Bradley (Greg Kinnear) owns a coffee shop in Portland, Oregon called Jitters. He has been married for six years to Kathryn (Selma Blair), a tomboy-type who loves softball. Bradley introduces her, after a game, to his favorite customer, Harry (Morgan Freeman), a professor who is temporarily on leave from his job, due to the death of a child. Harry, a very intuitive and wise man, married to a loving lady (Jane Alexander), sees immediately that Kathryn has eyes for another female softball player. In short order, Kathryn calls it quits with Bradley, leaving him very despondent. However, a beautiful real estate agent named Diana (Radha Mitchell) soon warms his heart again. But, alas, she is having a secret affair with a married man named David (Billy Burke), even though she becomes quite close to Bradley as well. Then, too, Bradley has two young employees, Chloe and Oscar, who soon fall in love and move in together. But, Oscar's abusive father, The Bat (Fred Ward, very scary), makes things difficult for them from time to time. In fact, how strong are the chances for happiness among these fine people of Portland? If you saw the trailers, you might think this was a romantic comedy. Not so, not by far. It is a romantic drama with some comic elements but a great deal of in-your-face depressing reality, too. That is not to say it is not worthwhile, for it is, but no one will be humming a tune when he or she exits the theater. All of the principal players are quite good, bringing depth to a story that could be dismissed, at times, as being overly melodramatic. As for the Portland scenery, it is lovely, as are the costumes and camera work. Benton, the director, has not been at the helm of a film for quite some time but he clearly shows he has not lost his touch. On the other hand, this film is rated R and for good reason, as it definitely has some sexually-charged scenes. In brief, if you are drawn to films that include romantic drama and sharp character studies, this movie might do for you. Also, fans of the cast will want to see it, too. But, be forewarned that some tears might fall and that the experience overall will be bittersweet.
68 Reviews
A bittersweet romantic drama, with some comic elements and some that are totally depressing
inkblot118 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Is Love number one or number two?
ferguson-630 September 2007
Greetings again from the darkness. Director Robert Benton has only made 11 movies in 35 years. What is consistent with each of his films is the way he peels back the layers of humanity. He really explores the different personalities in people. Think of the Hoffman/Streep split in "Kramer vs. Kramer" and you will see the similarities with the break-up here of Greg Kinnear and Selma Blair. The number of intimate moments and personal insecurities are too many to count ... just like real life.
Rarely do you see one partner slap the other in the midst of an affair when the one slapping is trying to lecture the soon-to-be-married other one that her morals need to be straightened out before she weds. In other words ... do as I say, not as I do. Another good story line involved two young broken people who try to accept that life and love can be good. Played well by Toby Hemingway and a stunning Alexa Davalos, the two lovers have overcome much in their lives and certainly appreciate the bond they have.
The best story line in the film is the magic of Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander, playing the oldest interracial couple I can remember seeing on film. They are both hurting deeply from the loss of a son, yet the strength of their relationship allows them to deal with grief in separate ways, while still being there for each other. Two excellent performances.
The center of the film is the lovable, clueless, hopeless-romantic played by underrated actor Greg Kinnear. We see two relationships (Selma Blair and Radha Mitchell) end badly for him, yet he clings to his belief that LOVE is what it's all about.
I like how the only kids involved in this real world mess are old enough to make their own decisions. It would have been easy to toss in a kid or two to tug even harder at the tear ducts, but this remained an adult story for adults ... and there are far too few of these. Be forewarned , this is no light-hearted chick flick. It could be termed a romantic drama but more accurately a human drama.
Rarely do you see one partner slap the other in the midst of an affair when the one slapping is trying to lecture the soon-to-be-married other one that her morals need to be straightened out before she weds. In other words ... do as I say, not as I do. Another good story line involved two young broken people who try to accept that life and love can be good. Played well by Toby Hemingway and a stunning Alexa Davalos, the two lovers have overcome much in their lives and certainly appreciate the bond they have.
The best story line in the film is the magic of Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander, playing the oldest interracial couple I can remember seeing on film. They are both hurting deeply from the loss of a son, yet the strength of their relationship allows them to deal with grief in separate ways, while still being there for each other. Two excellent performances.
The center of the film is the lovable, clueless, hopeless-romantic played by underrated actor Greg Kinnear. We see two relationships (Selma Blair and Radha Mitchell) end badly for him, yet he clings to his belief that LOVE is what it's all about.
I like how the only kids involved in this real world mess are old enough to make their own decisions. It would have been easy to toss in a kid or two to tug even harder at the tear ducts, but this remained an adult story for adults ... and there are far too few of these. Be forewarned , this is no light-hearted chick flick. It could be termed a romantic drama but more accurately a human drama.
Well acted, not well attended
mjlovas8 October 2007
My wife an I saw this a few days ago, a late show on a Friday which we thought might be crowded. But, only two other people were in the theater. That does not bode well for the box office for this film. We both enjoyed it. Once again Morgan Freemen does a great job as the wise old man knowing just what to say and do. He always is a joy to watch. The story is a indeed a feast of love, with multiple types of love unfolding among all the characters. The character of Diana (Radha Mitchell) is particularly well done if not very sympathetic. And Greg Kinnear plays his likable "I'm just a dupe of love" character equally well. A well done movie on relationships and their complexity, but without the non-stop action young fans want in films this will likely only get a niche audience in theaters with most folks waiting for the DVD or cable to check this one out.
A nice enjoyable movie for everyone (most everyone, except for those who are shy about nudity)
was-3414 December 2007
This movie was like a good book, one that you can curl up with and enjoy from start to finish.
There were strong multiple stories, especially the characters who were in situations that they knew were hurting themselves as well as others.
As usual the narration of Morgan Freeman is worth the price of admission. For most of the movie he hides his own pain, but at the same time is able to reach out to help those who need it.
Perhaps it's not a movie for everyone, but if you've been around for a while, you can certainly identify with some of the characters and their stories.
This is one of the better pictures I've seen this year (albeit there weren't very many good pictures this year) and I would highly recommend it.
There were strong multiple stories, especially the characters who were in situations that they knew were hurting themselves as well as others.
As usual the narration of Morgan Freeman is worth the price of admission. For most of the movie he hides his own pain, but at the same time is able to reach out to help those who need it.
Perhaps it's not a movie for everyone, but if you've been around for a while, you can certainly identify with some of the characters and their stories.
This is one of the better pictures I've seen this year (albeit there weren't very many good pictures this year) and I would highly recommend it.
If the title and poster make you think "Love actually", think again
harry_tk_yung6 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The title and poster of this movie is deceptive, making you think of "Love actually". "Feast of love" (a book-adapted movie) is more pensive, and at times sad, although there is of course the lighter side. I often think that it's a sign of laziness when a film critic quotes dialogues, but when two of the most widely-read critics do the same, there should be some meaning to it.
