Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

"I respect consistency!". Author, Monte Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman), says it best if he were to refer it toward the apt direction of Rob Reiner in this hauntingly melodic and poetic spin on an aging and angry man. He is feeling quite out of place at this juncture in his life. Can he possibly discover his own importance right where he can aid through a community setting? Reiner weaves an inspired tale throughout another in-depth story while Wildhorn and Charlotte O'Neil (Virginia Madsen) dance triumphantly within its web. The film is emotionally raw along with being hopelessly romantic and definitely personal. There are so many intimate elements included within this solid narrative (written by Reiner along with Guy Thomas) that it becomes so easy to get lost in the lives of the people as I certainly did. I laughed out loud and was just as moved to tears throughout. A simple plot with a burnt-out and disgruntled author who is alcohol swilling and unflinchingly sarcastic. A struggling mother who is positive and lovely although quite lonely lives next-door. In this setting, there is nothing really new. There is although so much depth to the main characters, the people of the town riddled throughout, and in Wildhorn's personally complicated life. It is in this setting which makes this particular movie so worth your time; the ride which Monte takes from the point A to point B. It may not seem like too much of a trip but for this closed-off reclusive author, the jump is quite thorny while we question if everything will come up roses for him. What first may appear to be predictable may not end in the way it will seem at the outset. This is a movie of, and for, the heart. One that has the power to tug tightly on the emotions of those who are prone to love these types of feel good films. Monte possesses the foulest attitude because of life's misdealt cards that he's rigidly holding onto. As he moves into this new town, he begins to meet people, mainly on his terms and slowly begins to see them for how they really are. He may be in a deep grip of emotional pain at the beginning of the film, although so are many others in their own lives right there in town. Charlotte first begins a guarded then easy friendship with him. Her three daughters are interacting with an uncomfortable Monte but very soon the author side of him begins to appeal to them in different ways. The dialog in this interactive movie is stellar, quick-witted and lovely. Reiner uses visuals which are able to pull as much emotion as any compelling conversation. Of this, I enjoyed the careful framing of faces and objects as basic as Monte's typewriter. I also found that the music in the movie is as inspiring as any of the delightful personalities. Of definite noting is the soundtrack including the featured solo piano of Marc Shaiman (a favorite of Rob Reiner's films). The high standard of music is worth the while to remain listening through the credits. This enchanting music flows back and forth between Monte's and Charlotte's homes. As she plays her piano, it seems alive and conveys its own dialog towards Monte with its lulling and soothing tones. This is storytelling at its pinnacle. You will laugh, cry, and smile your way through this piece of cinematic Magic.