"Spring Forward" is one of the best American films of 2000, with a paltry, unworthy distribution--it is a prime example of studio marketing as an antagonistic force against moviegoers.
The film is warm, simple, and unpretentious, which reminded me of the like-spirited "You Can Count on Me" by Kenneth Lonergan. Its strengths are in the conversations between the characters of Liev Schreiber and Ned Beatty, recalling the magic of Louie Malle's "My Dinner With Andre"--the movie brims with character, substance, and emotion, rather than easy formulas.
In one of the final scenes, Paul is finally presented with a challenge for dramatic action, saving the life of a distraught woman with his words. When she asks him how he got so wise, he doesn't know how to answer--but we've seen how. His simple experiences of humanity and empathy have given him something, and it's an epiphany for the audience that few other recent films can match: A considered life is beautiful, no matter who you are.
The film is warm, simple, and unpretentious, which reminded me of the like-spirited "You Can Count on Me" by Kenneth Lonergan. Its strengths are in the conversations between the characters of Liev Schreiber and Ned Beatty, recalling the magic of Louie Malle's "My Dinner With Andre"--the movie brims with character, substance, and emotion, rather than easy formulas.
In one of the final scenes, Paul is finally presented with a challenge for dramatic action, saving the life of a distraught woman with his words. When she asks him how he got so wise, he doesn't know how to answer--but we've seen how. His simple experiences of humanity and empathy have given him something, and it's an epiphany for the audience that few other recent films can match: A considered life is beautiful, no matter who you are.