It's like this. The movie starts with Morgan Freeman playing a retired philosophy professor, sleepless in Portland (close enough to Seattle), walks pensively from his house, with voice over of his thoughts, something to the effect of: The Greek gods were bored, invented humans, still bored, invented love (which was not boring), tried it themselves and invented laughter so they could stand it. That sets the tone of the movie.
And while we are on philosophical thoughts, one question that is asked repeatedly in the movie is whether love is just something to ensure the creation of new babies. This vaguely echoes Shaw's "Man and superman" (what he himself calls "a comedy and a philosophy"), the "Life Force" that brings a man and a women together in a "supreme moment", and all that.
With considerable simplification, one could say that the movie builds on the stories of three couples. Freeman and Jane Alexander play a couple who has recently lost their son to drug addiction and the deepest tragedy it that they never knew the truth until it was too late, seeing their son only as what appears on the surface, a successful doctor. In the second story we witness how a young couple meet (played by Toby Hemingway and Alexa Blair) , fall in love and dream about a wonderful future when they, leaving their poverty behind, build a beautiful family with lots of kids.
The third story (which is in fact the main plot) is about a man's relationship with three women, no, not simultaneously but successively. Greg Kinnear plays an otherwise undistinguished man with Snow White simplicity and purity. Surely, he doesn't deserve the agony of losing his first wife to her randomly-encountered lesbian lover, and his second wife to her formal adultery lover. Still, he finds true love and happiness when he encounters a doctor who does appreciate him. Here, it's the second relationship that take the spotlight, with Radha Mitchell portraying an attractive women who is driven essentially by her reckless passion.
In a way, this movie suffers in not fitting neatly into a niche (as "Love actually" does) and therefore not pleasing some people. But although it does not have the depth of serious dramas, this move has its moments. And despite the opening quote, this movie has a wider scope than mere romantic love, as we find in the end. There is also a positive message, however cliché, that with the tragedies that bring so much sorrow, life goes on and if we make the best of it, we'll see the blessings.
The performances will not bring Oscar nominations, as one critic puts it. But I would add that the acting from a rather large cast is uniformly above being mere competence.
It's like this. The movie starts with Morgan Freeman playing a retired philosophy professor, sleepless in Portland (close enough to Seattle), walks pensively from his house, with voice over of his thoughts, something to the effect of: The Greek gods were bored, invented humans, still bored, invented love (which was not boring), tried it themselves and invented laughter so they could stand it. That sets the tone of the movie.
And while we are on philosophical thoughts, one question that is asked repeatedly in the movie is whether love is just something to ensure the creation of new babies. This vaguely echoes Shaw's "Man and superman" (what he himself calls "a comedy and a philosophy"), the "Life Force" that brings a man and a women together in a "supreme moment", and all that.
With considerable simplification, one could say that the movie builds on the stories of three couples. Freeman and Jane Alexander play a couple who has recently lost their son to drug addiction and the deepest tragedy it that they never knew the truth until it was too late, seeing their son only as what appears on the surface, a successful doctor. In the second story we witness how a young couple meet (played by Toby Hemingway and Alexa Blair) , fall in love and dream about a wonderful future when they, leaving their poverty behind, build a beautiful family with lots of kids.
The third story (which is in fact the main plot) is about a man's relationship with three women, no, not simultaneously but successively. Greg Kinnear plays an otherwise undistinguished man with Snow White simplicity and purity. Surely, he doesn't deserve the agony of losing his first wife to her randomly-encountered lesbian lover, and his second wife to her formal adultery lover. Still, he finds true love and happiness when he encounters a doctor who does appreciate him. Here, it's the second relationship that take the spotlight, with Radha Mitchell portraying an attractive women who is driven essentially by her reckless passion.
In a way, this movie suffers in not fitting neatly into a niche (as "Love actually" does) and therefore not pleasing some people. But although it does not have the depth of serious dramas, this move has its moments. And despite the opening quote, this movie has a wider scope than mere romantic love, as we find in the end. There is also a positive message, however cliché, that with the tragedies that bring so much sorrow, life goes on and if we make the best of it, we'll see the blessings.
The performances will not bring Oscar nominations, as one critic puts it. But I would add that the acting from a rather large cast is uniformly above being mere competence.
A little something for everyone
gotohoward6 April 2009
I don't write typical reviews because I'm not really smart enough. I'll leave that for those willing to be bright enough to cover all the dimensions of a film. That being said, this movie appeals to your heart and makes you feel something. A little about love, a little about loss, and a little about how important honesty is in relationships and in life in general. It tells you that most importantly, you need to be honest with yourself, but also you really need to find out what to look for in this great journey of life.
I believe Morgan Freeman led a excellent cast of actors, but what I noticed more in the narrative was his distinct voice of reason that Mr. Freeman is so exceptional with in every film he does. So, if you decide to take my advice and spend a couple hours away from your routine to take in this wonderful little film, try to view it from a perspective that its message of thoughtfulness, courage, and heart might endure long after its over.
I also enjoyed some great acting efforts from the always good Greg Kinnear and the Aussie Radha Mitchell, which I think are worth mentioning separately, but the whole cast was good. The film basically follows five distinct relationships (six if you count Morgan Freeman's marriage) as they fall in love, stay in love, or fall out of love. The story line is a little chaotic and improbable at times, but like I said in the beginning, sometimes you have to spare the analysis, and let the experience just gobble you up and let you go. The better films will do that. Happy viewing!
I believe Morgan Freeman led a excellent cast of actors, but what I noticed more in the narrative was his distinct voice of reason that Mr. Freeman is so exceptional with in every film he does. So, if you decide to take my advice and spend a couple hours away from your routine to take in this wonderful little film, try to view it from a perspective that its message of thoughtfulness, courage, and heart might endure long after its over.
I also enjoyed some great acting efforts from the always good Greg Kinnear and the Aussie Radha Mitchell, which I think are worth mentioning separately, but the whole cast was good. The film basically follows five distinct relationships (six if you count Morgan Freeman's marriage) as they fall in love, stay in love, or fall out of love. The story line is a little chaotic and improbable at times, but like I said in the beginning, sometimes you have to spare the analysis, and let the experience just gobble you up and let you go. The better films will do that. Happy viewing!
Could Be Entitled, "Fits Of Love"
zabelardo1 October 2007
I have always enjoyed the wise-man roles of Morgan Freeman. He does just another fine job, in this movie too. Also, I liked Greg Kinnear, and his average-guy roles. But in this one- he takes a real bad emotional beating from two spouses....in a row! But, being the non-vindictive nice-guy, he holds no resentments to his exes. What a guy! The young characters Oscar, and Chloe really hit a soft spot in me. Only because I have witnessed some truly tragic love-at-first sight romances myself.
