I saw this movie opening night (a rarity for me), and was glad that I read the reviews AFTERWARDS.
I approached this movie as just a good time - a celebration of the joy that comes with hope, and, in the end, of victory.
Overthinking the unwise choices made by Farmer along the way, or the clanky plot bits ( what's with the FAA hearing in the high school anyhow?) just ruins the fun. When I read the reviewers critiquing the decisions to mortgage the farm, the taking of the kids out of school, I thought "haven't they seen Its A Wonderful Life?"
Not a great film, not a think piece, but lots of entertainment value, and, in the end, a great message about the power of the human spirit. .
Billy Bob shows surprising calmness (is he growing up to be Jummy Stewart? Are the Polish brothers the new Capras?) Virgina Madsen again threatens to steal a movie, doing wonders with a small part. Bruce Dern reclaims his throne as king of the over the hill gang in a small role, not allowing his eccentricity to be abused into craziness for once. Even most of the bit players are wonderful, from the farmer kids to the lawyer, to the waitress.The campy FBI agents are unwanted comic relief, though.
A movie to watch over and over to melt cynicism away.
I approached this movie as just a good time - a celebration of the joy that comes with hope, and, in the end, of victory.
Overthinking the unwise choices made by Farmer along the way, or the clanky plot bits ( what's with the FAA hearing in the high school anyhow?) just ruins the fun. When I read the reviewers critiquing the decisions to mortgage the farm, the taking of the kids out of school, I thought "haven't they seen Its A Wonderful Life?"
Not a great film, not a think piece, but lots of entertainment value, and, in the end, a great message about the power of the human spirit. .
Billy Bob shows surprising calmness (is he growing up to be Jummy Stewart? Are the Polish brothers the new Capras?) Virgina Madsen again threatens to steal a movie, doing wonders with a small part. Bruce Dern reclaims his throne as king of the over the hill gang in a small role, not allowing his eccentricity to be abused into craziness for once. Even most of the bit players are wonderful, from the farmer kids to the lawyer, to the waitress.The campy FBI agents are unwanted comic relief, though.
A movie to watch over and over to melt cynicism away.