I would like to give this film a higher rating, but something felt all wrong, the whole time. It started with the feeling that I was watching Kevin Costner as the leading man, Harry Sweeney. What, they couldn't afford Costner, so they asked Jamey Sheridan to give it his best shot? Even my husband thought it was Costner and we decided the beard was a ploy to obfuscate Sheridan's longer face.
The other problem had to do with the number of other little stories, within a story. Too many people to care about any of them or the arc of their lives since the central incident 30 years in the past.
It would have been better to cut the number of men by two, extend the time Harry spent with each man and his family. Additionally, Harry should have been, either a childless widower fruitlessly pursuing the diner waitress OR a widower fruitlessly pursuing a relationship with his estranged son.
Now, to the best parts of the film. The flashback sequences depicting the burgeoning relationship between Harry and David. The two young actors caught the essence of the relationship, with quick glances, knowing looks and body language. I wished there had been more with them, before the central event. It was beautiful, sweet and poignant.
AND the last scenes with Campbell Scott. He was perfect. He was mature, he was shattered, he was solid, he was fragile, he was strong. Did I mention he was perfect?
Made me sad that we had spent all that time with Harry and his dirty dishwater life. I wanted to see David. How David became the person we met at the end.
I've been purposely vague, hopefully not spoiling too much for those who haven't seen the film.
The other problem had to do with the number of other little stories, within a story. Too many people to care about any of them or the arc of their lives since the central incident 30 years in the past.
It would have been better to cut the number of men by two, extend the time Harry spent with each man and his family. Additionally, Harry should have been, either a childless widower fruitlessly pursuing the diner waitress OR a widower fruitlessly pursuing a relationship with his estranged son.
Now, to the best parts of the film. The flashback sequences depicting the burgeoning relationship between Harry and David. The two young actors caught the essence of the relationship, with quick glances, knowing looks and body language. I wished there had been more with them, before the central event. It was beautiful, sweet and poignant.
AND the last scenes with Campbell Scott. He was perfect. He was mature, he was shattered, he was solid, he was fragile, he was strong. Did I mention he was perfect?
Made me sad that we had spent all that time with Harry and his dirty dishwater life. I wanted to see David. How David became the person we met at the end.
I've been purposely vague, hopefully not spoiling too much for those who haven't seen the film.