I was mesmerized by Radha Mitchell's appearance in Man On Fire, and Silent Hill...but was very impressed by her baring all(what a stunner!) in this film. She has that ultra-sexy, Mariel Hemingway-like look to her that leaves me breathless. She will definitely have a following after this movie, now. I think there is no comparison between her, and Naomi Watts.
I was mesmerized by Radha Mitchell's appearance in Man On Fire, and Silent Hill...but was very impressed by her baring all(what a stunner!) in this film. She has that ultra-sexy, Mariel Hemingway-like look to her that leaves me breathless. She will definitely have a following after this movie, now. I think there is no comparison between her, and Naomi Watts.
Feast of Love nearly as good as the book!
kathy-3911 October 2007
I didn't realize until several scenes into the movie that I had read this book- one of the best in recent years- but several small things felt familiar. (I love the dogs!) Casting Morgan Freeman made the movie extra watchable but the original character wasn't quite as perfect. He's an insomniac who roams the neighborhood making observations. Feast of Love is a satisfying movie about real life. I disagree with the comments that people meeting & falling in love was too coincidental. People do meet those who live in the same neighborhood and move in the same social circles. We often don't realize the coincidences that occur. Like Nashville and other films, all the subplots are interesting and the characters flawed yet human. The filming of Portland is beautiful!!!
A funny, tragic, sexy movie
terese-327 September 2007
I was down from Maine last week and was lucky enough to attend a screening of Feast of Love in New York City. I can't stop thinking about this film. It raises so many questions. What makes us fall in love with someone? If you love a person enough can you make them fall in love with you? With all the people who cross your path why do you fall in love with one but not the others? What is it that makes you fall in love with someone at first sight? How could you be married to someone and not have any idea that that person no longer loves you back? In the end the film gives hope to all of us who have loved and lost that we can find love again, and that that love can come in many different forms and configurations. The movie made me laugh and made me cry. The acting was wonderful and I felt the characters heartbreak as well as their blind optimism. The nude scenes, although explicit, were a natural as part of the relationships of the characters. If you're looking for a film to make you laugh, make you cry and make you think then this would be a good film for you. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
Pleasing...
sachin-satyam25 June 2009
I happen to watch the movie lately .. and loved it. Yes .. its a bit predictable , but is a very simply put pleasant movie. I would rate it 10 for a DVD rent. Worth spending 2 hours at home , with your loved ones. Morgan Freeman is definitely the high point. Its funny, tense, sad ,complex and is definitely about LOVE. The acting is superb and subtle. Alexa Davalos looks really beautiful in this movie (i had seen her in defiance earlier). I could not much weak links in the entire movie .. yes there are a few nude scenes (slightly explicit) , but they don't stand out since they form an integral part of the story. One of the few movies which i did not want to end.
I'm not hungry.
ShempMyMcMalley20 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoilers*: There are a few nuggets of wisdom to extrapolate from this film full of tired, retread formulas, clichéd characters and ridiculous, nonsensical twists and harbinger outcomes; the apex of this film is when Freeman gives his narration or he and Kinnear interact. Some of the preceding writing is pretty decent, unfortunately, the rest of the movie is buried amongst tired plot conventions and impractical character motivations. No better way to underscore this than in the ending where all the now sugary characters of shattered, debauched relationships come together to try to rescue the life of one of their crew. It is one of the most insipid and uninspired things I've seen in a movie in quite a while (you could see this 'surprise' coming a mile away, and why didn't they wait for an ambulance, as a football game had just ended with spectators walking around everywhere before trying to drive through it?). Overall, if you want to see a movie that writer/director Robert Benton made that was truly good, if not great, check out 1979's 'Kramer Vs. Kramer', or 1994's 'Nobody's Fool' with Paul Newman. For now, this feast has me bloated.
The Multiple Courses of a Feast of Love
gradyharp11 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It is always puzzling when films of the caliber of FEAST OF LOVE are short-lived in the theaters, usually scantily attended in the shadows of the big, mean, noisy blockbusters. And when film buffs begin to believe that the meaningful movies only come from foreign sources, out pops the DVD release of a jewel like this film, a story so well written (Allison Burnett), directed (Robert Benton), and acted by a gifted cast to show under scrutiny that it is the equal of the best of the 'sensitive films'.
Based on a novel by Charles Baxter (and adapted by Allison Burnett, another extraordinary writer of his own novels CHRISTOPHER: A TALE OF SEDUCTION and THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL), the story takes place in Portland, Oregon and examines the lives and love stories of myriad characters, each of whom is connected in some way to the father confessor of the town, one elderly professor Harry Stevenson (Morgan Freeman) who not only narrates the threads of the people's lives that round out this film, but also plays a significant role as a father of an only son who died in the recent past from a heroin overdose, a man bruised and experienced in the vagaries of life, supported by his wife Esther (Jane Alexander), both of whom cope with their loss by extending their love to young people.
Bradley Thomas (Greg Kinnear) is an artist and an optimist who own Jitters, a coffee shop, and is married to Kathryn (Selma Blair) who loves sports...and leaves him for a woman who awakens her lesbian longings. A young recovering drug abuser Oscar (Toby Hemingway) works in Bradley's shop and in a magic moment falls in love with a sensitive free spirit named Chloe (Alexa Davalos) and is hired by Bradley on a whim. Bradley doesn't understand the complications of love: he is an optimistic romantic, but with an indomitable spirit that allows him to progress through marriages like a hero! Searching for a place to live after his marriage fails, he meets real estate agent Diana (Rhadha Mitchell) who despite the fact that she is having an extended love affair with married David (Billy Burke), a relationship consisting solely of 'nooners' with wine and sex, sees the rare vulnerable goodness in Bradley and once again Bradley is in love, headed toward marriage. Meanwhile Oscar and Chloe share dreams for a perfect future despite a problem with Oscar's alcoholic abusive father Bat (Fred Ward) and some ominous warnings from palmist/card reader (Margo Martindale). At the heart of each of these affairs of the heart is the supportive Professor Harry, a wise man who observes reality and yet retains the courage to offer advice and love to all of the characters. In a short time Bradley's marriage to Diana fails as Diana returns to the now available David, and in a moment of angst Bradley wounds himself, is taken to a Dr. Vikashi (Erika Marozsán) for treatment and ends up falling in love yet again - and this time the feeling is wholly mutual. And just when the playing field of love seems even, a major tragedy occurs which bonds all of the players surrounding the wise Harry and Esther and the resolution of all of the aspects of the feast of love come round.
