Return to Me (2000) User Reviews

One of the most surprisingly well done films I have seen in quite some time.

[baumer · 8/10 · 29 May 2000]

When I saw the trailer for this film, I said out loud to no one in particular "this film is going to bomb." I also said that about THE MATRIX and look at what happened there. Now I am not a box office guru by any stretch but I usually have a pretty good gut about what is going to be good and what is going to really suck. In this case I was blinded by my complete and utter apathy towards David Duchovney. Let me put it to you a different way: I don't like his as a person ( from what I have read of him in interviews, he is unbelievably pre-madonna like and he is full of himself considering all he has done is X-Files ) or as an actor. PLAYING GOD was a really poor film but he came off thinking that for some reason he deserved big bucks on the big screen. But I am happy to say that even though those things may still be true about the man, Return To Me is delightful and has it's heart in the right place. Bonnie Hunt has directed a beautiful story and she has told it with class and grace. This is one of the most romantic films I have seen and even though it may seem to be a bit sad and maudlin in its premise, give it a chance and you will be hooked.

It has to be said ( and this pains me to do so ) that the reason this film works so well is because of the story and the cast. Duchovney and Driver are so wonderful and believable here that I honestly wanted to cry along with them. There is one particularly powerful scene when Duchovney comes home after his wife has died and he slumps down on the floor of his house. As it always does, the family dog looks to the door to wait for his wife to come walking in. She doesn't and with his shirt collar still stained with blood, Rob ( Duchovney ) tells him that she is not coming home, ever. He then calls the dog over to him and they seem to share a cry together. The dog lets out a small moan and then Rob cries. And this is one of the most realistic moments of pain I have ever seen in any character in any movie. You can feel his pain and at that moment I forgot I was watching an actor that I generally don't like, and I felt that I was watching someone that I knew moarn the loss of his beloved. This is powerful stuff.

Another strength of the film is the supporting cast. Bonnie Hunt has combined an ethnic melting pot of Irish and Italian characters that share a common bond. They share a pub called O'Reilley's Italian Pub. That is a delicious name all by itself. And heading the diametric scale of clashing cultures is Carol O'Connor and Robert Loggia. These are two proud old men that love their homeland but love their granddaughter and niece ( I think it is ) respectively. And that is the character played by Minnie Driver. This scenario is ripe for comedy and Hunt doesn't miss anything here.

Bonnie Hunt and James Belushi also share some funny moments together as the middle aged married couple and Belushi gets top points as he accepts humility gracefully and shows off his ample keg of a stomach for laughs. With his family consisting of three or four kids, there is very little time for him and the wife to have quality time. And again Hunt handles this with perfect elegance.

This is a wonderful story of finding true love, knowing how lucky you are to have true love and the power of friendship and family. Return To Me is a wonderful romance and even though I still don't have a great admiration for David Duchovney, I have to admit that he was perfect in this role and I could not picture anyone else playing his character. He was sensitive and believable and the movie was good because of him, not just because of him, but he sure added to the flavour.

If you are a sucker for a good romance and you want a good cry, then this is the film for you.

8.5 out of 10 I will see anything that Bonnie Hunt puts out with her in the director's chair.

Tender comedy-drama about family and friends, life and love

[SimonJack · 8/10 · 4 March 2014]

"Return to Me" is a fine example of quality films that Hollywood can still produce for the whole family. The cast is excellent and includes top old-time actors, stars from intermediate years and newer actors. Carroll O'Connor and Robert Loggia head a quartet of old-time buddies that close O'Reilly's Italian Restaurant each night. O'Connor is Marty O'Reilly, the owner. Loggia is his friend and famous Italian chef, Angelo Pardipillo. James Belushi and Bonnie Hunt are Joe and Megan Dayton. They are family friends of Grace Briggs, played by Minnie Driver. Grace is Marty's granddaughter. She has an inherited heart problem. Across town (Chicago), David Duchovny is a builder, Bob Rueland. He's married to Dr. Elizabeth Rueland, a zoologist at the city zoo. David Grier is Charlie Johnson, a veterinarian at the zoo. He heads a list of friends of Elizabeth and Bob.

