Common Sense Media Review
Mature story of fate, alcoholism, and love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bounce
What's the Story?
In BOUNCE, Ben Affleck plays Buddy Armaral, an advertising executive who is a closer. He is a charming guy who gets the deal done. After landing a huge account for his advertising agency, he encounters travel hell at the airport. He impetuously gives up his boarding pass to a guy who is anxious to get back to his family, not because he is generous, but because he is hoping for a one-night-stand with another stranded traveler. The plane crashes, and Buddy is overcome with survivor guilt. He drinks so much that he lands in rehab. When he gets out, he looks up the widow of the man who flew on his ticket. Abby (Gwyneth Paltrow) is a struggling realtor, and Buddy helps her get a nice commission. He falls for her and they become very close, until she discovers why they met.
Is It Any Good?
Like Return to Me, Bounce is a love story that is better than its gimmick. In a variation on the "cute meet" of romantic comedies, this movie has a "buried secret that will be revealed at the worst possible time" meeting of its leads, with a final plot twist that is one of the most obvious and creaky screenwriter ploys of the year. But the ability, chemistry, and charm of Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow manage to keep it afloat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how, after someone dies, the survivors may feel angry and guilty. Buddy, Abby, and Abby's son all feel guilty for the death of Abby's husband. How do they show it? How do they resolve it? Both Buddy and Abby lied at their first meeting -- why? And why did Buddy notice the way Abby jumped up to remove the toilet paper from the girl's shoe? What did he learn from that?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 17, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : July 27, 2021
- Cast : Ben Affleck , Gwyneth Paltrow , Natasha Henstridge
- Director : Don Roos
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Queer Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language and sexual references
- Last updated : March 16, 2020
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