Movies based on acclaimed books are usually pretty good, often generating Oscar buzz months before their release. Unfortunately, “Water for Elephants” is not one of those movies. The movie, based on the novel by Sara Gruen, isn’t all bad by any means, but it doesn’t dazzle either.

“Water for Elephants” tells the story of Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson), a college student whose parents die, leaving him orphaned and penniless. After stowing away on a circus train, Jacob joins the company and becomes the veterinarian. In order to draw in bigger audiences, the head of the circus, August (Christoph Waltz), acquires an elephant named Rosie to be ridden by the show’s star Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), who also happens to be August’s wife. Jacob is supposed to help train the elephant with Marlena’s help, although he refuses to use the violent measures that August proposes. Through their love of Rosie, Jacob and Marlena become closer in spite of August.

The plotline is interesting enough, much thanks to Gruen, and the film looked beautiful. The cinematography is awe-inspiring, while the gorgeous shots of the rising tent glamorize circus life.

The movie’s main problem comes with its acting, particularly Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of Jacob. After “Twilight” and its sequels, hopes for Pattinson were not very high. That said, the fact that he was cast in this movie would suggest that he had improved. Unfortunately, that is not the case. As would be expected, casting him was more of a publicity stunt than a comment on his acting. Throughout the film, Pattinson is stiff and unsympathetic, which leads to a flat portrayal of the circus vet.

Fortunately, Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz saves the film. His portrayal of the aggressive and disturbed circus director is chilling. Without him, the film would have very little to keep its audiences interested. While Witherspoon also manages to keep viewers engaged, her performance is not anything worth celebrating.

Overall, “Water for Elephants” is a fine, entertaining film. The cinematography is beautiful, the plot is engaging, the elephant is cute and Waltz gives a noteworthy performance. That said, the film is uninspiring. Pattinson’s stiff performance as the main character brings down the quality of the film. Pattinson should stick to fighting vampires and werewolves and leave the acting to more skilled professionals.