shellirk
I just watched this film on TV and the guide listing gave it one star. I'm glad I didn't see that first. This movie was great if you aren't huge fans of Patrick Swayze and Melanie Griffith. Both have an infinity for playing very soulful characters. Penelope Ann Miller plays Patricks wife, Claire. She's a Psychiatrist and her role shows you that being a Psychiatrist doesn't mean you've got all the answers. Melanie plays a mentally unstable woman with the grace she's always brought to her characters. You can empathize with this woman, but you're not sure you can believe her and I'll leave it at that. You'll want to believe her. Patrick is much like Melanie, when given a role that takes heart, he puts his into it and you can see traces of all his heartfelt roles in him here. This movie isn't a comedy, its categorized in the wrong genre. Melanie plays Lulu. Patrick is Ben. They were in love until circumstances led Ben to move on. Lulu is mentally ill and life takes her down a different path. Ben, through Lulu's verbal recollections has flashbacks that exposes just how deeply troubled Lulu is and it's not pretty. She tells Ben they had a baby and she gave him up for adoption and they're going to go see him on his 16th birthday. Ben doesn't believe her, but because he ends up going along with her,he wants to believe. Claire, his wife, isn't happy at all at the news that he's gone off with his ex. She's going to make some mistakes here. What plays out isn't as transparent as some comment's have suggested. You think you know it all, but you don't. You'll want more and all I can say from here on out, you're given more. I cried, I hated it that I did, but there I was, tears rolling down my cheeks. This is a great movie if you've got it in you to care. Sure, there are parts that really didn't matter nor lend to the story at all, but it's a good thing WE aren't writer's of movies, imagine the messes we'd make!It was great, no .. it was wonderful to see this today. Patrick looks so healthy and handsome. Melanie beautiful and sweet. Penelope is beautiful and since she is a dancer as well, I would have loved to have seen her and Patrick dancing at least once. It was a good afternoon here...
vernonskitt
If you had lived it or similar, then you would appreciate this powerful story much more... I am pleased it's only for we chosen few, as it is heartbreaking. My story is not quite the same, but has too many similarities for comfort. These things do happen and before you start squealing about content and acting and production, try thinking of a few others out here to whom it may mean a lot. I understand and agree about some of the dialog, but don't be so shallow and look only at the immediate appeal as entertainment. This is a deep and moving story well told. The dialog could improve, but tell me a movie where perfection in script, acting cinematography can't be improved somewhat. Have you produced or directed the perfect movie yet? V
jeffwhitty
I must admit when I first saw this movie come through on preview tape at the video store that I work at, I was a little apprensive to take it home and watch it, mainly because of Patrick Swayze who hasen't had a meaty role since GHOST. I was intrigued by the title and decided to give it a go. THANK GOODNESS I DID !!! This was the most funniest, saddest and beautiful movie I have seen in a long while. It is the sleeper of the year. Griffith shines as the fragile LULU who is stricken down by schizophrenia. After sixteen years LULU escapes from a mental institution and tracks down BEN (Swayze) who was LULU'S sweetheart back in college, before she was sick. She informs him that she gave birth to his son and now wants to make contact with him after all this time. So begins a road trip that will leave you wanting more. I will not spoil this movie for you, but let's just say a good box of tissues for the last 20 minutes of the film will be necessary. Swayze does a good job, but I feel he is overshadowed by Griffith, with her powerful performance. She has a real meaty role where as Swayze is stuck playing second fiddle. This is the only problem I can see with this movie, only because I adore Swayze and would have liked to see him play a better part, but he has a few great scenes, one very emotional and I cried all the way with him. Also look out for Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Third rock from the sun), he plays a very good role as LULUS biological son. All in all if you are looking for a movie that is not only funny, but with a real edge to it then this is it. I was sad, I cried and I shared all the moments on that road trip. This is a movie that is a definate in my movie collection, SHEER BRILLIANCE, 10 OUT OF 10.
poopsiy
First, I just want to say what a marvelous job Melanie Griffith did in this movie! She lit up the screen. Like the other reviewer said, she has been in a string of great performances. Lolita, Another day in paradise, Crazy in Alabama, RKO 281, Cecil B. Demented, and now this. I'm so happy for Melanie that she has found the right roles and that she has her life on track.The story was great and it sort of reminded me of the old romance movies. Everything is subtle with just a twinge of romance. The ending will leave a smile on your face! Its just disappointing that it wasn't in theaters, but then again, the American public can't decide what is good, classy entertainment. Instead, we have garbage like Scary Movie and Nutty Professor 2 invading cinemas and making millions. Kudos to the cast, the director, and mostly Melanie. This is a keeper!
AD
