Amazon.com

Cal remains one of the finest films ever made about Ireland's contemporary troubles. It's a melancholy drama about a gentle 19-year-old Catholic in Northern Ireland (the title character, subtly played by John Lynch) who's haunted by his involvement with the IRA. He's attracted to a local widow (Helen Mirren) whose husband was murdered by an IRA assassin; Cal was a reluctant accessory to the killing. The attraction grows mutual between these lonely souls, but Cal's secret--and their inability to extract themselves from Ireland's violence--makes it impossible for love to blossom. Sensitively directed by Pat O'Connor, and enhanced by Mark Knopfler's fine, understated score, Cal tells a familiar story with quiet power and compassionate balance. Mirren, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes film festival, matches Lynch with tender love in an atmosphere of hate. As Ireland continues to heal its political wounds, Cal is a quiet reminder that progress has been slow and rife with personal tragedy. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (4)

disapointing
since i've never heard of it, and being an american of irish-catholic decent naturally i was excited! with an amazon "5 star" rating, i was ready for something like "in the name of the father" or "michael collins" or like caliber. unfortunetly this film (athough somewhat interesting) was nowhere near that quality. this film once again proves my theory,"If you've never heard of it there's a reason for it!!!

Deliberate, concise, bleak filmmaking
A sad but engaging story about a sensitive young Irish lad, who reluctantly works for the local IRA, and helps kill a policeman, only to later find himself befriended by the man's unsuspecting family. The saddest thing about this movie is how little has changed since it was made. Nice chance to see Helen Mirren early in her career.

Quiet Desperation
The film "Cal" is one of the best I have seen. I have repeatedly watched this film. Set in the chaos of the Catholic/Protestant conflict in Northern Ireland, this film captures the quiet desperation of those caught up in the strife. John Lynch does a magnificent portrayal of a young man coming of age and wrestling with his conscience because of the dark deeds of his past. Helen Mirren puts in yet another golden performance in her role as a widowed housewife, who's life is both broken and touched by the film's protaganist. At times depressing, the film's stark reality is all too human. Mark Knoffler's soundtrack masterfully underscores the melancholic atmosphere of the film.

The silences in this film say more than the best script.
As Cal, John Lynch offers a portrait of quiet desperation and stoicism. The madness of the "Troubles" is muted but remains powerfully evident so that not even love can withstand them. A dark and affecting film that leaves you wondering whether there will ever be an answer. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A polished gem from 1995, this disarmingly sweet and dramatically insightful love story provided a charming showcase for Chris O'Donnell and, especially, then-newcomer Minnie Driver, whose performance drew critical raves and boosted her career to Hollywood. Smoothly adapted from the novel by Maeve Binchy and set in Ireland during the 1950s, the story focuses on Benny (Driver), a somewhat plump, plain-looking young woman attending university in Dublin who meets and quickly falls for Jack (O'Donnell), a handsome star of the university's rugby team who surprisingly reciprocates her glowing admiration. They're drawn together as soul mates, and their love is dramatically contrasted with a subplot involving Benny's more conventionally beautiful friend Nan (Saffron Burrows), whose appetite for older men leads her into a misguided and ultimately tragic relationship. A betrayal by Jack sets the stage for potential heartbreak, but director Pat O'Connor prevents these carefully drawn characters from resorting to sappy melodrama. They have lessons to learn about life and love, and Circle of Friends teaches those lessons with grace, humor, and heartfelt sincerity. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (46)

An unlikely love story.
This is one of my favorite movies. The story follows Benny(Minnie Driver) and her best friends Eve and Nan as the discover their own sexuality. Growing up Irish Catholic they have been taught to repress any of their feelings. Benny gets hooked on the cutest boy in school Jack(Chris O'Donnell). And Jack falls for big-girl Benny because she is so easy to talk to. Nan gets involved with an older, rich man Simon(Colin Firth). Benny's parents want her to marry "Creepy Sean Walsh"(Alan Cummings) but Benny refuses to go with him because she is in love with Jack. When Nan gets pregant she changes everyones lives. Defiantly worth watching. Enjoyable, and a great look at Catholics view on Sexuality. And Chris O'Donnell is looking exceptionally good.

A Great Love Story
I first saw this movie several years ago when it was still in the theater and I immediately had to buy it as soon as it came out on video. Now that I have bought the DVD and rewatched the movie, I remember the first time that I saw the movie. I think that many people can relate to the character of Benny, portrayed beautifully by Minnie Driver in her first movie role. The rest of the actors are all well cast for their roles, esp. Chris O'Donnell. Two hidden treats in the movie are Alan Cumming as the creepy Sean Walsh and Colin Firth as Simon Westward. As another reviewer mentioned, no the movie doesn't get into too much of the book. If they did, the film would have been three hours long. To sum it up, it is a sweet love story for someone who never thought that they would get the most popular guy on campus

worth watching
i read the book, but as usual, i try to refrain from comparing the movie to the book. because if you do, you're usually up for one big fat disappointment. i would highly recommend people to read the book too.

this is a pretty straightforward and simplistic film. and my only complaint is that the film doesn't flesh out some things that i really would have liked fleshed out, and it had some loose strings left hanging in the end. for example, i loved eve and aidan as a couple, yet the film gave them pretty flat portrayals. on the one hand, you're left wanting to see more, but on the other hand, there is the possibility that the film could spread itself too thin in terms of plot.

the movie was well cast. minnie driver is phenomenal. chris o'donnell doesn't get much credit. and my other favorite was the one who played eve. she really had spark! and alan cummings as the irrepressible sean walsh just makes me want to barf!

all in all, the movie's plot is a little thin, but the cast and great scenery more than make up for it.

