If Tomorrow Never Comes...

Author(s): Masnoraffis Masdil
Location: Singapore

"If Tomorrow Never Comes…"

Directed by Rob Reiner
Written by C. Jay Cox
Original Score by Gabriel Yared

Main Cast

Jude Law (Patrick Maber)
Reese Witherspoon (Michelle Roberts)
Topher Grace (Michael Douglas)
Sharon Gless (Marcia Roberts)
Betty White (Doris Roberts)
Julie Walters (Susan Maber)
Anna Faris (Cecilia Adams)
Dick van Dyke (Malcolm Harris)
Jessica Alba (Felicity Richards)

Tagline: "A Story of a Lifetime… in a Heartbeat"

Synopsis: “If Tomorrow Never Comes” takes place in Manhattan, New York, and is the story of three friends, Patrick (Jude Law), Michael (Topher Grace), and Michelle (Reese Witherspoon), who travel on a journey that teaches them the true meaning of friendship. It teaches them to discover themselves, and to find the courage to live through times of happiness and times of sorrow. With the constant arguments and bickering in her family, Michelle, 25, is completely distraught by the conditions which surround her. In addition to this, she is bombarded with the responsibilities of taking care of her younger brother and sister, as well as helping her mother, Marcia (Sharon Gless) handle the family’s economical complications. Between all these burdens, Michelle never has time for herself.

Then comes Patrick. He moves into Michelle’s small neighborhood, and with him he brings his joyfulness and charming personality. He helps solve everyone’s problems and helps them face the obstacles and challenges that life usually has in store. Much to Michelle’s dismay, Patrick demands on intervening in her life as well. He makes her do things that she would never have dreamt of doing. His constant nagging eventually teaches Michelle how to smile once again. In doing so, Patrick joins with her friend Michael in trying to help Michelle find her happiness that has been lost in the wraths of time.

The power of friendship starts to weave its magic over these three friends. But to their unpleasant surprise, a fatal turn of events causes chaos between all three of them. What are these fatal events that cause a ruckus of emotions describes the basic essence of this film.

What the Press would say:

Rob Reiner is back on form. He’s able to extract flawless performances from his cast and creates magic on screen. His masterful effect of emotions with a perfect blend of comic relief makes for an almost invincible film. It also helps when you have such characters as Jude Law and Reese Witherspoon delivering the lines.

As far as the technical performance of the film goes, it is almost impossible to create a more perfect film. The editing skills are extremely sound and the cinematography shows the viewers what a difference a few angle adjustments can do for a film. The overall effect of the film is merely jaw dropping, for a lack of a better term.

The greatest asset that “If Tomorrow Never Comes…” has is its cast. The magnitude of chemistry between Jude Law, Reese Witherspoon, and Topher Grace is mind blowing! Adding Sharon Gless to the mix creates for an even more awesome effect. It’s safe to say that this is one of Jude Law’s best performances ever. He breathes so much life into his character, Patrick, and literally has you feeling for him as if he was your very own. He puts on a mesmerizing performance and will definitely earn himself many awards.

This is easily Topher Grace’s best performance to date. No one can play such a role with such ease, it’s almost uncanny. Only Topher can portray a character that is quite comical for the most part but always has a place for love in his heart. Reese Witherspoon has also given her best performance as an actress. It’s amazing to see how much energy and talent is given in creating her character, Michelle.

Sharon Gless and Betty White deliver powerful performances too as the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law respectively. Their scenes are packed with powerful emotions. They complement the younger cast well. Sharon Gless, especially as the single working mother, shows her range in this film. TV viewers, who will remember her from “Cagney & Lacey” and “Queer as Folk”, would be delighted to see her on the big screen.

Overall, this is one of the best movies of the year. With powerful performances and a gripping storyline, this is one not to be missed.

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director: Rob Reiner
Best Screenplay: C. Jay Cox
Best Original Score: Gabriel Yared
Best Actor: Jude Law
Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Best Supporting Actor: Topher Grace
Best Supporting Actress: Sharon Gless
Best Supporting Actress: Betty White
Best Film Editing: Walter Murch
Best Art Direction: Stuart Craig
Best Cinematography: Phedon Papamichael
Best Costume Design: Arianne Phillips