This thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy/drama makes the audience both laugh and cry. It has the innocent and tender feel of a romantic classic movie transported into a a modern day setting. The film boasts witty dialogue and excellent situational comedy. Almost without exception, the acting is admirable, and the film features such stars as David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carol O' Connor, and James Belushi. Return to Me offers good, clean fun, without a need to rely on sex, excessive language, or graphic violence for its entertainment value.
Running Time: 116 minutes. Released 2000. Rated PG.
The Story of Us
This drama/comedy/romance stars Bruce Willis. While the film made excessive use of the f-word (in a manner which was usually awkward, obtrusive, and out of place, not to mention unrealistic), its virtues eclipse its vices. The movie inspires a few laughs, but it is also emotionally intense. The Story of Us chronicles the near break up of a marriage, and ends, I believe appropriately, with both parties realizing that relationships take work, and that you cannot (and should not) easily walk away from a shared history.
Running Time: 96 minutes. Released 1999. Rated R.
A Walk in the Clouds
I am not a particular admirer of Keanu Reeves's acting ability, but his performance was more than watchable in this film. This beautiful period piece is a wonderfully romantic tale with (for a refreshing change) a protagonist who has a sense of honor. Keanu Reeves has just returned from World War II only to discover that he cannot relate to his wife, who has not even bothered to read his many letters. To please her, he sets out to sell chocolates. On one of his trips, he meets the daughter (played by Sanchez-Gijon) of a rich vineyard owner who is pregnant, unwed, and terrified of her strict, traditional Hispanic father. Reeves offers to pose as her husband and (an orphan himself) begins to learn what it is like to have a family for the first time. Anthony Quinn is especially entertaining as the grandfatherly figure. The scenery is spectacular and the direction is superb. The film is funny, moving, and uplifting. It celebrates love, family, and honor.
Running Time: 102 minutes. Released 1995. Rated PG-13.