That sets the stage for the movie. The opening scenes lay this much out, with more depth. Then the drama begins. This is a tender look at family and friends. It includes deep sorrow at loss of a beloved spouse at a young age. It includes the hope of a miracle for a young life that was born with a genetic disability. It is a film about friends and deep, lasting friendships. It is about loss of parents early in life. It is about a strong, loving relationship between a young woman and her grandfather. It is a film about strong faith and belief in God. It is a story about loss and recovery, illness and healing. It is film about joy, happiness and fun, and love of life.

The whole family should enjoy this uplifting look at life, family, friendship and faith.

an under-appreciated treasure

[matthewssilverhammer · 8/10 · 21 April 2019]

Before "Greek Wedding", this movie rocked the balance between big family comedy & sweet romance with natural sincerity & great humor. The characters, from the two loveable leads to their extended friends & family, are so realized & funny, they elevate this above most disposable, turn-of-the-century rom-coms. The way this manages being appropriately sad but not overwhelmingly so, juxtaposing the grief & joy of life perfectly, is remarkable. Ms. Hunt, you're an under-appreciated treasure.

What A Pleasant Surprise...

[azathothpwiggins · 13 April 2022]

I was introduced to this movie by my wife. At first, I thought "Oh no, not another romcom!". I am a huge X-FILES fan, and took some solace in the fact that David Duchovny was involved. Still, I figured I was doomed.

Well, I'm extremely happy to report that the opposite was true. I even tried to find fault with the movie, until realizing it was actually very good.

Duchovny shows a deeper, sensitive (!) side as Bob Rueland that I never would have expected. The loss of his wife (Joely Richardson) causes him to break down and withdraw from everything. Duchovney pulls this off in realistic fashion. My jaw dropped, and -egad!- I cried!

Minnie Driver's Grace Briggs, who has a physical issue that allows for the central drama / romance to unfold, is genuine and warm without being tiresome. Her grandfather and uncle (Carroll O'Connor and Robert Loggia) are a pair of gruff, older gentlemen who love each other in spite of their constant bickering.

Enter Writer, Director Bonnie Hunt and Jim Belushi as Grace's friends, and parents of a big family of their own. The interactions between them are hysterical and touching. My God! They're like a real family!

Ms. Hunt has definitely hit the top of her game here. The situations roll out naturally, even when they seem a bit impossible or somewhat supernatural. The comedy is perfectly sewn into the story, as is the tragedy. This makes the movie funny and uplifting. In other words: You may be laughing through tears.

I'm glad I was shown this film and would recommend it to anyone looking for a non-sappy, modern love story...

Shouldn't work but it does

[ringthing · 7/10 · 17 January 2020]

This is a completely unrealistic story dripping with sap. It should be too ridiculous to believe, and in some ways it is, but it's also heartwarming, funny, romantic and piercingly nostalgic. I loved it in 2000 and after 20 years I love it still. Just enjoy.

Good unconventional rom-com

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 8 April 2014]

Bob (David Duchovny) and Elizabeth Rueland (Joely Richardson) are happily married. After a fundraiser, they get into a car accident and she is killed. Meanwhile, sickly Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver) is in the hospital and she gets transplanted with Elizabeth's heart. About one year later, Grace is still self-conscious about the heart transplant. Her family (Carroll O'Connor, Robert Loggia) runs an Irish-Italian restaurant. Bob is heart broken and his best friend Charlie (David Alan Grier) keeps trying to set him up. Sparks fly when Grace meets Bob at the restaurant but they don't know their other connection.

Duchovny and Driver have adorable chemistry together. That's why the movie needs to bring them together sooner. A much more tighter opening would be very helpful. Written by Bonnie Hunt and Don Lake, there are a lot little charming jokes from everybody especially the side characters. It's very much a comedy from many character actors. A lot of it is very funny. This is a very sweet comedic romance.