Diappointment
I'm amazed how they could have completely destroyed the theme of such a charming book when adapting it to the screen. The novel didn't focus on the love story of Benny and Jack, but more on how Benny becomes to love and accept herself through her relationship with Jack. Maybe one day someone will make an honest adaptation of this great book.

Read the BOOK
Yes, it is a very good movie, but the book is so much better. It has a way better ending. I suggest first reading the book, it is so much better. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Funny and cool
I saw this movie in the early '90's when independent and foreign films were still independent in the real sense. At this point, I had only seen Daniel Day-Lewis in Room With A View, so this movie was a significant departure from that. It is a fish-out-of-water comedic film. A Britsh art-dealer living in New York (and dating the boss's daughter) is sent to the South to collect a valuable painting from the estate of an eccentric Southern gentleman. Along the way, he encounters the woman of his dreams and the man's wacky family. High jinks ensue.

I really liked it. The casting was genius: Laurie Metcalf, Glenne Headley, Joan Cusack, Maury Chaykin, Will Patton, and many others. While funny and strange with a touch of Southern gothic, the film also questions the real value of American success. A good companion film would be Shy People with Barbara Hershey.

Brit meets NYC meets Georgia
My father's from GA, my husband's from England & we've both lived in/near NYC. So this film hit us where we've lived. Having seen "In the name of the Father" & "Gangs of NY" we couldn't imagine Day-Lewis in a comedic role but he was brilliant. His physical shtick was prime: absurd canoe rowing at the Atlanta hotel & especially his nude escape from bad guys who were also after the priceless Renoir. Jogging down the NYC streets in a cardboard box, he was rippingly funny. The ever-wonderful Harry Dean Stanton was perfect as the "Big Daddy" of a completely dilapidated Southern Mansion. All the minor characters did great jobs of work, especially the trailer wife (not sure of actress's name). We could've done w/ more of Joan Cusak & her bright comedic heart but truly this film is FOUR & 1/2 Stars! ...

ONE OF THE WORST USES OF A GOOD CAST.
I honestly thought that this was going to be a very entertaining movie when I came across it. Joan Cusack and Martha Plimpton are two of the best comedic actresses of our time. Laurie Metcalf excels at dry humor. Mix in the talented acting of Daniel Day-Lewis, Harry Dean Stanton, Glenne Headly & Deirdre O'Connell and it is all but a guaranteed success, right? Sadly, the answer is "No".

One of the key problems is that this movie completely centers around Daniel Day-Lewis. He actually does a fine job playing Henderson, an appraiser who works for a New York art dealer. The trouble is that this film isn't quite sure how to use the rest of the cast. Literally all of the other roles are relatively minor. I didn't time it, but I would be stunned if anyone else in the cast was actually onscreen for more than 20 minutes of the entire movie. When you have a cast of this caliber, that can be considered nothing short of criminal.

The basic plot revolves around Henderson having to travel to Georgia. The purpose of his trip is to inspect a painting which is believed to be worth around $10 million. While there, he has to deal with the members of an eccentric family. Of course, things don't go smoothly. Henderson encounters the usual silly problems that you find in many '80s comedies. The film is quite uninspired.

For those of you who lust after Daniel Day-Lewis, I would highly recommend seeking this movie out. He was only about 30 when he starred in this picture and he has an extended nude scene after he is forced to strip by some second rate hoods. "Stars And Bars" is a watchable film but I can only imagine how it would've turned out with a better script and tighter directing. Unfortunately...I'll never know.

Too Funny!
The critics chose to trash this movie but it kept us in stiches the whole time. Day-Lewis plays the perfect British flop and the rednecks cast in the movie are hilarious!

Danny in the raw
If you've got a yen to see Daniel Day-Lewis naked, this is worth your while. He has two nude scenes, one of them, er, lengthy and revealing (and some might say, risky--he's crawling out of a second floor window, naked in the rain). Otherwise, this is a surprising misfire, and a waste of a good cast. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A quiet film, and hauntingly lovely
Dancing at Lughnasa, a movie adapted from an autobiography, delves into the lives of five women, unmarried sisters living in rural Ireland in the 30s. The youngest sister has given birth to an illegitimate son, and at the beginning of the movie Michael, the little boy, is 8 year old. There's a pagan ritual that the village observes every August, a night when they dance around a fire in honor of the god Lugh, the ancient god of light. But wait? Aren't these villagers good Catholics? It's Ireland, after all. The answer is yes...at least, sort of.
Tensions increase with the arrival of 2 men. One is the only brother in this family, an elderly priest returning from missionary work in Africa, where he apparently slowly lost his mind. The other is Gerry (Rhys Ifans), Michael's long-absent father who's still not about to commit to much of anything. Meryl Streep plays the eldest sister, often a shrew, but always riveting.
It's a good one, augmented with gorgeous music and stunning cinematography of the incomparable Irish countryside.

