suspiria77
This is one of those movies that I just happened to see when it came out as a bored teenager that loved the movies and would go see just about anything that was out in the theaters. I was charmed by this movie from beginning to end and love to show it to people, because most have never even heard of it. The supporting cast of characters are filled with actors that are quite famous (Ted Danson, Martin Short, Alfre Woodard) and ones that would soon be a lot more famous (Zooey Deschanel, Jason Ritter) and Jason Lee in one of his most likable roles. It's very funny, but in a smile and nod, not laugh out loud kind of a way, and if the trailer hadn't ruined the big plot twist, it's one extremly interesting and clever story.Love the use of the Unsolved Mystries theme in this too! Overall a great little movie that I love to watch once a year or so.
ecidnac
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie, and though it is a favorite of mine I'm not sure I could adequately explain why. There are things that bother me about the movie, certainly, such as its main message of "all you need is love"/"love cures what ails you" and the worst closing credits song selection I think I've ever heard, yet I adore this movie and I'm not ashamed to admit it. It's charming. The characters are likable and most are fleshed out well enough to satisfy. The cast seems perfectly to their parts, especially Loren Dean, who makes you want to get on the couch and spill your secrets. It's far more of a heartwarming story than a true rom-com, mostly because there aren't any huge laughs, though it will make you smile and perhaps chuckle a few times. It's sweet without being overly saccharine, and doesn't have a perfectly tied-up happy ending. It's worth watching. Give it a try.
krdement
Of all of the comments to date, Jotix describes this film best. It is very reminiscent of some of the work of the great directors of Hollywood's Golden Era: Frank Capra, Ernst Lubitsch and Preston Sturges. I cannot imagine categorizing this film. It is not a pure comedy, although it provides moments of cleverness and humor. But there is also a significant element of dramatic tension. It is certainly no intellectual tour de force, however, it is much more than a way to while away 100 minutes (or whatever the length of the film is). It is not a morality play, although you might find something meaningful to take away with you. It is a finely crafted, subtly nuanced, multi-faceted film, mirroring its title character. You might conclude from other opinions that Mumford (the character) is passive out of timidity or lack of purpose or even in order to preserve his anonymity. However, I believe he is passionate about his "profession" and has a very clear philosophy and purpose. I think his therapeutic prescriptions for his "patients" represent sympathetic, compassionate and very intentional interventions in their lives. However, his persona is low-key and his methods of intervention are indirect. Thus their dramatic impact seems to be just the natural consequence of the patients' living their own lives - just as the good doctor intends.This kind of subtlety is in short demand and hence supply in the contemporary world of in-your-face computer generated special effects, one dimensional characters and unimaginative dialog. But, if you enjoy films like Grand Canyon, The Accidental Tourist, Local Hero and Passion Fish, you'll like this film. It is driven by a great balance of plot and well developed characters, played by a wonderful ensemble cast.
kenneth-104
this movie creates a story of your own invention. personal attachment causes prophetic plot assumptions. however, you will enjoy with the dialog and the lack of pretension. a great cast who interpreted the script and made it their own. immersion and reclamation of reminiscence in earlier stage work help to strip the film of unwanted genre-stomp. in other words, a fresh look at a script you wrote in your most ingenious moment. rent it, and finally find a reason to play pool with your most unavoidable adversary. white wine and cheese compliment this pallet. I'm sorry. I cannot spell anymore. how I wish to fall asleep. Is this enough lines to get out of this field? I hope so. goodnight and good luck.