Gigi & Nate

I really had no expectations when stepping into the theater to see Gigi & Nate. Other than reading the blurb on my local theater's site I had no idea what this movie was about! I am so happy I saw it!

What a heartwarming story and really impressive acting! I wasn't expecting such good acting and really all of the cast did well (my favorite performance was Diane Ladd, but Charlie Rowe was impressive)!

Based on a true story and fits well in the turmoil of today's politics but on a much lighter note. Take tissues and enjoy this surprisingly beautiful story of a man and his service animal...sweet enough for the whole family to experience!

A saw " Gigi and Nate" today during Cinema Day. I knew the basic premise of the film, but didn't do any further research, and I am happy going in naked on this one.

We meet Nate, then 18 years old, cliff diving. He does a fall, walks it off, but days later with family celebrating Independence Day receives major pain and diagnosis that paralyze him for good. We do a time jump, Nate tries to kill himself in the family's koi pond, and dad, played by Jim Belushi, saves his life.

Mom realizes her son needs a companion; she gets a helper monkey. Everyone at first is not really fond or accepting of Gigi, but.as soon as Gigi starts to help out, he is more accepted.

I'm giving this a 10 star, but, and a huge but, I was not a fan of the lead, Nate. The parents and sisters were acted great, but Nate, Charles Rowe, under impressed for me. I was more taken away by Jim Belushi's performance and the young women who played his sister's. In fact, I was watching this wondering why Belushi does not do more of these roles. He can truly act, and , I just felt he is being under used.

I felt every emotion. I cried. I smiled I laughed. I shrieked. Even if the story does not sell it for you, see this for the monkey. The monkey made the sweetest faces and the fact he developed this bond with Nate was charming.

The ending, I am not saying, but was perfect. It came full circle.

So, it's cloudy and raining here in Southwest Michigan this Sunday of Labor Day weekend and we decided to go to the movies. Checked out Rotten Tomatoes. "Honk For Jesus" received 74% positive critic reviews but 25% positive audience reviews. "Gigi & Nate" got only 18% positive critics but 97% positive audience reviews !! Imdb audiences had Honk at 5.1 average rating and Gigi at 8.1 positive !!

We opted to go and see "Gigi & Nate" and concluded that we are sick and tired of critics continually trying to influence what the public goes to see at the movies. There is no reason for any critic to give this film a negative review.

It is a moving, sincere, and spirited story that Director Hamm has made with genuine feeling. As a matter of fact, he and the editors and cinematographers use the camera to make the scenes flow and ebb in a manner that only enhances the emotions and feelings of the story, particularly in the first half of the film which moves along with quick and building intensity. The excellent musical score enhances the range of emotions that you will feel as a result of what you are seeing on the screen.

All of the actors are believable and realistic. Marcia Gay Harden is wonderful and authentic, and Charlie Rowe is exceptional as her son, Nate, whose life is shattered as a result of an unfortunate swimming experience. His performance is quite remarkable, natural, and moving without being maudlin. Jim Belusi gives the finest performance we have ever seen him give as Nate's father, and everyone else in the cast, particularly Langford and Riley, as Nate's sisters, and Colletti, as his young female friend, are very good.

In its negative review of this film, one critic called Diane Ladd's role "thankless." What an insult to Ms. Ladd and to this film. Now in her mid-eighties, Ms. Ladd is still very good indeed, and her role here as Nate's grandmother is sharp and endearing.

Many critics have panned the script, but there is nothing unrealistic or predictable here. Maybe this just isn't WOKE enough for them, but, hey, this is real life and a real story.

And what can you say about the acting monkey ? Good girl - nice job.

All in all, this is a moving and entertaining film that Hamm has done with sincere, careful, and excellent flair. Beautifully acted, beautifully filmed and scored, and nicely written. A rewarding movie experience.

I do not often see such an honest portrayal of a physically challenged person on screen. Having a son about the same age as Nate, made this hard to watch! The story is often sad but also frequently humorous and at times I even felt angry.

The acting is solid. Charlie Rowe did an amazing job with both the physical and emotional requirements of playing a young man in the prime of his life who suddenly finds himself unable to use his arms and legs and dependent on others for his daily existents.

Marsha Gay Harden was believable as the strong Mama bear determined to advocate for her son. And Diane Ladd was precious as the feisty Granny - she had some of the best lines in the film!

I appreciate that they kept this film "family friendly" because I think the message is important for tweens as well as adults.

I loved this film. Some critics have said it has a mediocre script but is saved by wonderful acting. I agree the acing is fantastic. I'm not familiar with Charlie Rowe's other work but I found his performance in this film to be deeply sincere and touching. I'm going to checkout some of his other work. He is certainly someone I will follow in the future. The supporting cast is also excellent especially Marcia Gay Harden and a knockout performance by Josephine Langford.

This film also explores the difficulty of a family coping with tragedy and the importance of a timely therapeutic intervention that ultimately leads to overcoming terrible obstacles. It is also about personal triumph and love.

Another factor important in this film is the damage caused by people who are zealots to a particular movement and who's beliefs can cause needless suffering and damage to innocent people and animals.

I feel these types of films are important. You leave the cinema filling good and full of hope, but you'll probably shed a lot of tears before you get there. I hoped a lot of people will see this film. It will open your heart.