One of the best romantic comedies for all ages.

[snowhiteinforest · 10/10 · 14 May 2001]

Return to Me is a movie you will want to own. It is a story of inspiration and family love that appeals to all ages. The story, though seemingly impossible, aspires to divine intervention when a man looses his wife in a tragic accident and finds that love again in the woman who receives his wife's heart. David Duchovny and Minnie Driver give warm hearted performances as the designated to-be-lovers who meet by chance. But the real story lies in the friends and family around them who love and support them in times of trial. Carol O'Connor as Minnie Driver's grandfather, is authentic in every scene. Bonnie Hunt as the friend whose wit and encouragement underlines Minnie as a 'sister' is funny yet warm in the scenes especially with James Belushi as her husband. Classic scenes and writing makes this story so enjoyable and touching to watch over and over again. Thank you for making a movie that demonstrates families and friends as close knit caring people who love each other through difficult times.

Sweet romantic comedy

[AKS-6 · 6/10 · 17 February 2001]

[This comment contains **SPOILERS**]

David Duchovny in a romantic lead? "Nah, don't think so," was what I thought before I saw the film. Well, I was wrong, Duchovny's performance in this movie is great. Minnie Driver also gives a likeable performance.

Return to Me is a sweet romantic comedy and it seems different from other romcoms simply because of the premise (which most of you know all about already, so I won't bring it up here). But the movie isn't really different from other romcoms apart from the fact that it is sweeter, more interesting and generally better than most other films belonging to the genre. But let's face it: from the moment you pop the cassette (disc) into the video (DVD-player) you know where this is going to end. The film is also about twenty minutes too long and some scenes are so obviously superfluous that you'll be asking yourself why they left them in the film. I'm thinking about the (boring) scenes with Grace's grandfather and his friends discussing music, in particular. Also, other scenes are ridiculous, e.g. Sydney responding to Grace the way he responded to Bob's wife. Too much, really.

Overall, though, Return to Me is a good film with likeable performances by Duchovny and Driver.

Made Me Want to Live

[nikkisamuel · 10/10 · 7 December 2020]

I watched this movie in ICU several days after coming out of a coma. A nurse pulled the TV next to me and put the movie on as I was scared to go to sleep. At the time I wasn't sure if I was going to survive, but this movie lifted my heart and made me realise that despite the odds against me, I was alive and I had survived. I bought my own copy of the movie after leaving hospital and think about this film often.

If you liked Sleepless in Seattle

[emguy · 7/10 · 21 April 2001]

If you've seen Sleepless in Seattle, I predict your reaction to Return to Me is going to be about the same.

The story is fairly predictable, so if you're looking for surprising twists you're looking at the wrong movie. However, sometimes the journey is more important than the destination, so the way to enjoy this movie is to enjoy the cast and the characters along the way.

It's also a pleasant relief to watch a movie that's not built around people at their worst or people who hate each other, but that can still tell a story.

The movie just touches on the notion that transplanted body parts also bring some aspect of the original owner to the recipient. It's just a bit hokey to suggest that one person is fated to be with a particular body part of another. However, the movie scored back a few points with me by not getting too heavy-handed with that idea, and ultimately even backing off from it.

The cast does a good job. Between the acting and the screenplay the characters all come across as real people. I particularly want to note that Minnie Driver did a good job substituting an American accent for her Brit accent.

Predictable

[Hearse Driver · 3/10 · 7 April 2000]

I have the worst comments I can make about a move... un-original and predictable. I was invited to a screening in January which was attended by the director, Bonnie Hunt, and had high hopes for the film. Especially considering the cast. I honestly like the cast members, but not in this film. The scenes without Driver and Duchovny were the most enjoyable. I don't blame the actors, but their characters were just not interesting. Particular standouts in the cast were Hunt and Belushi. If the film had centered on their characters it would've made a vast difference. In my opinion, Hunt belongs in front of the camera. If you love movies and have seen absolutely every other movie out, maybe this is worth seeing. Maybe.