What makes this film so very successful is the gentle manner in which it is written and directed and acted. There is not a weak element here in this survey of the power and force of love. Some may find the generous scenes of lovemaking a problem, but these scenes are in integral part of the story and never border on the superfluous or gratuitous level. The cast is excellent: the pleasure of seeing actors of this wide age range work together in such a fine ensemble manner is doubtless due in large part to not only the individual actors of quality but also to the director. This is a beautiful film, happy and sad, tender and enriching, and hopefully will be seen by a large audience now that it is available on DVD. Highly recommended.
Grady Harp
Based on a novel by Charles Baxter (and adapted by Allison Burnett, another extraordinary writer of his own novels CHRISTOPHER: A TALE OF SEDUCTION and THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL), the story takes place in Portland, Oregon and examines the lives and love stories of myriad characters, each of whom is connected in some way to the father confessor of the town, one elderly professor Harry Stevenson (Morgan Freeman) who not only narrates the threads of the people's lives that round out this film, but also plays a significant role as a father of an only son who died in the recent past from a heroin overdose, a man bruised and experienced in the vagaries of life, supported by his wife Esther (Jane Alexander), both of whom cope with their loss by extending their love to young people.
Bradley Thomas (Greg Kinnear) is an artist and an optimist who own Jitters, a coffee shop, and is married to Kathryn (Selma Blair) who loves sports...and leaves him for a woman who awakens her lesbian longings. A young recovering drug abuser Oscar (Toby Hemingway) works in Bradley's shop and in a magic moment falls in love with a sensitive free spirit named Chloe (Alexa Davalos) and is hired by Bradley on a whim. Bradley doesn't understand the complications of love: he is an optimistic romantic, but with an indomitable spirit that allows him to progress through marriages like a hero! Searching for a place to live after his marriage fails, he meets real estate agent Diana (Rhadha Mitchell) who despite the fact that she is having an extended love affair with married David (Billy Burke), a relationship consisting solely of 'nooners' with wine and sex, sees the rare vulnerable goodness in Bradley and once again Bradley is in love, headed toward marriage. Meanwhile Oscar and Chloe share dreams for a perfect future despite a problem with Oscar's alcoholic abusive father Bat (Fred Ward) and some ominous warnings from palmist/card reader (Margo Martindale). At the heart of each of these affairs of the heart is the supportive Professor Harry, a wise man who observes reality and yet retains the courage to offer advice and love to all of the characters. In a short time Bradley's marriage to Diana fails as Diana returns to the now available David, and in a moment of angst Bradley wounds himself, is taken to a Dr. Vikashi (Erika Marozsán) for treatment and ends up falling in love yet again - and this time the feeling is wholly mutual. And just when the playing field of love seems even, a major tragedy occurs which bonds all of the players surrounding the wise Harry and Esther and the resolution of all of the aspects of the feast of love come round.
What makes this film so very successful is the gentle manner in which it is written and directed and acted. There is not a weak element here in this survey of the power and force of love. Some may find the generous scenes of lovemaking a problem, but these scenes are in integral part of the story and never border on the superfluous or gratuitous level. The cast is excellent: the pleasure of seeing actors of this wide age range work together in such a fine ensemble manner is doubtless due in large part to not only the individual actors of quality but also to the director. This is a beautiful film, happy and sad, tender and enriching, and hopefully will be seen by a large audience now that it is available on DVD. Highly recommended.
Grady Harp
Feast of Love-Ending Wets the Appetite ***
edwagreen16 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Most of the picture appears to be a revisiting of Peyton Place where Greg Kinnear is totally lost in the world of love. He loses his first wife quickly to a lesbian relationship, rushes into a 2nd marriage where the woman has had a relationship with the man she sold a house to several years back. It is only when he cuts his finger to experience pain that he finds the true meaning of love with the emergency room doctor. It almost sounds comical but it is only that the unfortunate idea of tragedy saves this movie from being a disaster.
Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander play an inter-racially married couple whose doctor son has recently died of an overdose. Alexander has had experience with inter-racial roles having starred in the 1970 hit "The Great White Hope."
As if this isn't enough, a young couple struggle to find love and the woman finds out from a seer that her young boyfriend has but a short time to live. He has come from a dysfunctional home where the mother left long ago. When tragedy intervenes, our pregnant widow is given the opportunity to go live with Freeman and Stevenson, both of whom wish to rebuild their shattered lives.
While depressing, the film does emphasize the continuity of life. It is the ultimate redemption of shattered lives picking up the pieces.
Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander play an inter-racially married couple whose doctor son has recently died of an overdose. Alexander has had experience with inter-racial roles having starred in the 1970 hit "The Great White Hope."
As if this isn't enough, a young couple struggle to find love and the woman finds out from a seer that her young boyfriend has but a short time to live. He has come from a dysfunctional home where the mother left long ago. When tragedy intervenes, our pregnant widow is given the opportunity to go live with Freeman and Stevenson, both of whom wish to rebuild their shattered lives.
While depressing, the film does emphasize the continuity of life. It is the ultimate redemption of shattered lives picking up the pieces.
Contrived! Incredulous!
gwmindallas27 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this movie last night in a preview. Had high hopes from the cast and the director. Hopes were dashed on the rocks of cinematic stupidity. At the core of this movie is the story of three couples and their loves, losses, toils and tears.
Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander play the older, wiser couple who are suffering a heartbreak which is revealed about 1/3 of the way through the movie. Of the three couples, they are the most interesting and the least explored. Here we have an inter-racial couple in their late sixties facing their mortality with a deep abiding love. I could have watched them for 1.5 hours! Couple their interesting story with the fine acting that these pro's deliver and you'd have a great movie.
Greg Kinnear and X are the second "middle-aged" couple. I say X because Greg goes through several women in the movie.
Toby Hemingway and Alexa Davalos are the young couple. Romeo and Juliet, young love, yada yada yada.
What annoyed me about the movie were the constant coincidences. I think only 10 people live in Portland and they all sleep together. On scene involves Greg Kinnear and his new wife Radha Mitchell (who just ended a long affair with a married man, but kept his shirt). Greg and Radha jaunt off to a party with Radha wear the aforementioned shirt. Guess who is at the party? Yup - married man and wife who Radha the real estate agent sold a house to years ago (which started the affair). Of course wife recognizes Radha the Realtor and has to say hello where she of course recognizes the shirt since it happened to be a birthday gift from her to her cheatin' husband. And of course that shirt was missing a tell-tale button which eliminated any possibility of a duplicate. Thus drama ensued...
Another scene that stretched my credulity followed quickly afterward when Greg Kinnear's character decides his body must feel the same pain as his heart and slices off the tip of his finger. Rushed to the hospital by wise and kindly Morgan Freeman who continuously admonishes him to stop telling people he did it himself, Greg falls in love with the Doctor who stitches him up. What was amazing was the Doctor falls in love with the crazy guy who just chopped his finger off.
