Big Stone Gap

This adaptation is dramatic, interesting, and a great period piece. I really like that the cast of this film is filled with recognizable actors and actresses who make it a great film.

In a small town in Virginia, the life of middle aged spinster, Ave Marie (Ashley Judd) is shaken up and permanently altered when, after a semi-anticipated unfortunate event, she discovers a family secret that has been buried for a long time. While she tries to figure out why things are the way they are, her eyes are opened to situations and experiences that she never noticed. Ave Marie makes a life altering decision and as a result the whole town unravels.

Since this film is a period piece, I was really intrigued as I watched it. I love all of the romantic aspects that are displayed throughout this film. Along with the romance and bits drama, Big Stone Gap offers great comedy, which really separates the dramatic pieces nicely and gives this film great balance. My favorite character would have to be Fleeta (Whoopi Goldberg) because of the comedy she gives to the film and also because of the boldness and confidence in her character.

Over all, I cannot say this I have a favorite scene, every bit of story line is interesting and entertaining, I will say this all the scenes with Fleeta are very nice to watch due to the way her character interacts with others. Another aspect that I greatly enjoy is the wardrobe, because of how much it's involved in this story, the clothing that is worn, adds different details to each and every character and their personality. Even though sometimes I am a bit confused about the plot line, everything clears up in the end.

A message that I found in Big Stone Gap is that life is always changing, and nothing is set in stone. Another message is that sometimes life is unfair, and we shouldn't dwell on all the inconveniences in life for too long.

I recommend this film for ages 9 to 18, due to its slight suggestive content. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, because of its comedy, romance, and cast.

Big Stone Gap is in theaters October 9th, so please check it out. Reviewed by Brianna B., Age 15, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic.

I read where someone said it was a film that would only interest residents of Big Stone Gap. Not true! It does however, depict a way of life that is fast fading away. The movie is set in 1978, as was the book of the same title, but I can tell you having visited the area, that it remains largely unchanged today. Trigiani consistently creates characters in her novels that touch our hearts and become our friends. This movie version of her debut novel truly brings her already vibrant characters to life. I credit the honesty of the film, and it's adherence to the original story, to Trigiani's hands-on approach to movie making. It is obvious her heart and soul went into this project. If the reviewers who criticize would only slow down, step back, and allow themselves to be transported to this simpler time and place, they too would fall in love with Big Stone Gap.

Obvious, it is more a film of actors than one of story. The life in a small town challenges about marriage after 40 years old and the revelation about father are well used . Not the most inspired jokes, few serious fists of cliches but nice in large measure.

Beautiful job of Ashley Judd and Patrick Wilson And fair end , too pink in some measure but fair.

Fantastic Movie! Captures the heart of a small town, while making every viewer want a taste of this down home country town. The love story compares to no other, the sacrifice, the warmth, the detail. Love Love Love this movie, I simply did not want it to end. Everyone needs to see this movie, it will make you laugh, cry, and even snort a little at times. A film that captures what life is all about, loving others. LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!! The casting fits the bill. And this is a movie that I can honestly say follows the book to a T! All the way through you can trace the movie by the book. This movie makes you feel at home, as if you are living the story right along side Ave Maria and Jack Mack! By far the best movie I have ever seen! Trigiani simply outdone herself with this one.

Adriana Trigiani is a fantastic writer especially if you are from the south and have moved away. Her humor is spot on with her southern twist. Love her books and have anxiously awaited seeing this movie for some time. I hope it gets better distribution soon. Fantastic cast. Ashley Judd, Whoopi & Jenna Elfman were cast perfectly for their characters and so was everyone else. Scenery was beautiful. I have read nearly all of her books and I hope we have a sequel soon because the story just gets better and better in the other books. Prepare to laugh and laugh. Her portrayal of a true small southern town is so special. You feel like you are part of the town and you feel like you know everyone. It's a turn back in time of the way things used to be. It's a special movie full of heart and soul.