Still love this movie

[franseg · 9/10 · 26 November 2005]

I watched this movie again yesterday with a 20-year-old intern from my office (OK - it was the quiet day after Thanksgiving) and we both loved it. I love the unique plot, David Duchovny, David Allen Greer, and the way the dog keeps waiting at the door. Isn't part of each of us just like that dog after someone we love dies?

I also love the old folks at the restaurant - they remind me of some of the older people around Southern New England, where your ethnic group is a very important topic of discussion. And I love the wedding at the end.

Minnie Driver is great in this movie - and Bonnie Hunt should have won an award for everything.

Bonnie - make more movies!

Underrated romantic comedy from the early 00's

[lisafordeay · 7/10 · 6 January 2019]

Return to Me is directed by Bonnie Hunt and stars David Duchovy and Minnie Driver and tells the tale of a young archiect named Bob(Duchovy) who's wife Elizabeth played by Joey Richardson dies in a car accident. Meanwhile a young quirky woman named Grace played by Minnie Driver is desperate for a new heart so lucky for her she gets a heart transplant. Turns out the heart belonged to Bob's wife. So when Bob and Grace meet each other again will Grace tell Bob that she has his deceased wife's heart or is he in love with Grace due to the fact she has his wife's heart?

Overall I enjoyed this film. It was romantic and sweet. The chemistry between Minnie and David was really good and Bonnie Hunt did a great job both writing the story and screenplay as well as directing and starring in the film.

If you love Just like heaven or The Lakehouse or even Last Christmas then check it out.

She also needs spine and brain transplants.

[Irie212 · 3/10 · 28 June 2009]

As someone who has had multiple organ transplants, and also has a longtime boyfriend whom I met after the surgeries, may I saw that Minnie Driver's character bears no resemblance to any of the organ recipients I've shared hospital quarters with. The wit and poise her character displays when she's with friends and family, as well as at work, disappear when it comes to potential lovers. "As soon as they know," she says, "they think of me as broken." Well, honey, it's up to you to prove you're not broken.

Unfortunately, the filmmakers wanted to make a tearjerker, not a good, vigorous movie about survival. The whole thing hinges on vanity, but the simple fact is, a healed surgical scar is minor compared to things like the regimen of immune-suppressing drugs (including steroids), and the fact that transplants don't last forever, so your clock ticks so loud that your loved ones hear it too. And how a potential partner may handle all of that-- from scars to a shortened life span-- is something you want to know early. There is no point hiding scars from lovers, as anyone with scars could have told Bonnie Hunt. Unfortunately, of course, it's sentimental plots that jerk tears.

Duchovny and Driver both deserve better, as do those of us who have had transplants, and the wonderful people who love us.

David Duchovny shines!

[joannabanana324 · 28 June 2003]

David Duchovny shines in this movie! He refreshingly shows that he IS able to play other types of characters besides that of his trademark character, Fox Mulder.

Don't get me wrong, he is great in the X-Files, but it is about time we saw him in something that highlights his talents! All we ever see of him is the monotone "Fox Mulder, FBI".

He had the best performance in this movie because it was greatly different from others he has done. He showed kindness, charm, and humor. A rare thing you see from the X-Files hottie.

If you love David Duchovny and want to see him in something different than your usual alien hunting FBI agent, see this movie. He will take your breath away!

The Good & Bad Of 'Return To Me'

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 20 April 2006]

THE GOOD - A deep cast and no villains make this romantic comedy a nice movie. David Duchovny does a nice job in a low-key role. I've read in several reviews (not here) that James Belushi stole the movie with his supporting role but I thought if anyone did that it was Carroll O'Connor, not Belushi. O'Connor is just great as the kind, Godly Irish grandfather. He and all the older people, actually, are fun to watch in their matchmaking roles.

THE BAD - For such a pleasing story, the language could have been toned down. Having a young kid blaspheme by saying "GD" was inexcusable, although it does point out the importance of parents being a better "witness" as their children often mimic them. Minnie Driver is okay but doesn't seem to fit the role and I wish Hollywood would come up with a different angle in these romance-comedies instead of the same "lying" routine all the time.