Oh and the movie had way too much nudity. I'm not a prude but I'm not a fan of excessive nudity for the sake of nudity. Same with some of the coarse language.
Overall rating: I wouldn't pay an airline $3 for the headphones to hear this movie!
Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander play the older, wiser couple who are suffering a heartbreak which is revealed about 1/3 of the way through the movie. Of the three couples, they are the most interesting and the least explored. Here we have an inter-racial couple in their late sixties facing their mortality with a deep abiding love. I could have watched them for 1.5 hours! Couple their interesting story with the fine acting that these pro's deliver and you'd have a great movie.
Greg Kinnear and X are the second "middle-aged" couple. I say X because Greg goes through several women in the movie.
Toby Hemingway and Alexa Davalos are the young couple. Romeo and Juliet, young love, yada yada yada.
What annoyed me about the movie were the constant coincidences. I think only 10 people live in Portland and they all sleep together. On scene involves Greg Kinnear and his new wife Radha Mitchell (who just ended a long affair with a married man, but kept his shirt). Greg and Radha jaunt off to a party with Radha wear the aforementioned shirt. Guess who is at the party? Yup - married man and wife who Radha the real estate agent sold a house to years ago (which started the affair). Of course wife recognizes Radha the Realtor and has to say hello where she of course recognizes the shirt since it happened to be a birthday gift from her to her cheatin' husband. And of course that shirt was missing a tell-tale button which eliminated any possibility of a duplicate. Thus drama ensued...
Another scene that stretched my credulity followed quickly afterward when Greg Kinnear's character decides his body must feel the same pain as his heart and slices off the tip of his finger. Rushed to the hospital by wise and kindly Morgan Freeman who continuously admonishes him to stop telling people he did it himself, Greg falls in love with the Doctor who stitches him up. What was amazing was the Doctor falls in love with the crazy guy who just chopped his finger off.
Oh and the movie had way too much nudity. I'm not a prude but I'm not a fan of excessive nudity for the sake of nudity. Same with some of the coarse language.
Overall rating: I wouldn't pay an airline $3 for the headphones to hear this movie!
a sturdy 3/10
SCI_PaloAlto15 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
OK, let me just start off by saying that if you aren't 15 and madly in love or in a mid-life crisis, this movie will seem extremely extremely cheesy...
By cheesy, I mean "I wanted to feel in my body as much pain as I feel in my heart" (get over yourself)... and the actor is meant to say this without laughing. Seriously though i found some parts of the dialog excruciating. As well, who talks about their recently turned lesbian ex-wife to a complete stranger?
Also the story itself seems to have been written by either a 15 year old or a midlife criser. It's just so cliché... the young couple with a tragic end, the alcoholic father, the cutely naive 40 year old who gets his heart stomped on over and over again, and above all, the wise old black man. I think it's about time for Morgan Freeman to find other parts to play... It's also cliché in that everyone falls in love at first sight, somehow confusing lust for love.
The acting was overall OK, though sometimes Kinnear makes you raise an eyebrow. Truly, I think the producers noticed the movie wouldn't have cut it, so they decided to throw in a few naked chicks and I guess it works, I mean i stayed till the end. The only reason i stayed though was for Alexa Davalos (bom chicka wah wah).
This could have been a really really good soap opera.
By cheesy, I mean "I wanted to feel in my body as much pain as I feel in my heart" (get over yourself)... and the actor is meant to say this without laughing. Seriously though i found some parts of the dialog excruciating. As well, who talks about their recently turned lesbian ex-wife to a complete stranger?
Also the story itself seems to have been written by either a 15 year old or a midlife criser. It's just so cliché... the young couple with a tragic end, the alcoholic father, the cutely naive 40 year old who gets his heart stomped on over and over again, and above all, the wise old black man. I think it's about time for Morgan Freeman to find other parts to play... It's also cliché in that everyone falls in love at first sight, somehow confusing lust for love.
The acting was overall OK, though sometimes Kinnear makes you raise an eyebrow. Truly, I think the producers noticed the movie wouldn't have cut it, so they decided to throw in a few naked chicks and I guess it works, I mean i stayed till the end. The only reason i stayed though was for Alexa Davalos (bom chicka wah wah).
This could have been a really really good soap opera.
Do you like ensemble stories?
vincentlynch-moonoi1 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This film reminds me of why I generally don't like ensemble movies. You have to be able to invest in each of the subplots, or you get bored. Now, once in a while I luck out and stumble into an ensemble film that I can buy into, but not often.
Here, I couldn't get interested in all of the subplots. Not that there was anything wrong with any of the stories, but they all just didn't interest me.
We start with Bradley (Greg Kinnear) who gets dumped by his lesbian wife and begins a relationship with a real estate agent. Okay, I bought into this subplot.
Then there's Oscar and Chloe. He's a formed druggie. They do a porn film to make money. Sorry, just couldn't get into it. Nothing wrong with the story. Just didn't interest me.
And then there's Morgan Freeman's mixed marriage with Jane Alexander. I found this part of the film very interesting.
But, that means a third of the film didn't interest me.
So, my only warning here is to be sure you like ensemble stories.
Here, I couldn't get interested in all of the subplots. Not that there was anything wrong with any of the stories, but they all just didn't interest me.
We start with Bradley (Greg Kinnear) who gets dumped by his lesbian wife and begins a relationship with a real estate agent. Okay, I bought into this subplot.
Then there's Oscar and Chloe. He's a formed druggie. They do a porn film to make money. Sorry, just couldn't get into it. Nothing wrong with the story. Just didn't interest me.
And then there's Morgan Freeman's mixed marriage with Jane Alexander. I found this part of the film very interesting.
But, that means a third of the film didn't interest me.
So, my only warning here is to be sure you like ensemble stories.
Some good scenes in a mediocre film.
JoeytheBrit5 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this expecting some kind of chick-flick rom-com, but Feast of Love goes a little deeper than that, although the overall result isn't of the same quality of some of its individual scenes. Early on, terminal fall-guy Bradley Smith (Greg Kinnear) is sitting in a bar when the lesbian who will soon steal his girlfriend away from him asks how long they've been together. 'Almost-' his girlfriend begins before Smith interjects with the line: 'six years and a little change', and straight away you know their relationship is doomed. I like that. I like the way a writer with some talent can dispense with pages of script through the use of one well-chosen line. Shame she then goes and blows it by having kindly old Harry Stevenson (Morgan Freeman) improbably suss the imminent lesbian relationship within a few seconds of the two women meeting.
