Zauber der Liebe

Greetings again from the darkness. Director Robert Benton has only made 11 movies in 35 years. What is consistent with each of his films is the way he peels back the layers of humanity. He really explores the different personalities in people. Think of the Hoffman/Streep split in "Kramer vs. Kramer" and you will see the similarities with the break-up here of Greg Kinnear and Selma Blair. The number of intimate moments and personal insecurities are too many to count ... just like real life.

Rarely do you see one partner slap the other in the midst of an affair when the one slapping is trying to lecture the soon-to-be-married other one that her morals need to be straightened out before she weds. In other words ... do as I say, not as I do. Another good story line involved two young broken people who try to accept that life and love can be good. Played well by Toby Hemingway and a stunning Alexa Davalos, the two lovers have overcome much in their lives and certainly appreciate the bond they have.

The best story line in the film is the magic of Morgan Freeman and Jane Alexander, playing the oldest interracial couple I can remember seeing on film. They are both hurting deeply from the loss of a son, yet the strength of their relationship allows them to deal with grief in separate ways, while still being there for each other. Two excellent performances.

The center of the film is the lovable, clueless, hopeless-romantic played by underrated actor Greg Kinnear. We see two relationships (Selma Blair and Radha Mitchell) end badly for him, yet he clings to his belief that LOVE is what it's all about.

I like how the only kids involved in this real world mess are old enough to make their own decisions. It would have been easy to toss in a kid or two to tug even harder at the tear ducts, but this remained an adult story for adults ... and there are far too few of these. Be forewarned , this is no light-hearted chick flick. It could be termed a romantic drama but more accurately a human drama.

This film features a very impressive and talented cast with wonderful (and some very brave) performances by nearly everyone on screen (particularly from Alexa Davalos, Radha Mitchell and Billy Burke). Unfortunately, "Feast of Love" is such a complete and shallow mess from start to finish you almost don't care how well performed it is. The film attempts to be so deep and meaningful that nearly every scene, scenario and line of dialogue are simply ridiculous. It tries too hard and achieves very little. I can't comment on Charles Baxter's original novel, but I think it's safe to say that Robert Benton (director), Allison Burnett (screenwriter) and Andrew Mondshein (film editor) conspired to make the most incoherent mess they possibly could. Cut this feature to an hour running time including commercials and throw it on USA Network or Lifetime, because it doesn't cut it as a film. This is a prime example of poor film-making and storytelling that just wastes some truly great performances by a very dynamic and talented cast.

This movie was like a good book, one that you can curl up with and enjoy from start to finish.

There were strong multiple stories, especially the characters who were in situations that they knew were hurting themselves as well as others.

As usual the narration of Morgan Freeman is worth the price of admission. For most of the movie he hides his own pain, but at the same time is able to reach out to help those who need it.

Perhaps it's not a movie for everyone, but if you've been around for a while, you can certainly identify with some of the characters and their stories.

This is one of the better pictures I've seen this year (albeit there weren't very many good pictures this year) and I would highly recommend it.

My wife an I saw this a few days ago, a late show on a Friday which we thought might be crowded. But, only two other people were in the theater. That does not bode well for the box office for this film. We both enjoyed it. Once again Morgan Freemen does a great job as the wise old man knowing just what to say and do. He always is a joy to watch. The story is a indeed a feast of love, with multiple types of love unfolding among all the characters. The character of Diana (Radha Mitchell) is particularly well done if not very sympathetic. And Greg Kinnear plays his likable "I'm just a dupe of love" character equally well. A well done movie on relationships and their complexity, but without the non-stop action young fans want in films this will likely only get a niche audience in theaters with most folks waiting for the DVD or cable to check this one out.

I have always enjoyed the wise-man roles of Morgan Freeman. He does just another fine job, in this movie too. Also, I liked Greg Kinnear, and his average-guy roles. But in this one- he takes a real bad emotional beating from two spouses....in a row! But, being the non-vindictive nice-guy, he holds no resentments to his exes. What a guy! The young characters Oscar, and Chloe really hit a soft spot in me. Only because I have witnessed some truly tragic love-at-first sight romances myself.

I was mesmerized by Radha Mitchell's appearance in Man On Fire, and Silent Hill...but was very impressed by her baring all(what a stunner!) in this film. She has that ultra-sexy, Mariel Hemingway-like look to her that leaves me breathless. She will definitely have a following after this movie, now. I think there is no comparison between her, and Naomi Watts.