This movie is fine. That's about the word for it. Fine. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a story about a woman (Jennifer Lopez) going to live with her father in law (Robert Redford) and bringing her daughter (the man's granddaughter, who he doesn't even know he has) because the man she (J. Lo) was living with was beating her up.
Now, here are two catches: The man (Robert Redford) blames his daughter in law for his son's death in a car accident, in the past. Plus, the man is taking care of another farmer (played by Morgan Freeman) who was attacked by a bear. And yes....we see the bear running loose in the beginning of the film, and then being captured and kept in a big cage somewhere in this small Wyoming town. Okay, so there you go. There's about the gist of the whole movie.
Basically, this is a story of "forgiveness." Can the man forgive the woman for the accidental death of his son? And can the other man forgive the bear for attacking him? Can J. Lo forgive the man she was living with for beathing her up? (Don't worry. That's a hard "no." But that isn't really the main point of the story).
At first, the story does sort of "suck you in." It has a "realistic" feel to it. You get expectations. Something deep and insightful is going to happen! There's some tension! The man does not want his daughter in law (and his granddaughter) staying with him, so there's tension there. We also find out that the man who was beating up the woman has tracked her down and is now stalking her in Wyoming. More tension! But slowly, the grandfather warms up to the granddaughter...the daughter in law gets a job in a restaurant...and things just sort of slowwww waaaay down. The tension becomes very minimal. It's not enough! Not enough is happening!
And in a way, I guess that's how the movie is supposed to be. It's more of a "slice of life" movie...not an adventure movie...not a clever movie with tons of witty dialogue and character development. Just a gentle "slice of life." Morgan Freeman is good, as usual. He adds an interesting quirk to the otherwise somewhat bland movie (as does the bear). But, like I said. It's not enough. We need "more!"
Here's another thing. I have a problem with the Jennifer Lopez character just suddenly "ending up" with the sheriff. There is no build-up to this relationship. One second, she asks him for a ride home. The next second, they are a "couple." That felt disingenuous to me. And what about the young girl? We don't really get to know her. Doesn't she get bored living on this farm? Doesn't she need friends her own age? What about school?
This is a movie where narration or a "voice-over" would have come in handy. I think a voice-over from the girl might have worked well. Or from the woman. Or the grandfather. Or Morgan Freeman. Or maybe the bear (just kidding)! But some inner thoughts from SOMEONE to give the movie a little more feeling and depth and insight (and maybe even humor) would have helped a lot.
I would recommend watching this movie is you are just looking for something very relaxing. Maybe have a cup of coffee handy...a big bowl of popcorn...but no pillows, or you may fall asleep. No, seriously...the movie is mostly good. Just a bit slow, like I said. Just a bit too...mellow. But perhaps I prefer slightly more "edginess" to my movies. Oh well.
Now, here are two catches: The man (Robert Redford) blames his daughter in law for his son's death in a car accident, in the past. Plus, the man is taking care of another farmer (played by Morgan Freeman) who was attacked by a bear. And yes....we see the bear running loose in the beginning of the film, and then being captured and kept in a big cage somewhere in this small Wyoming town. Okay, so there you go. There's about the gist of the whole movie.
Basically, this is a story of "forgiveness." Can the man forgive the woman for the accidental death of his son? And can the other man forgive the bear for attacking him? Can J. Lo forgive the man she was living with for beathing her up? (Don't worry. That's a hard "no." But that isn't really the main point of the story).
At first, the story does sort of "suck you in." It has a "realistic" feel to it. You get expectations. Something deep and insightful is going to happen! There's some tension! The man does not want his daughter in law (and his granddaughter) staying with him, so there's tension there. We also find out that the man who was beating up the woman has tracked her down and is now stalking her in Wyoming. More tension! But slowly, the grandfather warms up to the granddaughter...the daughter in law gets a job in a restaurant...and things just sort of slowwww waaaay down. The tension becomes very minimal. It's not enough! Not enough is happening!
And in a way, I guess that's how the movie is supposed to be. It's more of a "slice of life" movie...not an adventure movie...not a clever movie with tons of witty dialogue and character development. Just a gentle "slice of life." Morgan Freeman is good, as usual. He adds an interesting quirk to the otherwise somewhat bland movie (as does the bear). But, like I said. It's not enough. We need "more!"
Here's another thing. I have a problem with the Jennifer Lopez character just suddenly "ending up" with the sheriff. There is no build-up to this relationship. One second, she asks him for a ride home. The next second, they are a "couple." That felt disingenuous to me. And what about the young girl? We don't really get to know her. Doesn't she get bored living on this farm? Doesn't she need friends her own age? What about school?
This is a movie where narration or a "voice-over" would have come in handy. I think a voice-over from the girl might have worked well. Or from the woman. Or the grandfather. Or Morgan Freeman. Or maybe the bear (just kidding)! But some inner thoughts from SOMEONE to give the movie a little more feeling and depth and insight (and maybe even humor) would have helped a lot.
I would recommend watching this movie is you are just looking for something very relaxing. Maybe have a cup of coffee handy...a big bowl of popcorn...but no pillows, or you may fall asleep. No, seriously...the movie is mostly good. Just a bit slow, like I said. Just a bit too...mellow. But perhaps I prefer slightly more "edginess" to my movies. Oh well.