Director: Richard LaGravenese
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Jeremy Jordan
Certificate: 12A
Running time: 94 minutes
Synopsis: A struggling actress and her novelist lover each illustrate the struggle and deconstruction of their love affair.
There are two sides to every story, especially those involving the heart, but shall we begin at the beginning or at the end? THE LAST FIVE YEARS will give you both; but in doing so might muddle you into distraction.
Jamie Wellerstein (Jeremy Jordan) and Cathy Hiatt (Anna Kendrick) are an up-and-coming novelist (him) and struggling actress (her) whose five year relationship has had its’ ups and downs. Almost entirely through song, their highs and lows are presented to us in a non-linear arc. Cathy starts her story from the end of the relationship, focusing on the demise and the events leading to it whilst Jamie is more focused on the happier times; their early days as a couple. If you aren’t aware of the two contrasting timelines before going in, the only hint you’re going to get is the occasional glimpse of the year through a summer theatre camp welcome board.
Aside from viewers of the ill-fated TV series Smash, Jeremy Jordan will be a relatively unknown actor to many. Whilst he certainly has the voice to impress, his portrayal of Jamie is subdued and somewhat lifeless, despite generally being featured on the happier musical numbers, leaving the audience willing Cathy to move on to someone better. Kendrick is an old pro at singing on screen now after successful turns in PITCH PERFECT and INTO THE WOODS and by and large everything good about this film stems from her performance. The comedy, the quirky tone and the fun factor are all Kendrick’s doing.
With minor musical and lyrical changes from the Off-Broadway hit, the filmmakers did choose to make one major adjustment: the stage show largely features solo performances, where as the film features both characters during each song; presumably to strengthen the bond between the lovers and better sell their relationship to the audience. Unfortunately, the damage done by the disorderly events sequencing never allows the couple to ingratiate themselves to the audience.
Structurally questionable but enjoyable for the duration, THE LAST FIVE YEARS won’t have you humming its’ musical numbers as you leave your seat. Which, ultimately, is what successful musical films are all about.
[usr=3] THE LAST FIVE YEARS is released in UK cinemas on April 17th
