Just caught this film on Showtime. Gena Rowlands the reason only. Of course, she is able (just) to rise above the material and awful dialog.
The "story" has promise: a young, dysfunctional teen is paired with an older woman as a punishment for a school prank. James Caan as the matchmaker school principal (total miscast) turns the youngster into a part-time, gardener-assistant to Mrs. Ritchie to pay for his misdeed. The boy, "Charlie," played by Kevin Zegers (another total miscast)is soon captivated by the open, loving and suitably honest Mrs. Ritchie and excels as the apprentice helper-gardener. Charlie is also captivated by Mrs. Ritchie's two mentally challenged children, both adults.
The flip side: Charlie's home life is warmed-over trailer-trash. Dad, "Sonny," poorly played by David Schofield, walks through his part befuddled by a long-ago marital infidelity. Of course, Charlie and Dad are in conflict with each other over everything. Mom, "Joan," played by Leslie Hope (another miscast - although is able at times to overcome the near sit-com drivel) is caught between her children and their abusive father as she inches her way into substance abuse. Charlie and the aging Mrs. Ritchie instantly develop a secure relationship that transforms the young delinquent into a model citizen.
What is the point of this photoplay? The story-line is not unique by a long-shot. However, the psychological environment and other elements hold promise not explored, nor exploited by the writer/director. It is a shame that Ms. Rowland's extreme talent is rarely allowed to shine. The audience is insulted by the poor, sophomoric dialog. Add the unbelievable solidarity between Mrs. Ritchie and Charlie. No conflict, no generational struggle, just an acceptance that makes no sense.
Do not waste valuable time on this. This one is for Rowland fans only.
The "story" has promise: a young, dysfunctional teen is paired with an older woman as a punishment for a school prank. James Caan as the matchmaker school principal (total miscast) turns the youngster into a part-time, gardener-assistant to Mrs. Ritchie to pay for his misdeed. The boy, "Charlie," played by Kevin Zegers (another total miscast)is soon captivated by the open, loving and suitably honest Mrs. Ritchie and excels as the apprentice helper-gardener. Charlie is also captivated by Mrs. Ritchie's two mentally challenged children, both adults.
The flip side: Charlie's home life is warmed-over trailer-trash. Dad, "Sonny," poorly played by David Schofield, walks through his part befuddled by a long-ago marital infidelity. Of course, Charlie and Dad are in conflict with each other over everything. Mom, "Joan," played by Leslie Hope (another miscast - although is able at times to overcome the near sit-com drivel) is caught between her children and their abusive father as she inches her way into substance abuse. Charlie and the aging Mrs. Ritchie instantly develop a secure relationship that transforms the young delinquent into a model citizen.
What is the point of this photoplay? The story-line is not unique by a long-shot. However, the psychological environment and other elements hold promise not explored, nor exploited by the writer/director. It is a shame that Ms. Rowland's extreme talent is rarely allowed to shine. The audience is insulted by the poor, sophomoric dialog. Add the unbelievable solidarity between Mrs. Ritchie and Charlie. No conflict, no generational struggle, just an acceptance that makes no sense.
Do not waste valuable time on this. This one is for Rowland fans only.