No ordinary walk in the 'Park'

As a psychological and romantic thiller, "Wicker Park," starring Josh Hartnett, Matthew Lillard, Rose Byrne and Diane Kruger, is surprisingly good. With twists and turns around every corner, the story slowly develops through scenes that move back and forth in time -- a "Memento" effect. The cinematography makes the movie a must-rental -- at least. Many scenes are shown simultaneously. The lovers, Matthew (Hartnett) and Lisa (Kruger), continuously play a hit-and-miss game set up by Lisa's friend, Alex (Byrne).\nAlthough a romance is involved, Harnett for once shines in a suspenseful movie. "Wicker Park" keeps the viewer, convinced or not, of Harnett's portrayal of obsessive love on his or her toes. It is impossible to figure out how the tangled web is formed until three-quarters of the way through the movie, and by this point the viewer has to find out if, when and how the two lovers will share eternal happiness. Matthew is a photographer in downtown Chicago, and at the beginning of the movie he has the perfect life in his future. He is dating the sister of the wealthy businessman who is opening up doors for him. Matthew even finds himself looking at rings. While doing so one day, ironically, he is reminded of his passionate love, Lisa, after he catches a glimpse of a girl at a bar. All of his dreams of love that have been haunting him resurface, and Matthew becomes ridiculously obsessed with the notion that he can find his love who had vanished without a word. \nThe film continuously revolves around the two lovers, Matthew and Lisa, trying to meet each other at their special place, Wicker Park, in downtown Chicago. The same evening his romance-crazed hunt begins, he is supposed to board a plane to China for business. When Matthew does not board the plane, the search and entanglement begins. Earlier in the day, Matthew runs into his best friend, Luke (Lillard). Luke assists Matthew in finding Matthew's mystery lover. At the same time, Luke is struggling to form a relationship of his own with Alex. As Matthew's and Luke's love lives slowly weave together, poor Luke adds comic relief in his own miserable affair. \nThe plot thickens when identities and friendships begin to be questioned. Every character's mind begins to play tricks on them, whether it is planned or accidental. But not to worry, all those who believe in true love will be content with the ending.\n"Wicker Park" is a perfect date movie. For those who are as obsessed with romance as Matthew and Lisa are will have their heart clinging to these characters. And those who need a little action, dark secrets and great effects will appreciate the movie's capability to grab a viewer's attention.