Grade: B+

Mega-stars Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in Water for Elephants, based on the novel.  We start off with Hal Holbrook, who is the older version of Robert’s character, telling his story, so the bulk of the movie is set as a flash-back.  A young veterinarian ends up running off with the circus, where he meets a beautiful young woman who happens to be married to the ringmaster, and owner of the struggling troupe.  The husband, played by Academy Award winner Christoph Walz, is horribly abusive, and the two end up helplessly attracted to one another.  Lots of drama, and a wonderful cast of characters.  Very good!