One Irish summer
A man fondly recalls the summer of 1936, when he was eight years old in this Irish slice-of-life drama. Young Michael lives with his unmarried mother and her four spinster sisters, including Kate (Meryl Streep). The women make a meager living by knitting gloves, until a knitting factory opens nearby. Into their quiet and ordered lives comes their older brother, a priest who spent his life in Africa and has suffered a kind of breakdown, and Michael's long-unseen father, an adventurer who's on his way to fight against Franco.

This is a very quiet and slow-paced film. It succeeds in capturing the lifestyle, character, and beauty of the Irish countryside, when all that mattered was your family and church. There is very little action - a motor cycle ride, listening to the radio, and on one special night, dancing in the yard - but that makes the film even more poignant. Based on an autobiographical play, Dancing at Lughnasa is a raw, no-frills look back in time, with an art-house-film feel. Fans of Meryl Streep will enjoy her fine performance as the strict and melancholy eldest sister. Michael Gambon gives a sympathetic performance as the confused priest who has come home to die.

Stellar cast and director can't save this turkey!
God, what a disappointment! I am a huge fan of both Meryl Streep and Michael Gambon, and I know Brian Friel has written some wonderful plays and screenplays -- so I couldn't believe what a dismal bore this turned out to be. As other reviewers have said, practically NOTHING happens, except that these five lonely, pathetic, spinster sisters sit around and bicker at each other. Streep's character is a priggish, joyless nag who makes her sisters even more depressed than they already have reason to be. At times the film seems to be building up to some climactic event (somebody will die or get knocked up), but then... nothing. And the sisters' big, exuberant dance scene near the end seemed totally fake and tacked-on to me -- I suspect they included that just so they could put it in the movie's trailer!

Not What I Expected
The only reason it even gets two stars is that Meryl Streep is in it!

When I saw this movie, I had just found Wicca. I pretty much said to anyone I met, "Hi, my name's Barb, nice to meet you. I'm a Witch." I was still in that first falling-in-love phase. As a matter of fact, I still thought that Wicca was "The Old Religion!"

Someone reccomended this movie to me as a movie that portrayed Pagans in a positive light and it had Meryl Streep in it! I fully expected a story about a Lughhnasa Rite. NOT!

This movie is actually quite boring and is the only movie with Meryl Streep in it that I've seen that I haven't liked! It's basically a story about three sisters that live in Ireland in the(I think)1950's.

There is only one brief part about Pagans in it, and they are definietely NOT PORTRAYED IN A POSITIVE LIGHT! There is a brief scene of drunken revelry where a group of people who identify themselves as Pagans appear to be engaging in orgiastic behavior.

Not only that, there is an intimation that they might possibly force the young woman who was brought to this not even knowing what it was, to join them!...

THEATER AND MOVIES
The old saying that says that a play can not become a satisfying movie is again the situation here.Although all the actors do play their roles convincigly,it's basically a play that can't be openned up.There is a feeling of mental distorsion throughout;two characters are affected by it.This convey a melancholic mood to the story.As it is ,i still enjoy the movie because of CATHERINE MCCORMACK and her fabulous ironic smile.I like the scene when she says to her son:come i'll put you to bed,perhaps because i envy the kid. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Small Film With Big Performances
Inventing the Abbots is a slice of life film. The story is slow moving but good with a nostalgic feel that fits the narrating character. It's about two sets of brothers and sisters coming of age in a small town during the 1950's. It's also a story of the mysteries of love, attraction, and family. The acting is superb all around, but especially Joaquin Pheonix's performance. There are very few actors that can bring a character to life with such realism and Joaquin has a lot of great moments in this film.

*SWEET~OLD FASHIONED~and a little wild too*
For such a great movie, I wonder why there are hardly any reviews..."Inventing the Abbots" is a sweet, old fashioned love story, but just because it's set in the 5O's & 6O's, doesn't mean it doesn't get a little wild! Its rated "R" for a reason ~ it includes sex scenes, brief nudity, foul language, etc....JOAQUIN PHOENIX and BILLY CRUDUP star as 2 working class teenage brothers who happen to be infatuated by the prettiest and wealthiest girls in town; the 3 Abbott sisters played by JOANNA GOING, JENNIFER CONNELLY, & LIV TYLER. Over the years they get involved w/ each of the sisters and the director takes us along for the ride. I enjoyed the movie as well as the acting. Its not hard to believe Liv and Joaquin actually fell in love during this movie and dated 3 years after...I recommend checking this movie out if you enjoy any of these actors~you'll enjoy it! A+

more Steve
Saw this movie because it had Michael Sutton from GH in it. Sad to say Steve had no lines but his part is memerable. Great movie, the whole family will enjoy it. I can honestly say that you can watch it more than once because the plot is written well and the actors are wonderful.

Inventing the Abbots
I saw this movie on t.v. but it was so good that I am going to buy it! Joaquin Phoenix is so romantic in the movie. It's definetely a great movie and I would recommend it to anyone who likes drama's and romance movies.