All in all, a pleasant but unmemorable 'chick flick.'

The only thing offensive about this film is how boring it is

[bburns · 6/10 · 6 August 2000]

When Bonnie Hunt decided to write and direct her first feature, she must have had it in mind to offend as few people as possible. There is no violence in this film. Nobody has sex who hasn't been married for years. There is very little swearing. And there is no conflict that might further the plot along without me falling asleep.

The plot involves a recent widower (David Duchovny--boring as ever) who falls in love with a waitress who has had a heart transplant (Minnie Driver--what was she thinking?). Since the only real problems these people have are solved in the first half-hour, there's no reason to watch any further. But the film goes on for another hour and a half, which is devoted to Driver wondering if it's okay to tell Duchovny she's had an operation. Don't get me wrong. Imaginary problems can be used to make a great film, but only if Woody Allen's making the film.

A quick footnote: Was I the only one who found it ironic that Carroll O'Connor--who became famous thirty years ago for saying incredibly offensive things--is stuck in this film where the furthest anyone will go out on a limb is to say Dean Martin was a better singer than Bing Crosby? I gave this film a six out of ten.

Great Romantic Comedy!

[FCDramaGirl · 10/10 · 30 August 2003]

I love this movie! It has everything! Bonnie Hunt did a fantastic job co-writing, directing and co-starring in this film. David Duchovny is just plain hot. and Minnie Driver is as cute as ever. combine all that talent with David Allen Grier, Carol O'Connor, Robert Loggia, Joley Richardson, and Jim Belushi you have a Oscar worthy movie! I'm surprised they didn't get one. if you haven't seen it, go rent the DVD, watch it once then put directors commentary on...Bonnie Hunt is Fabulous!

Could have been a lot worse than this

[philip_vanderveken · 6/10 · 30 June 2005]

June seems to be an excellent time for romantic comedies on television. I've already seen several in a couple of weeks time and I'm sure that many more will follow. That doesn't always make it easy to give a movie a good chance of course. After a while they all start to look a bit the same and then it can be good for this movies to be somewhat more original in their approach to the subject of love.

"Return to Me" certainly succeeds in that department because it doesn't start with being all happy and great. When Bob Rueland's wife, with who he has a very good time, gets killed in a tragic car accident, her heart is used to save the life of Grace Briggs, a waitress at a local Italian restaurant. Both try to make the best of their lives after this tragic event, until they meet each other in the restaurant. Bob doesn't know that his wife's heart saved Grace's life, but immediately feels some kind of attraction to her. They fall in love with each other, but when Grace finds out the truth, she doesn't know whether she should tell him that she got the heart from his wife or not, whether she should stay or leave...

As a story this certainly works, although you need some imagination to believe that all the things happening in this movie could actually be true. (Normally they don't tell where the heart comes from and that it stays in the same city is far from certain as it goes to the first person with the correct blood type on the waiting list). But I want to see past that for once and than I must say that it certainly isn't bad. What also worked for me was the acting. Especially Minnie Driver did a nice job. Personally I found David Duchovny a bit miscasted, although I don't really have another name to play the role.

Overall this isn't a bad example of a romantic comedy / drama, although it isn't always perfect. In my opinion the best thing in this movie were the old men in the restaurant (the friends of Grace's father), they were very funny and made me forget about most flaws in the story. I give this movie a 6.5/10.

Beyond Wonderful

[thediva59 · 10/10 · 24 October 2004]

I just watched this move for the 5th or 6th time and am still in love with it. It still makes me cry and sing and worry and celebrate.

I almost wrote Bonnie Hunt a letter to tell her how much I love it. David Duchovny's grief scene is so flippin real!!! Minnie Driver is so natural and honest. My favorite line is when Duchovny says "I miss Elizabeth but I ache for Grace". Oh man! I'm crying just thinking about it. ALSO... Bonnie Hunt and Jim Belushi are sooooooooooooo the perfect Chicago area couple!! I know them I swear! I'm related to them I'm sure.

