by Scott Jentsch

Jul 11, 2012

This movie is rather simplistic by nature, but it's elevated by the performances of the cast. Morgan Freeman carries the movie with ease, and Virginia Madsen slides into her role very comfortably. Her character's kids and the other supporting characters do a fine job of making an enjoyable movie. I think Morgan Freeman could read from the phone book and be captivating to watch and listen to.

Freeman's delivery of his character is so good, it doesn't bother you that he's in a quasi-romantic relationship with a woman 25 years his junior. Maybe this aspect shouldn't matter in relationships, and while you're watching, it won't matter either. It's only after later reflection that you start to poke holes in the motivations in the characters and the storyline, but that kind of analysis just spoils an enjoyable movie.

Director Rob Reiner has become somewhat of an expert at making movies that are the comfort food of the industry. His resume is filled with feel-good movies, and while this movie is no "When Harry Met Sally," it's just as worth watching.

I caught this movie on HDNet Movies, about 15 minutes in, and I was drawn into it. I ended up watching the whole thing, and then watching the next showing to catch the beginning. I caught myself not stopping at the point where I started before, and wound up watching about half of the movie again before turning it off so I could get some sleep!