Despite a rather routine story, this film works better than you'd think after a cursory glance at the plot.
Its main strength lies in some truly excellent acting. Drew Barrymore (as Beverly Donofrio) tackles her role, aging from a teenager to a thirty-something woman, with more gusto than we're used to seeing from her. The result is enthralling. Meanwhile, the ever dependable Steve Zahn (as Beverly's husband, Ray Hasek) is equally as good, showing us a well-meaning youth, then man, who just hasn't got what it takes to make a worthwhile life, even at a low level.
The script is replete with pleasing one-liners, with the best exchange almost at the end. Beverly and her son Jason (Adam Garcia) finally have it out and when she tells him he is wrong to think she blames him for ruining her life and then thanks him for actually saving it, he says "You're welcome" with more emotional force than you'd think possible in such a phrase.
The thin story and unmemorable music neuter these strengths somewhat, but this is well worth seeing nonetheless.
Rating: 6/10.
Its main strength lies in some truly excellent acting. Drew Barrymore (as Beverly Donofrio) tackles her role, aging from a teenager to a thirty-something woman, with more gusto than we're used to seeing from her. The result is enthralling. Meanwhile, the ever dependable Steve Zahn (as Beverly's husband, Ray Hasek) is equally as good, showing us a well-meaning youth, then man, who just hasn't got what it takes to make a worthwhile life, even at a low level.
The script is replete with pleasing one-liners, with the best exchange almost at the end. Beverly and her son Jason (Adam Garcia) finally have it out and when she tells him he is wrong to think she blames him for ruining her life and then thanks him for actually saving it, he says "You're welcome" with more emotional force than you'd think possible in such a phrase.
The thin story and unmemorable music neuter these strengths somewhat, but this is well worth seeing nonetheless.
Rating: 6/10.