Freeman is a good actor, but he's going to have to stop picking these 'wise old sage' roles because he's starting to become intensely irritating. Like one of the Gods he refers to at the beginning of the movie Harry sees all and knows all. Everyone comes to him for advice. One of the characters – a fully grown woman – seriously wants him to adopt her. People this good and wise exist only in MovieWorld (thank Morgan - I mean God), and their existence in a film is a signal that the writing isn't going to be as good as you might have expected or hoped.
Most of the characters are either sketchily drawn or stereotypes. One of them visits a tarot reader who promptly implies (quite pointedly) that her boyfriend is not long for this world. 'Go buy him some cheeseburgers' she suggests, which the girlfriend duly does. Later in the film the guy collapses and dies on a football field. If this was a comedy that might have been pretty funny – cheeseburgers for the guy whose heart is about to implode – but in a drama like this it's just bad and unrealistic. The guy's father is something of a psycho – well-played by a criminally under-used Fred Ward: every time he disappears you just wish he'd come back again – but he's scared away with a cuff around the ears from Harry the Saint.
The film is well acted by an ensemble cast and, as I mentioned earlier, there are some very well-written scenes (as well as a number of quite pleasant but largely unnecessary sex scenes) but overall the plot is too simplistic and too often has something of a soap opera feel about it.
Freeman is a good actor, but he's going to have to stop picking these 'wise old sage' roles because he's starting to become intensely irritating. Like one of the Gods he refers to at the beginning of the movie Harry sees all and knows all. Everyone comes to him for advice. One of the characters – a fully grown woman – seriously wants him to adopt her. People this good and wise exist only in MovieWorld (thank Morgan - I mean God), and their existence in a film is a signal that the writing isn't going to be as good as you might have expected or hoped.
Most of the characters are either sketchily drawn or stereotypes. One of them visits a tarot reader who promptly implies (quite pointedly) that her boyfriend is not long for this world. 'Go buy him some cheeseburgers' she suggests, which the girlfriend duly does. Later in the film the guy collapses and dies on a football field. If this was a comedy that might have been pretty funny – cheeseburgers for the guy whose heart is about to implode – but in a drama like this it's just bad and unrealistic. The guy's father is something of a psycho – well-played by a criminally under-used Fred Ward: every time he disappears you just wish he'd come back again – but he's scared away with a cuff around the ears from Harry the Saint.
The film is well acted by an ensemble cast and, as I mentioned earlier, there are some very well-written scenes (as well as a number of quite pleasant but largely unnecessary sex scenes) but overall the plot is too simplistic and too often has something of a soap opera feel about it.
Straight love story
DLochner31 May 2021
Very nice, honest, soulful, and sometimes very confused film. Unfortunately just an average love drama. The characters are stereotypical, the stories that are written here have been told a thousand times more interestingly and the film never even approaches the depth that it suggests. Superficial mass-produced goods, no more and no less.
This is a good one!
unkletim15 October 2007
Great writing, great acting,(not a weak performance in the movie) a believable story line. Yes, it is a story of changing relationships and how we adjust to them. Someone in here mentioned gratuitous sex. No...the sex scenes were a necessary part of this movie it is nice to see that they were left in and not cut out making the movie jumpy. Is it just me, or do you too also want Morgan Freeman to be your next door neighbor after seeing this movie? Greg Kinnear once again shows his very strong acting range. Selma Blair...oh my is she a gem or what? Not enough of her in the movie would probably be my only complaint. It would have been interesting to see how her relationship actually progressed.
Depressingly Bad
a-conzoner18 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie I really wanted to like. Not only was it filmed in Portland, OR where I live, but I was also an extra in it. So, I went into the movie theater expecting a film that was if at least not award-worthy, was a thought-provoking & well-made picture. Plus, it had Greg Kinnear & Morgan Freeman- both Oscar winners- what could go wrong? Everything.
I have not read the book on which this was based, but I cannot imagine it had the simplistic, contrived, and corny plot that the movie contained. The pacing was so painfully slow and quiet, I could hear our crowded theater straining in their seats to stay awake during the long shots of Greg Kinnear's glossy eyes trying to convey his disbelief at why another woman has left him (dude maybe it IS you!)
Even harder to explain is why the director felt it was necessary to have so many sex scenes. 'Feast of Flesh' would have been a better title. Didn't gratuitous nudity go out of style after 'Basic Instinct'? I like a passionate love scene as much as the next, but when you have EVERY sexual encounter involve the woman grinding away on top of the man (who of course isn't showing any of HIS private parts!) it becomes very tacky and cheap. Okay Rhada Mitchell is HOT, we get it! Can she have a conversation with a bra on at least? Nudity does not convey intimacy- emotions convey intimacy.
So, if you want to bored senseless for long stretches of time, by all means see this movie. You can then decide if this movies suffers from: 1. a lack of music/score (I could have heard a pin drop at times), 2. trying to mish-mash multiple plot lines poorly, 3. not developing characters enough so we don't connect or relate, or 4. theme about the "mystery of love" is a very cliché & tired concept.
This movie does not prove a thing about the wonder of love- just because the girl knew her boyfriend would die but married him anyway- is probably the 100th movie to do this (see 'Love Story', 'Dying Young', or 'My Life'). I got what the director was trying to show us, but it wasn't original, didn't explore anything new, or move me. All this movie proves is that good directors can make bad movies!
I have not read the book on which this was based, but I cannot imagine it had the simplistic, contrived, and corny plot that the movie contained. The pacing was so painfully slow and quiet, I could hear our crowded theater straining in their seats to stay awake during the long shots of Greg Kinnear's glossy eyes trying to convey his disbelief at why another woman has left him (dude maybe it IS you!)
Even harder to explain is why the director felt it was necessary to have so many sex scenes. 'Feast of Flesh' would have been a better title. Didn't gratuitous nudity go out of style after 'Basic Instinct'? I like a passionate love scene as much as the next, but when you have EVERY sexual encounter involve the woman grinding away on top of the man (who of course isn't showing any of HIS private parts!) it becomes very tacky and cheap. Okay Rhada Mitchell is HOT, we get it! Can she have a conversation with a bra on at least? Nudity does not convey intimacy- emotions convey intimacy.
So, if you want to bored senseless for long stretches of time, by all means see this movie. You can then decide if this movies suffers from: 1. a lack of music/score (I could have heard a pin drop at times), 2. trying to mish-mash multiple plot lines poorly, 3. not developing characters enough so we don't connect or relate, or 4. theme about the "mystery of love" is a very cliché & tired concept.
This movie does not prove a thing about the wonder of love- just because the girl knew her boyfriend would die but married him anyway- is probably the 100th movie to do this (see 'Love Story', 'Dying Young', or 'My Life'). I got what the director was trying to show us, but it wasn't original, didn't explore anything new, or move me. All this movie proves is that good directors can make bad movies!
