Set in an idyllic San Francisco, the story revolves around a workaholic advertising agent named Nelson (Keanu Reeves) who meets a carefree, dog-walking eccentric, Sarah (Charlize Theron), after an "incident" at the Registry of Motor Vehicles. While he sees their meeting as an annoyance, she sees it as a sign of fate and decides to make him "Mr. November." Through some serious negotiation, Nelson resigns himself to becoming one in a series of Sarah's lovers that she takes in for a month at a time.
Poor fella. Not only must he sleep with Charlize Theron, but she helps him change his working drone ways. As Mr. November, he begins to see joy in the world and falls in love with Sarah. After his transformation, he discovers the secret that she has kept from him and why he can only be the month of November to her.
The initial profile of Nelson's life is amusing, and the first interaction between the two leads is charming. But don't let the beginning fool you; the film enters generic, cheesy romantic tragedy territory as soon as Nelson's transformation begins and the script slips into the post-"American Beauty" thematic trap of living life to the fullest, making every day count, etc.
The transition in the script is accompanied by the crumbling of Reeves' performance. At first, he is a powerful presence on screen. As a demanding businessman, his monotonous tone, straight back and short sentences are compelling. When Reeves attempts the transformation to a loving human being, it's like someone pulled the plug. He adopts the permanent expression of someone who just ate a piece of rotten fish, his delivery looks like it is coming from teleprompter cues and his level of emotional expression is reminiscent of the asinine latter-day performances of Nicholas Cage. (Apparently, they both subscribe to the "I am in love so I cannot raise my voice above a whisper and must remain deadpan at all times" school of acting.)
Luckily for the viewer, Reeves' descent coincides with the introduction of Theron, who is the salvation of this film. She manages to turn a character who is completely condescending and one-dimensional into someone whom the viewer really cares about. She is responsible for all of the chemistry between the two lovers and manages to convince the viewer that she could be in love with Reeves' character even if he comes across as a poorly dressed void on the screen.
Although "Sweet November" certainly is not good, I would suggest going to see-no, never mind-renting it just to see her performance. Theron, along with a hilarious scene involving hot dogs in a board room, may surprise or even enchant you.