I have always maintained that we should not compare books to movies. Each format is a distinctly different way to tell a story. And, this story is a case in point: although I am a fan of author Baldacci, I didn't particularly enjoy this particular book. But, I really enjoyed this film (and interestingly, Baldacci wrote the screen play for the movie). This film is what I refer to as a serious film. I don't just mean that it's a drama; I mean that it's a film to watch when you are in a serious frame of mind.
I found aspects of the film predictable. But that's not a bad thing. Because often the joy is in finding HOW we get from start to finish in a film; in fact, we usually know the general thread of a film before it begins. Nevertheless, this film unwinds in an interesting manner, and while the general direction of the film may be somewhat predictable, there are lots of detours that surprise one.
The acting here is top notch. Ellen Burstyn proves once again that she is an actress whose potential is often underestimated; solid performance. Mackenzie Foy, as the young girl puts in a strong performance for a child actor. Josh Lucas is excellent as a lawyer who takes an interest in the family..it's a fine performance, with an emphasis on the best meaning of the word fine. You'll hate Ned Bellamy, but it's a good performance. I was particularly impressed with the young Black actor, Alano Miller; I hope we see lots more of him.
Having spent most of my life in Virginia, I enjoyed the setting, much of it filmed in the autumn.
Recommended for serious film lovers. Very strong.
I found aspects of the film predictable. But that's not a bad thing. Because often the joy is in finding HOW we get from start to finish in a film; in fact, we usually know the general thread of a film before it begins. Nevertheless, this film unwinds in an interesting manner, and while the general direction of the film may be somewhat predictable, there are lots of detours that surprise one.
The acting here is top notch. Ellen Burstyn proves once again that she is an actress whose potential is often underestimated; solid performance. Mackenzie Foy, as the young girl puts in a strong performance for a child actor. Josh Lucas is excellent as a lawyer who takes an interest in the family..it's a fine performance, with an emphasis on the best meaning of the word fine. You'll hate Ned Bellamy, but it's a good performance. I was particularly impressed with the young Black actor, Alano Miller; I hope we see lots more of him.
Having spent most of my life in Virginia, I enjoyed the setting, much of it filmed in the autumn.
Recommended for serious film lovers. Very strong.
