Kirpianuscus and the contribution of Donald Sutherland for this title of review is the most important. because it is one of the films who presents facts, events, gestures and dialogues who seems be gray. pieces from everyday life, from other independent films. but each of ordinary ingredients, together, are basis for a form of seductive poetry of small things. Donald Sutherland's work is brilliant because he is not alone. Juliette Lewis, Josh Jackson, Steven Pasquale or Louis Fletcher are the perfect choices for their role. and the precision of James Burke to use, in the right manner, each nuance of emotions, fears , expectation to a hopeful end is one of the magnificent virtues of the film. a film about solitude and the need to be yourself. about family. and about escape from strange cages. Aurora Borealis has another good point - the dialogues. who are more than words and expressions of states of soul. but forms of definition for the viewer's hide memories. maybe, not a gem. sure, an useful experience as a seductive smart story in the perfect package.

Armand it could be a beautiful film. high acting, charming story, precise nuances, romanticism and drama in right doses.but, I admit, for me it represents an experience. for its honesty, for the delicate exploration of nuances of fundamental pillars of life, for science of detail and, sure, for inspired music. it could be the film of Kiefer Sutherland who does a magnificent role but it is a sort of question about the values of spectator. it could be the film of Joshua Jackson who becomes more than a nice promise but it is more. it is perfect movie for reflection. well made, profound and useful, it is a must see it. for a motif who has not place in words. maybe, for an experience.

Jeff Beachnau I saw this film at the Watefront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan. Directed by James Burke, the film is about unemployable Duncan Shorter (played by Joshua Jackson, making an impressive break from his usual teen and college aimed roles) who gets a new job as a handyman so he can be near his grandparents Ronald and Ruth (Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher). Juliette Lewis plays Kate, the home assistant of the grandparents, helping Ronald deal with his Alzheimer's disease. Duncan and Kate meet and quickly form a relationship. Set in the winter of Minnesota, the film is a touching story about a man trying to cope with the death of his father and trying to break free from his fears of the past, present, and future.I really enjoyed this movie, the acting was wonderful. Donald Sutherland gives a heartbreaking performance as the deteriorating grandfather, it's not over the top, it's just true and believable, proving again why he is one of the greatest actors working today. It's nice to see Louise Fletcher in this giving another one of her great role, even if she doesn't get much screen time. Juliette Lewis also does a nice job, even though it does seem like a typical Lewis performance. And I really enjoyed Joshua Jackson, this is the first adult role I've seen him play and was very impressed. I'm really looking forward to seeing Jackson's future roles, now that I know he has this kind of range.Overall, it was a nice film, worth watching just for the performances. I wish everybody involved with the making of it the best of luck.

mamatrauma This is a great film, very moving as well as funny. I got a chance to see it at its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, 2005. Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher are extraordinary as the grandparents. I didn't realize how much I had missed seeing them act. Personally I think it's the best thing I've seen Josh Jackson do, and I plan to buy the soundtrack if it gets released. The director is James Burke - I've not seen any of the other movies he directed but he's really good. The pacing seemed just right, he did a great job casting the major parts and I felt he got a lot out of the secondary actors as well. I think it's miscast as a family picture by Tribeca - it's much better and edgier than the standard family fare and there's language use and sexuality not always appropriate for the under 13 crowd. Please note that my 12 year old son saw it with me and loved it. I just had the urge to cover his eyes twice but I resisted. :-)