Forbidden Love
What happens if the person you adore most in the world is completely out of reach? Would you endure a life without them or fight to gain their love, no matter what?

When I started watching this movie, I almost didn't give it a chance. Truthfully, the start is not engaging and it took at least 15 minutes for me to fully want to continue watching. After that, I was completely emotionally involved in the story.

The best movies seem to be those in which you truly feel you care about the characters. If the script is engaging, what can be better? This movie will appeal to your complex side because the one of the deepest desires we all have, is to be loved unconditionally.

"Some people you love no matter what,
and some people you love if the situation is right."

The narration, script and 1950's style setting blend together like cookie dough for a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Truthfully, this movie has a warmth about it, you do not see very often! Like eating cookies with a glass of milk, you might feel this movie ends too soon.

The relationship between two brothers and the forbidden women they love ends up showing us that sometimes forgiveness is the only way out of an illusion created by a lie.

A+ acting! You will come away thinking about life more deeply and considering how your actions affect those around you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's New Year's Eve and a serial killer stalks the streets of New York, looking for his next victim.Under pressure from the public and the press,Police Commissioner Frank Starkey (Harvey Keitel) and the mayor (Rod Steiger) reinstate Starkey's brother Nick (Kevin Kline) in the force to track down the murderer.Nick was pressured to resign some years back and bad blood remains between him and his brother; almost immediately he rubs his superior (Danny Aiello) the wrong way when he turns his office into a sort of beatnik den.Flanked by his eccentric buddy (Alan Rickman) and the mayor's daughter (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), Starkey goes about running the killer down his own way. This film is a confused muddle--not funny enough to be a comedy, not suspenseful enough to be a taut cop thriller, and without enough chemistry to be a romantic drama.The excellent cast is adrift in a screenplay that throws in everything but the kitchen sink; Keitel, Steiger, and Aiello go completely apoplectic every time they're onscreen together (which should please fans of over-the-top acting). The first screenplay by John Patrick Shanley after his Oscar win for Moonstruck is hardly cut of the same cloth. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (15)

How come this didn't work better?
I ordered this, because I don't remember seeing it in Finland and because of the great actors. I mean: Kevin Kline, Harvey Keitel AND Alan Rickman! What more could a grown woman want?

The movie uses clichés with a twist: a heroic but difficult cop (Kline) who has been unjustly sacked and is now a fireman, but - being a genius in his work - gets called back to solve mysterious killings. Of course, the police department is against the idea. But there is no choice and he starts to work in his own terms, for instance bringing along an assistant, a moody artist (Rickman in a part where he speaks very little, which is always a shame). Brother (Keitel) isn't too thrilled either, because they still love the same woman (Sarandon). Mayor's daughter (Mastrantonio) gets sucked in, because her friend is murdered.

The movie has all the elements of comedy, humour, suspense and good actors and actresses - and still it misses something. Kline is fine as always and even in this small part Rickman makes an impression and it's hard to point out any flaws - but still it doesn't work as well as it could have.

Anyway, the movie is entertaining, not bad at all. Harmless fun with a couple of original jokes. Kline's cooking is very odd and Rickman's use of models even more personal.

Mark your Calendar..... good all year 'round..
sure, no car chases, no explosions....but an interesting plot with about a half-dozen twists...i first saw this film in spain in 1989....(in english, somehow) and have probably viewed it twice a year since. scores of friends (and my now grown son and daughter) have also found themsleves enamored of it.
rickman's turn is a far cry from his 'die hard' and 'quiqley down under' roles; kline is brilliant kline....no wonder he finally got an ocar for 'a fish called wanda'....allieo is just great, and steiger is, well, vintage stieger.
harvey keitel is semi-controlled sibling rivalry entrapped..the tension is palpable...susan sarandon is the tortured fatale that holds it together; mastrantonio's 'in a hundred years, we'll all be dead' has been my mantra ever since.
the tape's finally worn out. i gladly paid for the dvd...
would someone get me a cup of coffee, please? preferably an espresso?

Improbable? Yes, but...
It's the script that really brings this movie down. While the mystery itself is contrived and some of the acting is overplayed, the script is just pathetic. At least, that seems to be the only explanation for why this movie didn't work, since all of the actors have shown their talent elsewhere. I found it hard to immerse myself in the story when every other sentence was unbelievably stupid. There was one character, however, whose odd lines actually sounded right: Ed. Alan Rickman plays the eccentric artiste wonderfully, and the offbeat things he said didn't sound strange because the character himself was offbeat. Unfortunately, Ed is a man of few words. The story could have worked, but is instead undermined by the very weak script. One star for Alan Rickman as Ed, and another one for the chemistry between Rickman, Kline, and Mastrantonio. The trio's scenes together are the only ones worth watching.

Most Improbable Murder Method In The History Of Movies
The solution to the murder puzzle in this plot -- the manner in which the killer was choosing his victims -- was the most improbable and absolutely lamest contrivance in the entire history of mysteries -- and this extends backward in time to before the Big Bang, to include any films which might have been made in all the past universes which existed before our present one.

One interesting line of dialogue, however, was a comment Kevin Klein made to Susan Sarandon, asking about certain results when she thought about the money to which she now had access, due to marrying a rich man. It's the only time in a movie I have ever heard so precise a reference to that particular phenomenon -- it was simply something that is never referred to so specifically in mainstream cinema.

