If I had known that Wicker Park was a remake of a French movie, L’appartement, it never would have landed in my queue. If Wicker Park was created pre-cell phones and internet, I MAYBE could enjoy this movie, but I think that it is still extremely unlikely. Wicker Park aims for Shakespeare, but feels like a 70s/80s sitcom with all the convenient coincidences, misunderstandings and missed connections. Wicker Park is shot like a thriller, and there is even a sense of danger as a non-main character sinisterly stares up at a couple’s silhouette from a lonely sidewalk, but ultimately there is no danger. It is just another bit of atmosphere and pretense added to what is basically a love story. The main character and his female foil are awful people by any standard with no sense of boundaries and at worst, crazy stalkers, and love is no excuse. I have nothing against Josh Hartnett, but unfortunately after seeing him in Halloween 20 Years Later, I was able to put my finger on why I don’t enjoy his performances. His face resembles Michael Myers’ mask and is similarly unmovable. I found him most convincing in Sin City. I am so glad that Diane Kruger escaped the pretty actress ghetto and is able to exercise her acting chops in The Bridge, even if I’m not a fan of the US version. Matthew Lillard finally gets to play a nice guy whose character should ditch everyone and start from scratch. Also there is this weird virtual fetishization of Chinese culture: “Did you get me the little Chinese dress?,” Lady Dragon Shoes, repeated references to business trips to China. What was that about? The worst part: despite all the attempts at creating a complex narrative structure, I knew what was coming when I noticed a famous actress in one of the early scenes appear as a random customer in a store. Maybe I watch too many movies, but skip Wicker Park, and without even seeing the original, see L’appartement instead.