annmason24
This is a good film, but slow. Peter Falk's makeup is excellent, but D.B. Sweeney's is not; at times when he is supposed to be younger, he looks older than in later scenes when he is supposed to be older but looks younger than he does earlier...huh?I did not expect Beth to die, and IMO the movie hung on too long after that. I think it was about 1/2 hour overbaked.The main elements of the movie hang together. The writer did a good job of paying attention to his own work (sounds easy, but just try watching "Pushing Tin"). The film did a good job of presenting the value of family. Such loyalty is always welcome.This is, as I said, a good film.
tcasavecchia
I find it hard to believe that there are only 16 reviews of this film & that of those 16 all but one is positive, yet this film has such a low rating. I like a lot of Peter Falk's work. I truly LOVE Columbo. It was a great show that is still watchable due to the acting of Falk & the stories. I think the reason I love this film so much is that the character of Rocky somehow reminds me of my own father (who is old enough to be my grandfather) Like Rocky, my father is gruff, stubborn, snores incessantly, & loves his family albeit rarely says it. He shows his love with his actions not his words. Now that I have a son of my own & have my father living with me I hope that one day my son will be able to appreciate this film as I do.
tedg
Spoilers herein.Peter Yates is a competent director, very serious about delivering on the theatrical values. He only does well when the script is precise. And what we have here is a lesson in precision.This could only have been written by someone who teaches writing for a living; it relies on so many tricks of the popular pen that like Waller (`Bridges of Madison County') and Sparks (`Message in a Bottle') that you feel dirty and guilty afterward for having actually enjoyed that hot dog.Grandpa here is not the main character, instead the center is a big hole left by people who have died: first Dad, then Mom, then Wife. Swirling around that hole are vignettes whose only purpose is to sharpen the focus on its emptiness.The thing that works here is the amazing Julianne Moore, who enters and carries herself in a manner calculated to exit memorably. The previous year she reinvented layered acting with `Vanya' and then dove into five films in a year. These five are all over the place, each one a perfect sonnet of acting; all are trivial projects. All are raised by what she does.The only string this film doesn't pull is the dog. There isn't one.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.
bmluvera
I think I was about 14 or 15 when I saw this movie for the first time. I also think this was the last movie that actually brought me to tears.
The story of Rocky and his grandson was just so touching. It struck a chord and reminded me of my relationship with my own grandfather. You can't help but love the old fart.By the time the movie was over I had felt as if these characters had really come to life, especially Rocky. I think that is what is so great about this movie. This crusty old man really grows on you and it's hard to let him go at the end.This movie is definitely worth renting if you get the chance. A great family movie as well.
AD
