“It is a note from Paul. He did leave you. He’s gone to the gym to play racquetball.” – Rebecca Trager Lott
Number of Times Seen – Twice (22 Apr 2008 and 28 Jun 2021)
Brief Synopsis – After losing her husband unexpectedly, a young widow tries to get on with her life.
My Take on it – Intriguing premise that works better than expected due to the smooth chemistry between the various characters who all feel so comfortable with one another.
Elizabeth Perkins is great in the lead role and has such a realistic repoire with Gwynth Paltrow, Kathleen Turner and Whoopie Goldberg.
The conversations that these women have come across quite realistically and that helps make things feel more plausible.
The story deals with issues of grief and how one copes since everyone copes in very different and diverse ways.
They also deal with the interpersonal dynamics of a relationship, giving advice to one another along the way.
Loved seeing Jeremy Sisto in a small role as Paltrow’s love interest.
The dialogue is superbly written and helps keep things moving because the characters feel so familiar as things progress.
The play this is based on was originally written by Ellen Simon, the daughter of famed playwright and author Neil Simon.
Jon Bon Jovi has a small yet very significant role in this film as the house painter who all of the women eye while he works across the street.
MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – The character of Alberta, portrayed by Kathleen Turner, was inspired by Simon’s real life ex-step mother, actress Marsha Mason. (From IMDB)
Rating – BAFTA Worthy (6/10)
_______________________________________
Check out my *updated* movie stats here
To see my reviews of Oscar Winning Performances check out this link
To see my reviews of all Oscar Best Picture Winners click here (now complete)
Here is a link to my movie index A-Z
MovieRob 