Except for those who may be starved for anything that might seem romantic in modern times, this film will mostly be a turn-off. Even for movie fans who haven't seen the original "Love Affair" of 1939, or the smashing 1957 remake, "An Affair to Remember," this 1994 "Love Affair" will seem just too improbable and contrived. And poorly acted. Of course, the love-starved may still eke some enjoyment or pleasure out of it.
The love story in each of the first two films was based on a story by Leo McCarey that he also directed. It had a wonderful mix of light humor and romance. In both films, the affairs developed gradually from romance into deep love. And, both films had the casts that could carry it off wonderfully. This film lacks that spontaneous humor. And, even stretching it out with the longest flight possible - to Australia, it still is too far beyond belief for a real love to develop in such a short time. While Beatty, Bening and others of the cast are good actors, they don't mesh here as a real love.
As for Katherine Hepburn's role as the grandmother, her character may be okay with the rest of this film and its roles. But it can't hold a candle to the warm, wise and lovely gentle characters played in the first two films by Maria Ouspenskaya and Cathleen Nesbitt. Finally, the music in this remake is way off target. It not only can't compare to the quality of the first two films, but it seems harsh at times, and a poor background for a love story. Then, again, it matches this plot and screenplay.
This film bombed at the box office - with just $18 million in ticket sales against a budget of $60 million. It really "deserves" its Razzie award as the worst remake. And, it surely is that bad as a love story.
