A Walk in the Clouds

REVIEW
An alternately awkward and magical romantic drama, Like Water for Chocolate director Arau's first English-language film, set in the splendrous wine country of Napa Valley, basks in the mystical glow of lovers united. Unfortunately, these tender scenes are surrounded by the clichés of a contrived beginning and a predictable, abrupt ending. Reeves is a WWII vet and orphan. Traveling by train, he meets a beautiful college student (Sanchez-Gijon) returning home and agrees to pose as her husband, since she's single and pregnant and certain to feel her father's wrath. Their relationship -- like the film -- becomes emotionally satisfying once they arrive on the family's lush vineyards and fall in love. Reeves still seems uncomfortable with period pieces.