COMICAL CHARACTER STUDY WRAPPED IN A SUSPENSE THRILLER..
This movie is not a typical "mystery thriller," at least not in the usual sense of the genre. The characters unravel intriguingly but very fluidly, and it is easy to relate to almost all of them (I bet we can all think of parallels in our own lives.)

Theme-wise it is ostensibly presented as a suspense movie where an ex-cop (Kevin Kline) is re-instated into a homicide detective role to solve a brutal murder spree by a NY psychopath. There is an interesting subplot of unrequited romance between Kline's character and his brother's (who is commissioner of police) wife. Kline's artist friend, his new girl friend (the Mayor's daughter), and in fact the Mayor himself -- are all amusing characters. But Kline is clearly the pivot of the movie, he turned what many might consider a very below standard screenplay and turned it into a very keepable film.

The cinematography is neat, the dialog entertainingly scattershot and the movie flows with a very good pace. Most people who revile this under-rated but actually very watchable movie do so because it doesn't fit any Hollywoodesqe molds. It is not a suspense movie alone (clearly, to me, it didn't make any overt attempts to be) -- it is also a very adult and somewhat intellectual but credible study of multiple intertwined characters.

The ending surprised me a bit, but I don't think it was chinsy or overdone. It was probably supposed to try and imitate real life and I'd say it did so.

And with that kind of a price tag, this is definitely a steal. Recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (95)

Superb chick flick!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to admit that I was initially attracted to this movie because of the Enya music--there is no more romantic music to listen to when you are in love or to make love to than Enya's music. James Cameron realized that and tried to get Enya to write songs for "Titanic"--but it turned out that she did not have time to do so.

Regardless, this movie is a definite top rate, excellent chick-flick tear-jerker if there ever was one. Of course, what better city in which to set a romantic movie than San Francisco, which is where this movie occurs. Sara Deever, a quirky 90's style woman chases after Nelson Moss, a hard driven ad designer. After she sends him a cute little dog, he immediately returns the dog to her and, as she is cleaning up his left hand (that he had cut earlier in the day), he tells her about his day: "I got fired. They took the company car. And my GIRLFRIEND left me" "Perfect!", she says. "Define 'perfect'", he says angrily. Perfect in this case is the lead in to the rest of the movie, a series of romantic crises, wonderful love scenes, ultimately leading to a two boxes of Kleenex ending. This is my number 9 chick flick of all time (see my list of all time chick flicks). And if you end up liking this movie, you will love the soundtrack!!!

Charming, moving, uplifting, and surprisingly good!
Charlize Theron brings on her charm, and Keanu Reeves turns in a surprisingly worthy performance in "Sweet November," a movie that's as light as a fall breeze. Slammed by most critics as a soggy romance with no star chemistry, the movie's premise centers around two people who, through an unlikely series of events, fall in love, though not without hardship.

Let it be known, the movie is not that bad. In fact, when put in comparison with movies like "Bounce" and "The Wedding Planner," "Sweet November" is actually kind of refreshing in it's own little way. Yes, the way in which the two develop their romance is a bit tough to swallow at first, but if you can ignore that and allow their growing relationship to touch your heart, then the movie succeeds on those terms.

Keanu Reeves plays Nelson Moss, a man who is all work and no play (when leaving for work one morning, he tells his girlfriend, "I have a life, and I'm late for it") as a big ad executive. While taking a test at the DMV, he runs into Sara Deever, played by Charlize Theron, who gives him an answer and gets caught cheating. What does Sara do? She milks the situation for everything she can in order to get Nelson to her home.

Her offer? To allow him to live in her house for a month, no more, no less, in order to help him get rid of all of his life's stresses and restrictions. She takes it to the extreme, too, giving his clothes to a homeless man, telling him he cannot go to work (he got fired, anyway), and taking him out into the town to show him the ways in which life can be fun.

Like any movie relationship, there are complications. Sara is reluctant to reveal anything about her past or her family, or her reasons for taking in a new man each month. All she will reveal is what she does to help each one of them. Near the end, there will come a revelation that will put the stability of their bond in jeopardy.

It seems preposterous, but with a movie like this, the events come in such an order that you can forgive these little pitfalls. Their budding romance really does have a kick to it, and despite the outside criticism, Theron and Reeves do have some good onscreen chemistry that lights up the screen in moments and provides for some very touching moments.

The film also has a lot of warm-hearted laughs. A scene in which Sara stands outside Nelson's apartment and begins shouting risque comments at people in order to gain his attention will have you chuckling, while her neighbors, two homosexuals who host a dinner party for the four of them in drag, are a riot. And the overall sweet nature of the relationship between the two is something to smile about, as well as shed a few tears over.

In one of his better roles, Keanu Reeves is convincingly emotional as Nelson. In the beginning, her perfectly portrays the egotistical attitude and outlook of his character, and then makes a very believable segue to someone who is so in love he is willing to change his whole life. Charlize Theron is, as always, a gem, bringing a touch of warmth and cheerfulness to her role as Sara. Her acting embodies her character with the zest for life needed to sell us on Sara's motives, and Theron captures that completely.

