Watch Bounce

Set in the aftermath of a devastating plane crash, "Bounce" is a romantic drama that explores the themes of grief, guilt, and redemption. The movie stars Ben Affleck as Buddy Amaral, a charming ad executive who survives the accident by switching his ticket with a stranger. Consumed by guilt, he embarks on a quest to find the widow of the man he believes he killed, hoping to make amends.

The woman he's looking for is Abby Janello, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, a young mother and struggling real estate agent who has just lost her husband. She's initially reluctant to interact with Buddy, but as they spend more time together, they form a deep connection. Buddy starts to fall for Abby, but he's still keeping a secret from her, which threatens to destroy everything they've built.

Meanwhile, Buddy's career is also suffering from the aftermath of the crash. He's struggling to come up with a new campaign for a major airline, and his boss is losing patience with him. Natasha Henstridge plays Mimi, a fellow ad executive who is attracted to Buddy and tries to help him with his work. However, her motives are not entirely pure, and her actions complicate Buddy's already complicated life.

The movie is directed by Don Roos, who also wrote the screenplay. Roos is known for his work on "The Opposite of Sex" and "Single White Female", and he brings his signature blend of dark comedy and drama to "Bounce". The movie has a somber tone but also has moments of humor and warmth.

One of the strengths of "Bounce" is its lead actors. Affleck delivers a nuanced performance as Buddy, a man tormented by his own actions. He's charming and charismatic but also vulnerable and haunted. Paltrow is equally impressive as Abby, conveying the pain and uncertainty of a widow trying to find her place in the world again. The chemistry between the two of them is electric, and they share some touching scenes together.

The supporting cast also deserves praise. Henstridge is excellent as Mimi, a character who could have been a one-dimensional villain but is instead given depth and complexity. Johnny Galecki, known for his role on "The Big Bang Theory", plays Seth, Abby's best friend and confidant, bringing some comic relief to the movie. Tony Goldwyn is also memorable as Abby's father-in-law, who is dealing with his own grief and struggles to connect with her.

Another highlight of the movie is its depiction of grief. "Bounce" is not afraid to show the messy, painful, and unpredictable nature of mourning. Abby and Buddy are both trying to make sense of their loss and find a way to move forward. Their journey is not always linear or easy, and the movie doesn't offer easy answers or solutions.

The movie also tackles the aftermath of the plane crash in a respectful and realistic way. It shows the impact of the tragedy on the survivors, the families of the victims, and the airline industry as a whole. The movie was released a year before the events of 9/11, which makes its portrayal of air travel and security procedures particularly poignant.

Overall, "Bounce" is a well-acted and emotionally affecting movie that explores some difficult themes with sensitivity and depth. It's not a perfect movie, and some viewers may find it slow or too melodramatic, but it's definitely worth watching for its performances and its exploration of grief and redemption.

Bounce is a 2000 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 52.