A rare gem
MSusimetsa21 February 2009
A movie that manages to be genuine while making you laugh and cry at the fates of the characters in it. I usually go for romantic comedies rather than drama, but this mix of drama, romance and comedy really did it for me. It did not go overboard in trying to make the viewers cry, like so many dramas tend to do and it managed to mix sad comedy with funny comedy - the way they mix in real life as well.
Morgan Freeman is the veritable pillar that holds the whole thing together. One of his better roles (as opposed to many movies that he's been hired to be "the grave guy") and reflects the wisdom of old age very well.
Morgan Freeman is the veritable pillar that holds the whole thing together. One of his better roles (as opposed to many movies that he's been hired to be "the grave guy") and reflects the wisdom of old age very well.
Bloated Feast
pc9513 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Muddled and syrupy beyond belief, "Feast of Love" defies logic and believability to the point where the fast-forward button gets gainfully employed. Part of the problem is Greg Kinnear, who ever since "As Good as it Gets" cant shake the gay image, but kidding aside really he plays yet another lost puppy dog cliché "good guy" with pal Morgan Freeman trying to give sagely advice while facing his own past mess. The movie is an overly-trodden soap including a massive gratuity of nudity and sex trying somehow to top off the bloat of an inane script and interactions. (spoiler)The kicker is a "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" situation where most if not all are somehow related and playing or watching football in a park together - kumbaya. And then a requisite jolting (death) to end on a bitter-sweet mood. Stay away.
A Nutshell Review: Feast of Love
DICK STEEL16 February 2008
Shrewd marketing meant that Feast of Love's release here was to coincide with the extremely commercial Valentine's Day celebrations, but sometimes I wonder the value of such a move, because do you really want to spend that day dedicated to declarations of undying love, in a darkened cinema hall, involved in what is essentially a solitary activity, at least until the lights come on.
But to those who decide to do so, Feast of Love lives up to its namesake. Based on the novel by Charles Baxter, almost every conceivable notion of the modern relationship gets worked into the entire story. And it helps too with an ensemble cast filled with beautiful leads, from young upstarts to wisely veterans. As with most movies with a huge cast, everyone's connected to one another through the inevitable six degrees of separation, naturally for convenience, but in this aspect, it played to the early monologue and we take on the role of the Greek Gods, who introduced the notion of love and see how each of our human creations scuttle around trying to make sense of it, and through their individual journeys, succeed or fail, laugh or cry, get spurned on to heights unimaginable, or get thrown into the depths of heartbroken despair.
Morgan Freeman can almost sleepwalk through any wise, sagely character roles. After all, he's played the most powerful man on Earth before, and even God himself, twice. Here, he's Harry Stevenson, a university lecturer on a leave of absence who together with his wife Esther Stevenson (Jane Alexander), are grieving the lost of their only son. His best friend is a coffee joint owner Bradley Thomas (Greg Kinnear), who is just about the most unlucky bloke when it comes to affairs of the heart, with his female engagements being Selma Blair, Radha Mitchell and Erika Marozsan, who enter at different points of his life. Then there's Bradley's employee Oscar the baristas, whom we follow in a tale of young, passionate love at first sight with Chloe (Alexa Davalos).
As I mentioned earlier, every conceivable aspect of love get played on the big screen. You have the young love at first sight, the tried and tested bonds between the elderly who fear about impending departure from one another through death, you have ugly divorces, and worse, if it's for a member of the same sex, you have adultery and the exploration what makes it worse - knowing that you're cheating on your spouse, or cheating on a potential spouse because you've led them to believe that you're in exclusivity, and of course, parental love and guidance given towards a child.
Come to think of it, there're quite a number of negative emotions that get played through the movie, but ultimately, it's still provides a positive effect through the lessons learnt from succinct encounters that the characters go through. Such as whether you'll find the courage to go through hardship and difficulties with the other half, knowing the consequence of it all, finding little happiness and blessings in your daily life despite setbacks that take a stab through your heart, and what I thought was a very, very apt reminder and an important lesson to be learnt, is to always open your eyes and not be blindsided by love just because of the endorphins that course through your entire body make it seem that you can tolerate shortcomings for the longer term.
It's a reminder that in relationships, one has to be first honest with oneself, before seeking out that somebody else. Ditch those baggage, and fear not to break away amicably should you realize that things aren't working out right. Never give up hope, and to keep to your vows should you already have made them. Love is in the air, but pragmatism should sometimes prevail or be considered in tandem.
But to those who decide to do so, Feast of Love lives up to its namesake. Based on the novel by Charles Baxter, almost every conceivable notion of the modern relationship gets worked into the entire story. And it helps too with an ensemble cast filled with beautiful leads, from young upstarts to wisely veterans. As with most movies with a huge cast, everyone's connected to one another through the inevitable six degrees of separation, naturally for convenience, but in this aspect, it played to the early monologue and we take on the role of the Greek Gods, who introduced the notion of love and see how each of our human creations scuttle around trying to make sense of it, and through their individual journeys, succeed or fail, laugh or cry, get spurned on to heights unimaginable, or get thrown into the depths of heartbroken despair.
Morgan Freeman can almost sleepwalk through any wise, sagely character roles. After all, he's played the most powerful man on Earth before, and even God himself, twice. Here, he's Harry Stevenson, a university lecturer on a leave of absence who together with his wife Esther Stevenson (Jane Alexander), are grieving the lost of their only son. His best friend is a coffee joint owner Bradley Thomas (Greg Kinnear), who is just about the most unlucky bloke when it comes to affairs of the heart, with his female engagements being Selma Blair, Radha Mitchell and Erika Marozsan, who enter at different points of his life. Then there's Bradley's employee Oscar the baristas, whom we follow in a tale of young, passionate love at first sight with Chloe (Alexa Davalos).
As I mentioned earlier, every conceivable aspect of love get played on the big screen. You have the young love at first sight, the tried and tested bonds between the elderly who fear about impending departure from one another through death, you have ugly divorces, and worse, if it's for a member of the same sex, you have adultery and the exploration what makes it worse - knowing that you're cheating on your spouse, or cheating on a potential spouse because you've led them to believe that you're in exclusivity, and of course, parental love and guidance given towards a child.
Come to think of it, there're quite a number of negative emotions that get played through the movie, but ultimately, it's still provides a positive effect through the lessons learnt from succinct encounters that the characters go through. Such as whether you'll find the courage to go through hardship and difficulties with the other half, knowing the consequence of it all, finding little happiness and blessings in your daily life despite setbacks that take a stab through your heart, and what I thought was a very, very apt reminder and an important lesson to be learnt, is to always open your eyes and not be blindsided by love just because of the endorphins that course through your entire body make it seem that you can tolerate shortcomings for the longer term.
