A lonely architect moves into an abandoned lake house and finds a note from the previous owner. It turns out the previous owner is a lonely doctor who happens to have lived in the house two years after him.

Over the years, I’ve watched hundreds of romantic films. Throughout each of them, I’ve learned that there’s really no rhyme or reason why one love story will appeal to one person and not to another. Personally, I think it all has to do with your own trials and tribulations with love and if you relate to a certain love story, it doesn’t matter how cheesy it is.

Such is the case with the LAKE HOUSE. It has its problems, but it’s a beautiful story that’s well crafted by Mr. Agresti. You find yourself drawn to the two lead characters almost instantly and that attachment keeps you captivated through the duration of the film. Keanu still stinks up the screen at times, but his character isn’t relied on too heavily to bare the weight of the emotional storyline. That’s where Ms. Bullock comes in and she does a fine job of emitting the quiet desperation that seems to surround her character.

Obviously, given that this is a love story between two characters that are separated by two years, there is a supernatural element to the film. This element is not explored, and for the most part, that’s a good thing. However, I felt the “strangeness” of their situation needed to be addressed better because as it was, the characters were all too accepting of their situation. I realize they were both lonely and desperate to find someone to lean on, but it’s not like it’s everyday we fall in love with someone via a magical mailbox.

When it’s all said and done, whether or not you like this film will be left up to how much you can relate to the two characters and how deeply you buy into their situation. For me, well, I guess I’m a hopeless romantic because I found the film sweet and charming.

Video: Widescreen (1.85:1): This is a nice transfer and the colors and images of the lake house shine through very well.

Audio: English 5.1, French and Spanish 2.0 with English, French and Spanish subtitles: No complaints on the audio front.

I have to say that the worst thing about being the only person that likes a movie is that you don’t get anything in the way of special features. Hopefully, it will find more success on DVD, but I would still be surprised if we see a special edition anytime soon.

Additional Scenes and Outtakes (3:51): These are way too short to amount to anything, but worth a look if you’re starving for more Keanu.

There are also some Previews.

The LAKE HOUSE isn’t going to win any awards, or dazzle anyone with it’s intricate plot or great acting. However, it’s a charming little love story that men and women can enjoy. I think this is a must buy for hopeless romantics everywhere.