Single mother Tracy Cross (a fine and affecting portrayal by Goldie Hawn) ekes out a modest living as a dancer at a seedy bar while struggling to raise her precocious son Chris (an excellent and convincing performance by David Arnott) in Key West, Florida in the late 1960's.
Director Chris Menges relates the compelling story at a steady pace, expertly crafts a thoughtful melancholy mood, and offers a flavorsome evocation of the sunny Florida setting. Scott Sommer's sharply observed script astutely captures the sad sordidness of people who exist on the desperate fringes of society as well as makes a poignant point about the extreme things folks are willing to do for the sake of someone they love. Best of all, the strong bond between the flawed, but caring Tracy and her fed-up precocious son Chris gives this movie a substantial amount of depth and genuine heart.
The sturdy acting from the top-notch cast helps a lot: Arliss Howard as the amiable Joe, James Gammon as crusty, but kindly hotel proprietor Emmett, Keith Carradine as traumatized Vietnam war veteran John, J. C. Quinn as scruffy diner owner Jetty, Steve Buscemi as scuzzy low-life Louis, and Paul Calderon as menacing creep Blacky. A nice little film.
Director Chris Menges relates the compelling story at a steady pace, expertly crafts a thoughtful melancholy mood, and offers a flavorsome evocation of the sunny Florida setting. Scott Sommer's sharply observed script astutely captures the sad sordidness of people who exist on the desperate fringes of society as well as makes a poignant point about the extreme things folks are willing to do for the sake of someone they love. Best of all, the strong bond between the flawed, but caring Tracy and her fed-up precocious son Chris gives this movie a substantial amount of depth and genuine heart.
The sturdy acting from the top-notch cast helps a lot: Arliss Howard as the amiable Joe, James Gammon as crusty, but kindly hotel proprietor Emmett, Keith Carradine as traumatized Vietnam war veteran John, J. C. Quinn as scruffy diner owner Jetty, Steve Buscemi as scuzzy low-life Louis, and Paul Calderon as menacing creep Blacky. A nice little film.