It's a reminder that in relationships, one has to be first honest with oneself, before seeking out that somebody else. Ditch those baggage, and fear not to break away amicably should you realize that things aren't working out right. Never give up hope, and to keep to your vows should you already have made them. Love is in the air, but pragmatism should sometimes prevail or be considered in tandem.
Meh
MBunge2 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie that features the always enjoyable Morgan Freeman and a decent amount of female nudity. Those are pretty much the only real selling points.
Feast of Love focuses on a small group of people and the romantic contortions in which they engage. Harry (Morgan Freeman) is a college professor in Portland still coming to terms with a family tragedy. Harry is friends with Bradley (Greg Kinnear), a man who deeply needs to love but is so oblivious to the people he loves he doesn't notice his first wife (Selma Blair) is a lesbian and his second wife is an adulterous bitch. That second wife, Diana (Rhada Mitchell), lets herself be romanced by Bradley because he's so unobjectionable, even though she's really in angry, unhealthy love with another woman's husband. Bradley owns a coffee shop where Oscar (Tobey Hemingway) works, and Oscar falls in love at first sight with Chloe (Alexa Davalos), a coupling not approved of by Oscar's angry and violent father (Fred Ward).
I think the point of this story, which was adapted from a novel, is to make you think about the utility of love. At one point, Diana says love is a trick to get people to procreate while Bradley says love is everything. Is all the pain and difficulty of seeking out and pursuing love worth it? I'm not sure the answer offered up is supported by the evidence in the movie.
The fundamental problem of this film is that it never settles on a main character. At first, you think it's going to be Harry as the center of this romantically troubled crew. But then the movie focuses on Bradley's first wife and her yearning for a love she doesn't have. But after she leaves Bradley and hooks up with another woman, the movie forgets about her. Then you think the story might focus on Bradley and his recovery from a failed marriage, but as soon as he meets Diana the story focuses almost entirely on her and Bradley becomes a supporting character, until they break-up and the focus shifts again to Bradley. Even with Oscar and Chloe, the story starts out concentrating on Oscar and his poor upbringing but then, for no particular reason, shifts to looking at the relationship from Chloe's perspective and Oscar essentially disappears. As soon as you get interested in a character and their story, the film decides it's done with that person and brings someone else to the forefront.
The other significant problem with the film is that it wants to believe that no one ever really gets that angry. It wants us to accept and even endorse a world where Bradley's first wife cheats on him with another woman and his second wife cheats on him with another man, but after his third marriage he can still be friends and pal around with his exes. But when supposedly traumatic personal events don't have any emotional consequences, they don't have any emotional significance either.
As for Feast of Love's good pointsÂ…Morgan Freeman gives another fine performance and, yes, he does narrate parts of the movie. And Selma Blair, Rhada Mitchell and Alexa Davalos all look quite good naked, although there are moments when the movie is so gratuitously showing off their female forms that the only thing missing is a blinking neon sign that says "Nudes! Nudes! Nudes!"
Feast of Love isn't ultimately an aggressively bad film. It's just not good enough or perceptive enough to tell you anything about love and heartache you don't already know.
Feast of Love focuses on a small group of people and the romantic contortions in which they engage. Harry (Morgan Freeman) is a college professor in Portland still coming to terms with a family tragedy. Harry is friends with Bradley (Greg Kinnear), a man who deeply needs to love but is so oblivious to the people he loves he doesn't notice his first wife (Selma Blair) is a lesbian and his second wife is an adulterous bitch. That second wife, Diana (Rhada Mitchell), lets herself be romanced by Bradley because he's so unobjectionable, even though she's really in angry, unhealthy love with another woman's husband. Bradley owns a coffee shop where Oscar (Tobey Hemingway) works, and Oscar falls in love at first sight with Chloe (Alexa Davalos), a coupling not approved of by Oscar's angry and violent father (Fred Ward).
I think the point of this story, which was adapted from a novel, is to make you think about the utility of love. At one point, Diana says love is a trick to get people to procreate while Bradley says love is everything. Is all the pain and difficulty of seeking out and pursuing love worth it? I'm not sure the answer offered up is supported by the evidence in the movie.
The fundamental problem of this film is that it never settles on a main character. At first, you think it's going to be Harry as the center of this romantically troubled crew. But then the movie focuses on Bradley's first wife and her yearning for a love she doesn't have. But after she leaves Bradley and hooks up with another woman, the movie forgets about her. Then you think the story might focus on Bradley and his recovery from a failed marriage, but as soon as he meets Diana the story focuses almost entirely on her and Bradley becomes a supporting character, until they break-up and the focus shifts again to Bradley. Even with Oscar and Chloe, the story starts out concentrating on Oscar and his poor upbringing but then, for no particular reason, shifts to looking at the relationship from Chloe's perspective and Oscar essentially disappears. As soon as you get interested in a character and their story, the film decides it's done with that person and brings someone else to the forefront.
The other significant problem with the film is that it wants to believe that no one ever really gets that angry. It wants us to accept and even endorse a world where Bradley's first wife cheats on him with another woman and his second wife cheats on him with another man, but after his third marriage he can still be friends and pal around with his exes. But when supposedly traumatic personal events don't have any emotional consequences, they don't have any emotional significance either.
As for Feast of Love's good pointsÂ…Morgan Freeman gives another fine performance and, yes, he does narrate parts of the movie. And Selma Blair, Rhada Mitchell and Alexa Davalos all look quite good naked, although there are moments when the movie is so gratuitously showing off their female forms that the only thing missing is a blinking neon sign that says "Nudes! Nudes! Nudes!"
Feast of Love isn't ultimately an aggressively bad film. It's just not good enough or perceptive enough to tell you anything about love and heartache you don't already know.
I love it!
sweetyboni10 January 2008
This movie had touched me so much, that I had to share it. I had never watched that kind of movie ever! It's completely original and it keeps your mind and sight on it. It's not like the other love stories, when the guy is heartbroken and the movie shows how miserable he is and than suddenly he finds the girl on his dreams and they live happily ever after. In life doesn't happen like that, you met a lot more, before the right one and the movie shows it too.
I'd never liked so much Morgan Freeman till now. Maybe because I'd never seen him in this genre. He acts like a wise man, which had been trough a lot and he gives real and sensible advices. I especially liked the end; it just fits so right to the whole movie. It shows that there are bad people, but if we stick to the good ones we can be happy.
I'd never liked so much Morgan Freeman till now. Maybe because I'd never seen him in this genre. He acts like a wise man, which had been trough a lot and he gives real and sensible advices. I especially liked the end; it just fits so right to the whole movie. It shows that there are bad people, but if we stick to the good ones we can be happy.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