While it's not on par with many other romances on the market, "Sweet November" is nowhere near as bad as critics have made it out to be. In fact, it's a charming movie that is very uplifting, due in part to the moving relationship that Reeves and Theron bring to their characters. It met all of my expectations, which were few, but the fact that it met them is enough to recommend the film.

the best movie ever
I have to say this is the greatest romance moive. It has it all; love, drama, and comedy. I dont want to give away the details but I cant help but love this move. She is beautiful and hes so lost. Everyone needs balance in there life and she gives it to him. Although the ending is sad i have to watch it until its over. I dont see anyone not loving this movie. In final words this is a great movie and everyone should own it!

Sweet sleep throughout this movie
The best thing about this movie is that it finally got me out of my insomnia spell. It was stupid and boring at the begining and so it didn't hold my interest enough to stay awake through the rest of it. Don't rush out to watch this - that's for sure.

Sweet November okay movie
I saw this movie and to be honest .To like the movie you are going to have to watch it over and over again. to like the movie its not a bad movie overall but , they tried and the effort was good enough for me. I liked it. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

How come this didn't work better?
I ordered this, because I don't remember seeing it in Finland and because of the great actors. I mean: Kevin Kline, Harvey Keitel AND Alan Rickman! What more could a grown woman want?

The movie uses clichés with a twist: a heroic but difficult cop (Kline) who has been unjustly sacked and is now a fireman, but - being a genius in his work - gets called back to solve mysterious killings. Of course, the police department is against the idea. But there is no choice and he starts to work in his own terms, for instance bringing along an assistant, a moody artist (Rickman in a part where he speaks very little, which is always a shame). Brother (Keitel) isn't too thrilled either, because they still love the same woman (Sarandon). Mayor's daughter (Mastrantonio) gets sucked in, because her friend is murdered.

The movie has all the elements of comedy, humour, suspense and good actors and actresses - and still it misses something. Kline is fine as always and even in this small part Rickman makes an impression and it's hard to point out any flaws - but still it doesn't work as well as it could have.

Anyway, the movie is entertaining, not bad at all. Harmless fun with a couple of original jokes. Kline's cooking is very odd and Rickman's use of models even more personal.

Mark your Calendar..... good all year 'round..
sure, no car chases, no explosions....but an interesting plot with about a half-dozen twists...i first saw this film in spain in 1989....(in english, somehow) and have probably viewed it twice a year since. scores of friends (and my now grown son and daughter) have also found themsleves enamored of it.
rickman's turn is a far cry from his 'die hard' and 'quiqley down under' roles; kline is brilliant kline....no wonder he finally got an ocar for 'a fish called wanda'....allieo is just great, and steiger is, well, vintage stieger.
harvey keitel is semi-controlled sibling rivalry entrapped..the tension is palpable...susan sarandon is the tortured fatale that holds it together; mastrantonio's 'in a hundred years, we'll all be dead' has been my mantra ever since.
the tape's finally worn out. i gladly paid for the dvd...
would someone get me a cup of coffee, please? preferably an espresso?

Improbable? Yes, but...
It's the script that really brings this movie down. While the mystery itself is contrived and some of the acting is overplayed, the script is just pathetic. At least, that seems to be the only explanation for why this movie didn't work, since all of the actors have shown their talent elsewhere. I found it hard to immerse myself in the story when every other sentence was unbelievably stupid. There was one character, however, whose odd lines actually sounded right: Ed. Alan Rickman plays the eccentric artiste wonderfully, and the offbeat things he said didn't sound strange because the character himself was offbeat. Unfortunately, Ed is a man of few words. The story could have worked, but is instead undermined by the very weak script. One star for Alan Rickman as Ed, and another one for the chemistry between Rickman, Kline, and Mastrantonio. The trio's scenes together are the only ones worth watching.

Most Improbable Murder Method In The History Of Movies
The solution to the murder puzzle in this plot -- the manner in which the killer was choosing his victims -- was the most improbable and absolutely lamest contrivance in the entire history of mysteries -- and this extends backward in time to before the Big Bang, to include any films which might have been made in all the past universes which existed before our present one.

One interesting line of dialogue, however, was a comment Kevin Klein made to Susan Sarandon, asking about certain results when she thought about the money to which she now had access, due to marrying a rich man. It's the only time in a movie I have ever heard so precise a reference to that particular phenomenon -- it was simply something that is never referred to so specifically in mainstream cinema.

COMICAL CHARACTER STUDY WRAPPED IN A SUSPENSE THRILLER..
This movie is not a typical "mystery thriller," at least not in the usual sense of the genre. The characters unravel intriguingly but very fluidly, and it is easy to relate to almost all of them (I bet we can all think of parallels in our own lives.)

Theme-wise it is ostensibly presented as a suspense movie where an ex-cop (Kevin Kline) is re-instated into a homicide detective role to solve a brutal murder spree by a NY psychopath. There is an interesting subplot of unrequited romance between Kline's character and his brother's (who is commissioner of police) wife. Kline's artist friend, his new girl friend (the Mayor's daughter), and in fact the Mayor himself -- are all amusing characters. But Kline is clearly the pivot of the movie, he turned what many might consider a very below standard screenplay and turned it into a very keepable film.

