HOPE SPRINGS - love in the late afternoon

Ahhh, Hope Springs. Sounds like another boring, geriatric romance that also contains a young couple in love so the demographic is widened. But noooo, this was actually a smart, realistic portrayal of two older people that have fallen out of love and don't want to talk about it. 

At moments, the movie feels slightly provincial in view. The great Meryl Streep, at points may even overplay the dim, simple American housewife and Tommy Lee Jones may at times overplay the grumpy curmudgeon. I really don't care. The acting from them blew me away; I was shocked by how emotional I became and how much I cared about these two elderlies love life. The movie becomes magic in the marriage counselor's (Steve Carell) office. The frank sex talk is humorous but so much more affecting because of the frankness and awkwardness that comes about. 

This is a no-frills film. It should be. It doesn't get into all the possible complex problems that could have arisen over the years between the two people. Hope Springs has a straightforward and universal story to tell and it does so with extraordinary simplicity and poignancy - how could you not be taken in by it's spell? Oscar worthy?

Recommended Viewing: Defending Your Life - Silkwood - Coal Miner's Daughter

              Bob Scale: Objective: 6.5   -   Subjective: 7.4

             MetaCritic: 67

 Rotten Tomatoes: 74

                    IMDB: 6.6

SEEKING A FRIEND AT THE END OF THE WORLD - easier than expected

Focus Features produces films that usually turn out to be quality entertainment. Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World is a typical example of a film that not all will like because of it's odd genre entanglement betwixt science fiction, drama and comedy. For the most part, though, the film blends these counter-intiutive classifications very well except for the few instances when it feels a bit off.

Steve Carell is a amicable and affable actor. He reminds me of Robin Williams - he can play crazy wild comedy and disturbingly sad and depressed characters. I believe Williams is quite a bit more diverse and gifted than Carell but maybe Steve will continue to impress us all with his acting ability in the future, for at the moment he can really pull off two distinct forms.

As for Kiera Knightley, she is a solid actress ranging in roles from Pirates of The Caribbean to Pride and Prejudice. She was no less believable as the nuerotic screw up than any of her other roles. I envy her. She is in her late twenties and has seen and done many unique things with her short life already. I guess it pays to beautiful and talented in this world. Shnikes. 

The story is rather predictable but a pleasant and engaging road movie none the less. There are a number of fun cameo appearances to look out for as well. The love connection is slightly hard to believe but under such circumstances such incredulous phenomena become common. What would you do if you and everyone you knew only had three weeks to live?   

Recommended Viewing: Night Of The Comet - Zardoz - Groundhog Day 

              Bob Scale: Objective: 6.7   -   Subjective: 7.2

             MetaCritic: 60

 Rotten Tomatoes: 53

                      IMDB: 7.0