"Christmas in Conway" is much more than a drama and romance. It's a story of true, abiding, enduring, and deep love. Very few films have been made along the lines of this plot since the last of the 20th century. But, when one has such a plot, it's always a very good, even great film. Needless to say, this applies especially to movies made for the Christmas season or with Christmas in them.
The description of the film, and other reviews discuss the plot. My comments are in praise of a production with a cast that should be a model for actors, especially those who have roles in year-end holiday films. Many of the Christmas season movies made in the past few decades fall short of being very good films just because of the acting. And, that's because it looks like acting, not real and natural, by most or so many of the cast of these films. It's not only in drama, but in the comedy and lighter roles as well. Actors try too hard to be convincing and they turn out to not be such. One sees it so frequently.
Now, look at this film. Andy Garcia and Mary-Louise Parker are superb in their roles. Who could not believe that Suzy Mayor is suffering from cancer, but not complaining? Who could not believe that Duncan Mayor is torn inside by his wife's suffering and imminent death? Who could not believe the deep, heartfelt, sincere, abiding and soul-grabbling love between these two people? Wow! This is great acting because it seems so real and believable.
And, they aren't the only people who make this such a marvelous, true to life story. Mandy Moore's Natalie Springer might be the hospice nurse or caregiver that any number of people may have encountered in their family losses. A line in the film refers to her profession, and Duncan himself comes around to a great extent because of the heart and soul of such a hospice nurse. They are special people with special positions. Mandy is love in action, not just a nurse. It's not forced or phony. She is real. So then, Riley Smith as Tommy Harris also comes across as genuine and real. His role is a hard one to get right, because of the sudden changes his character must show; but he nails the part and makes the changes just happen as naturally as can be.
Let's not forget the nosy and uppity neighbor, Gayle Matthews. Cheri Oteri has the only bit of comedy in the film, in her character. And she plays her part superbly. So too do Ric Reitz as Sheriff Charlie and Mark Miler as Henry. The entire cast make this a model film for acting. And, because of their superb acting, the story and film are tremendous. This isn't a happy Christmas story, but because of its excellent production, it's one that will have good memories, just as how the story, if played out, would have good memories in later life for those who loved and knew Suzy Mayor.
Here's my favorite line from the movie.
Suzy Mayor, "You okay with this?" Duncan Mayor, "I'm not okay with any of it; but I want you to know I'll be with you all the way."
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