The cinematography is neat, the dialog entertainingly scattershot and the movie flows with a very good pace. Most people who revile this under-rated but actually very watchable movie do so because it doesn't fit any Hollywoodesqe molds. It is not a suspense movie alone (clearly, to me, it didn't make any overt attempts to be) -- it is also a very adult and somewhat intellectual but credible study of multiple intertwined characters.

The ending surprised me a bit, but I don't think it was chinsy or overdone. It was probably supposed to try and imitate real life and I'd say it did so.

And with that kind of a price tag, this is definitely a steal. Recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Love Story
Inventing the Abbotts is a great love story, realistically portraying social classes, teenage problems, the 50's era, bitterness and misunderstandings and true love. JC's bitterness is resolved when he finds out the truth about his Father and how Mr. Abbott really feels about his Mother. There is closure for all involved when the final truths come forth. This is revealed in a most subtle way, done with much wisdom in this story, if you pay attention. Most of all, real love overrules all prejudices in the end. A lovely story which should have won an
award.

Inventing the Abbotts
This is an excellent movie. It's a nice love story nicely depicting the 50's, teenage problems, class differences and loss of a loved one. Bitterness is resolved in the end when Mr. Abbott's true feelings for Mrs. Holt is revealed as well as the real reason for the death of Mr. Holt. Closure comes for JC and Doug in a subtle but satisfying way.
Letitia McManus

Just Entertaining Enough
The movie, Inventing the Abbotts, although mildly entertaining, lacks a real plot, or a hook to keep the viewer watching. The movie is mostly about two brothers who each have their own Abbott girl, Douglas and Pam, and JC and Elanor, much to Joan and Lloyd Abbotts dismay. The ritzy and sophisticated upper class socialites, (The Abbotts), end up sending Elanor away to get away from JC. Then JC goes on to seduce Alice, who is simply terrified of her parents. All the while, a deep family history is unfolding between Doug and his mother. The past of the both the Abbotts and of Doug and JC's family are intertwined so closely that that whole town knows of all the rumored affairs and thefts. Dougs mother finally clears up the matter with Doug, which surprises JC, and then JC seduces yet another Abbott girl. The last one, the youngest one, Doug's Abbott Girl:Pam. Near the end of the movie they get back together. This movie needs to explain more about the past of the two families and spend more time on Elanor and Alice than Pamela.

Best Liv Tyler movie i have ever seen!
If you have ever felt that the one you loved was out of reach then this movie is for you.The Abbott sisters Pam (Tyler) and Elanor (Connely)are rich and beautiful while the Holt brothers Doug (Phoenix) and Jacey (Crudup)are poor.When these two couples come together they start a personal and painful war between two familys.

If you like chick-flicks then you'll love this movie I pomise it's worth the money!

Best Liv Tyler movie i have ever seen!
really good movie promise it is worth the money!! ... Read more

Reviews (95)

Superb chick flick!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to admit that I was initially attracted to this movie because of the Enya music--there is no more romantic music to listen to when you are in love or to make love to than Enya's music. James Cameron realized that and tried to get Enya to write songs for "Titanic"--but it turned out that she did not have time to do so.

Regardless, this movie is a definite top rate, excellent chick-flick tear-jerker if there ever was one. Of course, what better city in which to set a romantic movie than San Francisco, which is where this movie occurs. Sara Deever, a quirky 90's style woman chases after Nelson Moss, a hard driven ad designer. After she sends him a cute little dog, he immediately returns the dog to her and, as she is cleaning up his left hand (that he had cut earlier in the day), he tells her about his day: "I got fired. They took the company car. And my GIRLFRIEND left me" "Perfect!", she says. "Define 'perfect'", he says angrily. Perfect in this case is the lead in to the rest of the movie, a series of romantic crises, wonderful love scenes, ultimately leading to a two boxes of Kleenex ending. This is my number 9 chick flick of all time (see my list of all time chick flicks). And if you end up liking this movie, you will love the soundtrack!!!

Charming, moving, uplifting, and surprisingly good!
Charlize Theron brings on her charm, and Keanu Reeves turns in a surprisingly worthy performance in "Sweet November," a movie that's as light as a fall breeze. Slammed by most critics as a soggy romance with no star chemistry, the movie's premise centers around two people who, through an unlikely series of events, fall in love, though not without hardship.

Let it be known, the movie is not that bad. In fact, when put in comparison with movies like "Bounce" and "The Wedding Planner," "Sweet November" is actually kind of refreshing in it's own little way. Yes, the way in which the two develop their romance is a bit tough to swallow at first, but if you can ignore that and allow their growing relationship to touch your heart, then the movie succeeds on those terms.

Keanu Reeves plays Nelson Moss, a man who is all work and no play (when leaving for work one morning, he tells his girlfriend, "I have a life, and I'm late for it") as a big ad executive. While taking a test at the DMV, he runs into Sara Deever, played by Charlize Theron, who gives him an answer and gets caught cheating. What does Sara do? She milks the situation for everything she can in order to get Nelson to her home.

