Touching and hard to forget

A great drama provides a connection to the characters on screen and allows an audience to become so engrossed in the story that they leave the theater feeling distress, joy, contempt, anger or any other emotion because they were touched by what they just witnessed. How often does the general public receive this experience when they venture out to the cinema?

Hopefully, the new film "Remember Me" succeeds at fulfilling the requirements of a great drama for those willing to give it a chance.

This film, starring Robert Pattinson, Chris Cooper, Emilie de Ravin and Pierce Brosnan, is an enticing depiction of loss and hope.

Pattinson plays Tyler Hawkins, a young man struggling to find his place in life and cope with the loss of his older brother, his younger sister Caroline's (Ruby Jerins) social isolation and the acceptance of his father Charles (Pierce Brosnan).

While journeying in and out of New York City one drunken night with his friend and roommate Aidan (Tate Ellington), Hawkins' attempt to stop a fight creates a conflict with police officer Neil Craig (Chris Cooper). After leaving jail, Aidan convinces Hawkins to pursue Craig's daughter Ally (Emilie de Ravin) in an effort to further anger the officer. However, Hawkins' bet quickly erupts into a blissful romance between the two outcasts who are both coping with loss.

The film's vivid success lies strictly within the performances, particularly the talented Pierce Brosnan and Robert Pattinson.

In a perfect leading role, Pattinson is able to showcase his ability to capture the mindset of a man obsessed with overcoming the loss of his brother. He embraces the love of his father who is devoted to his career and exhibits little affection towards his two remaining children. Charles indicates very bluntly how little he cares for his daughter's exceptional painting skills and Hawkins' unrequited path. Brosnan, with his displeasing demeanor and silence, is breathtaking and even more gripping when he occasionally erupts into confrontation with Hawkins and lets Pattinson steal the scene. Cooper is given little screen time, which is unfortunate considering his potential to turn heads in movies like "Adaptation" (2002) and "American Beauty" (1999).

Critic's Conclusion: "Remember Me" tells a story illustrated time and again. It is an opportunity for director Allen Coulter to exhibit his ability to reel in an audience by getting the actors to do the most important part of their job, which is to showcase the heartache that people experience with the promise of life and the wretchedness of death. This film is proof that Pattinson belongs in the spotlight.

For moviegoers, "Remember Me" is an opportunity to watch a family's trials and tribulations, which everyone can relate to, and see how love can exist in the most unfortunate but hopeful circumstances.

"Remember Me" is a subtle depiction of the differences that people make in each other's lives, despite a common struggle to find belonging. B+