TxMike DVD from my public library. Claire Danes really was a 16-year-old that she plays, and all the adults were really about 37 to 40 that they play.Peter Gallagher is David Lewis, BU literature professor who claims he is hanging out at the Nantucket summer home to write a novel. But there isn't any novel. Exactly two years earlier, on her 35th birthday, his wife died in a tragic accident while sailing. He has not gotten over it by any means, and still meets her on the beach at night, they talk, they embrace, it all looks very real. But she is dead.His wife is Michelle Pfeiffer as Gillian Lewis. His daughter is Claire Danes as Rachel Lewis. Per tradition, family comes over to celebrate Gillian's birthday, and the annual sand castle competition. Kathy Baker is Esther Wheeler, Gillian's sister, David's sister-in-law, Rachel's aunt. They want David to let go, they bring along a surprise, a single 40-ish lady, Wendy Crewson as Kevin Dollof. (He was told 'Kevin' was coming, he thought it was a man.) This surprise adds a layer of drama that may not have been necessary. The core issue in the story is whether David is fit as a parent, with his reclusive lifestyle and inability to move past his wife's death, Esther thinks Rachel would be better off living with them, and she is prepared to take the issue before a judge if it comes to that. Freddie Prinze Jr., still a teen, has a small role as Joey Bost, who takes Rachel out on a date.I enjoyed the movie. The actors were well-chosen and most of the situations believable. SPOILERS: Near the end David comes to the realization that Esther is right, and Rachel confirms that, she would be better off living with the aunt. But as they are boarding the ferry to go back to the mainland, David comes to his own realization, he decides to board up the house, move back and get his old job back at BU.

Allen-31 I watched this film a number of years ago. And how could I resist? This is the film version of the play I directed at the Walla Walla Little Theater for my senior project in theater back in 1990.Suffice to say, this movie really does away with the cozy script and the well-rounded characters to present something much more "TV-slick" and less than emotionally satisfying. Virtually no character is the same, and many have been given personality lobotomies for no apparent reason.If you get a chance to see "Gillian" at your local theater, go. It's works well in a more intimate, live setting. Here, the changed story is so much wasted potential.

rhynieguy To Gillian is a movie that defines the word uneven. The casting and performances were perfect, but not enough to save the writing. Overall, it wasn't bad, but then again, the fact that it was overlooked at awards shows wasn't about politics (this time). The only thing that makes this movie worthwhile (and yes, it is worthwhile) is Claire Danes. She plays the part of angst-filled, emotion-driven, hormone/peer-influenced teenager to perfection. Also, Michelle Pfeiffer is very good, but unfortunately only for ten minutes. Peter Gallagher was more than adequate, as was the supporting cast. The main problem was that they had no on-screen chemistry, which is often reflective of the writing and/or directing.David Fincher wrote this one. He should stick to TV. Overall, this film is better than should be expected from a team whose credits include Lake Placid (Fincher) and Ninja Turtles 2 (Pressman-director).

RocDot Many people have losses that are very hard to deal with, and they must "Let-Go" on their own time and in their own way after processing. I think this movie was well done. I believe that many of us who have lost either a spouse, parent, sibling, etc ... have kept in contact in some way in our heart, soul and mind. Here is to Dave and Gillian, and a very good screenplay!