Sam & Kate

No expectations, no trailer, little information, romantic comedy.

This movie just popped up, usually I have no interest in this sort of movie and the only draw to it was DH.

For a slow burner the pacing was nice, Goldilocks even.

It's a simple story that would reflect many audience members lives or if not, would have a familiar ring to it for at least one of its story threads.

It doesn't batter you over the head with its themes or narrative and thankfully let's you fill in the blanks and work out the context and conclusions.

The actors are gentle the dialogue is light and witty. Don't expect head thrown back laughter but chuckles and titters, in a good way.

I have done no research but I would be surprised if this didn't come from a small book or short story, possibly an off broadway or festival play. Though I'm probably wrong!

For a lazy warm Sunday afternoon go watch and have a glass of wine!

Just watched it and it's lovely. Nothing groundbreaking, but on the other hand, one could say they don't make films like this any longer, unfortunately.

It's a simple story and yes, there are a couple of clichés, but it's still refreshing. Do you know why? There is a man and a woman, and they fall in love. No propaganda whatsoever. How sad is it that this kind of story is such a rarity these days?

One annoying downside is that it is marketed as a romantic comedy, which it is not. There is one character who is there for comic relief, I guess, but he is not funny.

Dustin Hoffman is fantastic. He is one of my favourite actors ever. It hurts to see him getting so old...

Some may feel prior to viewing Sam & Kate that the casting of film legends Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek's adult children is a gimmick to garner publicity for the film, and of course it likely was an intended angle. However, Jake Hoffman and Schuyler Fisk are accomplished actors in their own right so the on-screen interactions are very organic and natural and in no way a distraction. One comment I've read is that Schuyler is such a natural, bright light of a presence here and I agree we should see more from her on screen. The story itself is more dramatic than the marketing would lead you to believe, which is so often the case. But the storytelling is first-rate and moves along nicely with some unexpected character developments, even though Dustin's arc is fairly predictable from the start. Spacek has the strongest and most interesting material in my opinion and she performs with her customary charm and understated artistry. It's been a real treat to see some of her later work finally pair her with other film heavyweights such as Robert Duvall, Robert Redford, and now Dustin Hoffman. Overall, a mostly dramatic film with strong and likeable performances carrying the day.

As I sat down to watch the 2022 comedy "Sam & Kate" from writer and director Darren Le Gallo, I must admit that I had some expectations to the movie. Sure, I hadn't heard about the movie prior to getting the opportunity to sit down and watch it. But seeing that the movie had the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek on the cast list, of course I had to give it a chance.

The storyline in "Sam & Kate" is actually interesting and nicely written by Darren Le Gallo. I enjoyed how the narrative in the movie was something very relatable and realistic, and it made for a very down to earth viewing experience. However, I must admit that I felt that the end of the movie felt rushed, as if they were running out of funds and had to close down production post haste.

The acting performances in "Sam & Kate" were good. And the movie is nicely carried by the cast ensemble, which includes the likes of Henry Thomas, Tyler Labine, Schuyler Fisk and Jake Hoffman, not to mention Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek, of course.

I was genuinely entertained by Darren Le Gallo's movie, though I wasn't fond of the ending. But if you enjoy a feel-good drama, then you definitely should watch "Sam & Kate". Now, the movie is listed as a comedy, but this is not the type of comedy that will have you toppling over laughing. Nay, this is more of a drama laced with comedy elements.

While "Sam & Kate" certainly is watchable, this is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing.

My rating of "Sam & Kate" lands on a six out of ten stars.

This is a really special film about love, loss and relationships. The cast is superb and I can't believe this film slipped under the radar the way it has. It's far better than the average ratings suggest and touched a nerve for me in several places.

Casting the real life father and son with the Hoffman's was a great touch. There is levity and drama and on the whole just a real genuine and heart felt backbone that's true to life.

Another stroke of genius with the casting is Henry Thomas, of E. T. Fame and more recently the string of successful Mike Flanagan series, in the role of Sam's trusted friend.

This is well worth the watch. If you're at all tempted you will definitely be rewarded.