Stream it now An Unfinished Life 2005

 

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Another contender for the Grumpy Old Men Behaving Badly award for being nice to brutally honest cute kids. Nice to see the Stars out-acted by the Kid

I loved this movie, it was a feel good movie about life.

:) Library



My Review: This movie was surprisingly entertaining. I don't usually like the woodsy-type films, but I like Josh Lucas and that's why I rented it. It was certainly predictable and for the first 1/4 or so I wondered if I could take Jennifer Lopez, but it worked out. I'm no kid fan either in movies, but the 11-year-old in this one eventually seemed okay, too. Except for the language (Robert Redford's character), this would be a pretty okay movie for children above the age of 10, in my opinion.

SYNOPSIS:
Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) is a single mom on the run from her abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis). With nowhere else to go, she and her young daughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), travel to the ranch owned by Jean's father-in-law, Einar (Robert Redford). Jean and Einar have been estranged since the accidental death of Griffin, Einar's son, which he has always blamed on Jean. A crusty old cowboy, Einar lives a rustic existence--working his land, minding his own business, and getting into the occasional noble fistfight on his trips into town. He follows a strict routine that involves paying daily visits to his son's grave and caring for Mitch (Morgan Freeman, a ranch hand who has been bedridden since being mauled by a bear a year ago. But when Jean shows up with a granddaughter he never even knew he had, Einar's world begins to change, and old wounds begin, reluctantly, to heal. Meanwhile, Jean gets a job working at the local diner, Gary comes looking for her, and her dalliance with the handsome police chief, Crane (Josh Lucas), just might blossom into something more. But none of them can move on with their lives until Mitch confronts the beast that came close to destroying him.

This is a well done movie and I do believe if more people would go see it they would agree. Its great family relationship movie and Robert Redford is great as he can underplay his role and get more out of it than some actors and his relationship with Morgan Freeman is typical of two old guys tolerating each other. The young girl steals the movie from her adult counterparts and brings warmth to her part not seen that often anymore. Jennifer Lopez is good but she is outshone by the others who slowly build up a good family togetherness

Slowly the story swells in fierce breathing.

(****):

Extremely well-acted film and likeable film. Lopez is great in what is probably her best role so far. Great scenery too. One of the better films of 2005.

Surprisingly good movie. All great actors, but was skeptical that it would work for me. Freeman and Redford make any movie good. Lopez who is not one of my favorites also held her own. Definitely recommend for people who liked Horse Whisperer. Has great message and enjoyed the scenery.

Twelve and Holding >> More impact than Mean Creek.

Slither >> A few deliciously evil scenes, but surprisingly tame. I felt the same disappointment for Shawn of the Dead.

American Dreamz >> This is what satire is all about.

Little Manhattan >> For a family film centering around children, this ended up being a mature take on love. Charming and funny. The only thing that bothered me a bit was the voiceover for the main character. He sometimes spoke more like an adult.

An Unfinished Life >> Good performances and semi-dynamic characters, nothing really stands out though.

Director Steve Buscemi delivers another low-budget gem about small-town American life. 27-year-old Jim (Casey Affleck) returns to his small Indiana town after having failed to make a dent as a writer in New York City. Depressed beyond comprehension, Jim must contend with his actively suicidal brother, insane mother (Mary Kay Place), and dangerously clueless uncle. Along the way, he meets a too-good-to-be-true nurse, Anika (Liv Tyler), and begins coaching his niece's hapless basketball squad. As time passes, the fog threatens to hang around forever, making Jim wonder if returning home might have been the worst mistake of all.
Fine performances and realistic storyline, a little slow paced at times tho.