not much suspense, nor drama. It’s not very emotionally satisfying, but not the worst two hours of your life. It is, in other words, a bit like a rebound.
Sandy (Catherine Zeta-Jones) is a newly single mother, who moves from the suburbs to the city to escape from her scumbag ex-husband. She gets a great new job, finds a cute apartment above a coffee shop, and hires a nanny for her kids in the shape of a good-looking younger man, Aram (Justin Bartha). Things get complicated when their employer/employee relationship takes a decidedly yummy-mummy/boy-toy turn, and become even more complicated when they develop serious feelings for each other.
There are some good things to say about this film, though it would never be worth a serious commitment. It’s surprisingly sensitive, showcasing some fairly solid performances, and doesn’t take the easy option of playing ‘cougar’ for laughs.
The real failing of this film is that where it should be funny, it’s flat. When the script should be witty, it’s weak. This isn’t helped by the fact that – despite the attractiveness of both Zeta-Jones and Bartha – there is not a great deal of chemistry between the two leads. And chemistry, more than anything, is important for a rebound. This DVD doesn’t have any special features, but the benefit of this film being available on DVD at all is that you wouldn’t have to watch it at the cinema. Despite these criticisms, The Rebound is nice. Well, nice enough.
