The current movie era of multi-million dollar action films is spoiling the chances of seeing enough quality dramas being released by Hollywood today. If it weren't for Independent Films, I feel movies released today would consist of 85 versions of "THE HULK". Depressing! I enjoy a good amount of today's' films, with some genre exceptions. This movie is in the same genre as Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, One True Thing, On Golden Pond, etc. I would describe it as a youthful homage to On Golden Pond.
OK, I like a good tearjerker, and this film is as good as most.
Mary Tyler Moore proves here once again that she is a powerful dramatic actress. She is a great comedienne and is just as strong in her dramatic acting in this part. She could have easily overacted in this role, but kept it in check. Total class act! While she didn't win her Emmy, she deserved it and earned her nomination.
James Garner is a God, as his character is referred to once in this movie. He is one of my favorite actors of all time, reminding me of Spencer Tracy in the quality of his work. He took this part and sank into it. He makes acting look easy. He also earned his Emmy nomination and should have won. It's good he won the Golden Globe for this part. James Garner would be a great acting teacher...his skill is such that it should not die with him! This movie was well written. I have been on both sides of the medical field. Being a patient is the worst feeling if you've been a doctor, nurse, EMT or a professional care-giver of any kind. This film represented both sides remarkable well. I have lived many scenes of this movie. I truly believed the other scenes could have taken place in the real world...even today! The only parts of the movie I did not like were the flashback scenes. Most weren't believable, as far as the characters' hair and clothing. I loved the summer house on the lake. It was beautiful, and gave the movie a nice "On Golden Pond" feeling.
There are no happy endings where heart failure is involved, but there was hope for a good future here. I liked this 80's made-4-TV mushfest, and I recommend it to lovers of the mush-drama genre.