Her offer? To allow him to live in her house for a month, no more, no less, in order to help him get rid of all of his life's stresses and restrictions. She takes it to the extreme, too, giving his clothes to a homeless man, telling him he cannot go to work (he got fired, anyway), and taking him out into the town to show him the ways in which life can be fun.

Like any movie relationship, there are complications. Sara is reluctant to reveal anything about her past or her family, or her reasons for taking in a new man each month. All she will reveal is what she does to help each one of them. Near the end, there will come a revelation that will put the stability of their bond in jeopardy.

It seems preposterous, but with a movie like this, the events come in such an order that you can forgive these little pitfalls. Their budding romance really does have a kick to it, and despite the outside criticism, Theron and Reeves do have some good onscreen chemistry that lights up the screen in moments and provides for some very touching moments.

The film also has a lot of warm-hearted laughs. A scene in which Sara stands outside Nelson's apartment and begins shouting risque comments at people in order to gain his attention will have you chuckling, while her neighbors, two homosexuals who host a dinner party for the four of them in drag, are a riot. And the overall sweet nature of the relationship between the two is something to smile about, as well as shed a few tears over.

In one of his better roles, Keanu Reeves is convincingly emotional as Nelson. In the beginning, her perfectly portrays the egotistical attitude and outlook of his character, and then makes a very believable segue to someone who is so in love he is willing to change his whole life. Charlize Theron is, as always, a gem, bringing a touch of warmth and cheerfulness to her role as Sara. Her acting embodies her character with the zest for life needed to sell us on Sara's motives, and Theron captures that completely.

While it's not on par with many other romances on the market, "Sweet November" is nowhere near as bad as critics have made it out to be. In fact, it's a charming movie that is very uplifting, due in part to the moving relationship that Reeves and Theron bring to their characters. It met all of my expectations, which were few, but the fact that it met them is enough to recommend the film.

the best movie ever
I have to say this is the greatest romance moive. It has it all; love, drama, and comedy. I dont want to give away the details but I cant help but love this move. She is beautiful and hes so lost. Everyone needs balance in there life and she gives it to him. Although the ending is sad i have to watch it until its over. I dont see anyone not loving this movie. In final words this is a great movie and everyone should own it!

Sweet sleep throughout this movie
The best thing about this movie is that it finally got me out of my insomnia spell. It was stupid and boring at the begining and so it didn't hold my interest enough to stay awake through the rest of it. Don't rush out to watch this - that's for sure.

Sweet November okay movie
I saw this movie and to be honest .To like the movie you are going to have to watch it over and over again. to like the movie its not a bad movie overall but , they tried and the effort was good enough for me. I liked it. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

An unlikely love story.
This is one of my favorite movies. The story follows Benny(Minnie Driver) and her best friends Eve and Nan as the discover their own sexuality. Growing up Irish Catholic they have been taught to repress any of their feelings. Benny gets hooked on the cutest boy in school Jack(Chris O'Donnell). And Jack falls for big-girl Benny because she is so easy to talk to. Nan gets involved with an older, rich man Simon(Colin Firth). Benny's parents want her to marry "Creepy Sean Walsh"(Alan Cummings) but Benny refuses to go with him because she is in love with Jack. When Nan gets pregant she changes everyones lives. Defiantly worth watching. Enjoyable, and a great look at Catholics view on Sexuality. And Chris O'Donnell is looking exceptionally good.

A Great Love Story
I first saw this movie several years ago when it was still in the theater and I immediately had to buy it as soon as it came out on video. Now that I have bought the DVD and rewatched the movie, I remember the first time that I saw the movie. I think that many people can relate to the character of Benny, portrayed beautifully by Minnie Driver in her first movie role. The rest of the actors are all well cast for their roles, esp. Chris O'Donnell. Two hidden treats in the movie are Alan Cumming as the creepy Sean Walsh and Colin Firth as Simon Westward. As another reviewer mentioned, no the movie doesn't get into too much of the book. If they did, the film would have been three hours long. To sum it up, it is a sweet love story for someone who never thought that they would get the most popular guy on campus

worth watching
i read the book, but as usual, i try to refrain from comparing the movie to the book. because if you do, you're usually up for one big fat disappointment. i would highly recommend people to read the book too.

this is a pretty straightforward and simplistic film. and my only complaint is that the film doesn't flesh out some things that i really would have liked fleshed out, and it had some loose strings left hanging in the end. for example, i loved eve and aidan as a couple, yet the film gave them pretty flat portrayals. on the one hand, you're left wanting to see more, but on the other hand, there is the possibility that the film could spread itself too thin in terms of plot.

the movie was well cast. minnie driver is phenomenal. chris o'donnell doesn't get much credit. and my other favorite was the one who played eve. she really had spark! and alan cummings as the irrepressible sean walsh just makes me want to barf!

all in all, the movie's plot is a little thin, but the cast and great scenery more than make up for it.

Diappointment
I'm amazed how they could have completely destroyed the theme of such a charming book when adapting it to the screen. The novel didn't focus on the love story of Benny and Jack, but more on how Benny becomes to love and accept herself through her relationship with Jack. Maybe one day someone will make an honest adaptation of this great book.

Read the BOOK
Yes, it is a very good movie, but the book is so much better. It has a way better ending. I suggest first reading the book, it is so much better. ... Read more