While there are elements of light comedy from Paul Reiser and Julie Walters in this family drama about birth, death, dying, love and truth, the focus is on heart, especially as someone with understandably selfish motives comes to see things from a different perspective. Reiser finds out that he's dying from leukemia then after telling his mother Olympia Dukakis the news learns that he was adopted. He seeks out his family in England, and learns that there's more to family than just needing something from them, especially as he comes to love them, especially his natural mother, the magnificent Julie Walter's.
Tender, touching and true, this is a sincere soap opera like story where Reiser gets a beginning, middle and end to his arch, going from somewhat selfish and needy to accepting of the inevitable, far from perfect but getting a chance to atone. Reiser and Walters are perfect as the reunited mother and son, with Amber Sealey the heart of Walters' family as her supportive daughter-in-law, definitely closer to her than Walters' own natural sons. Dukakis and George Wendt (Reiser's adoptive brother) are also great in support. This never goes for overwrought tears and thanks to a well written script and memorable performances, and the two completely different style of funny actors truly deserve full praise.
Tender, touching and true, this is a sincere soap opera like story where Reiser gets a beginning, middle and end to his arch, going from somewhat selfish and needy to accepting of the inevitable, far from perfect but getting a chance to atone. Reiser and Walters are perfect as the reunited mother and son, with Amber Sealey the heart of Walters' family as her supportive daughter-in-law, definitely closer to her than Walters' own natural sons. Dukakis and George Wendt (Reiser's adoptive brother) are also great in support. This never goes for overwrought tears and thanks to a well written script and memorable performances, and the two completely different style of funny actors truly deserve full praise.