This movie is in my three times a year rotation!!! I'd watch it once a week but I'm afraid I'd get too used to it!!! I always want to make it a special day when I watch it!!

A sitcom quality romantic/comedy from the old school.

[=G= · 6/10 · 2 November 2000]

While not a big budget blockbuster, "Return To Me" pushes all the right buttons for those who enjoy this overworked genre. The film offers an interesting premise; doesn't take itself too seriously; showcases some okay acting talent; and serves up some refreshing creativity. More than your trite chick flick, those who just go with it will likely chuckle and weep. Home is where the heart is.

I gave it a one because zero wasn't an option.

[staylor-10 · 1/10 · 21 January 2001]

I took my girlfriend to this movie; and within ten minutes of the beginning of the movie, she explained the entire plot to me. There are a couple of old men that make small portions of this film funny, but these moments are few and far between. I wouldn't watch this movie again even if it were free. It's hard for me to believe that this waste of film ever received a vote higher than 3. Finally, if the soundtrack contains a self-titled song, it shouldn't bite.

Delightfully entertaining

[cheermom140 · 10/10 · 29 March 2000]

My two daughters (ages 11 and 13) and I were lucky enough to see a screening of this movie last night. We were all pleasantly surprised to see how entertaining and funny this movie was. David Duchovny was very appealing as the male lead and Minnie Driver gave her usually competent performance. Some of the scenes are laugh out loud funny - especially one scene Minnie Driver has with a fellow "transplant" donee. I liked the fact that it was a movie that I could watch with my children and I wasn't embarrassed by any scene whatsoever. Everyone in the movie theater was laughing and enjoying themselves. Thumbs up Bonnie Hunt!

I Left My Heart in Chicago

[wes-connors · 6/10 · 20 March 2011]

On a rainy night, Chicago architect David Duchovny (as Bob Rueland) loses his beloved wife to a car accident. Meanwhile, bedridden artist Minnie Driver (as Grace Briggs) hovers near death, desperately needing a heart transplant. As you might imagine, Ms. Driver receives the heart belonging to Mr. Duchovny's dying wife. After a period of mourning, veterinarian pal David Alan Grier (as Charlie Johnson) tries to get Mr. Duchovny to date shallow, mouthy women. While on a funny double date (thanks to Holly Wortell), Duchovny meets Driver. The two have an instant, magical attraction...

Driver is a waitress at the Italian bar/restaurant run by Irish grandfather Carroll O'Connor (as Marty O'Reilly) and Italian brother-in-law Robert Loggia (as Angelo Pardipillo). With elderly pals Eddie Jones and Wally Jatczak, they discuss how singers Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra differed in beating others; the former took a more "hands on" approach. This was notably the last appearance for Mr. O'Connor, best known for his long-running TV role as lovable bigot "Archie Bunker". Writer/director Bonnie Hunt (as Megan) and loud-mouthed James Belushi (as Joe Dayton) provide additional support.

This is what they call a "chick flick", with Ms. Hunt and "The X-Files" star Duchovny offering distaff viewers a dreamy leading man; he's handsome, well-built, romantic, masculine, sensitive, straight and sexy...

...and his hair is Perfect.

***** Return to Me (4/7/00) Bonnie Hunt ~ David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carroll O' Connor, Bonnie Hunt

*This* is Romance?

[The_Core · 2/10 · 10 April 2000]

An eminently forgettable love story with a paper thin plot, no character development and mediocre acting. 60-75% of screen time is taken up watching a bunch of old men play cards, bowl, discuss dead italian musicians, and jabber on and on about nothing meaningful whatsoever. At the end of the movie, I knew nothing more about any of the characters than I did at the start. My thought during the last moments of the film was "So what? Who are these people, why should I care, and why did I waste my time watching them?" Perhaps they should have set up the dog with the gorilla - at least something interesting might have taken place on screen. 2/10.