Final

Many people would not like this movie because so much of what is going on is never revealed. In a way the situation even seems a trifle contrived. Had the same story been done in standard big Hollywood fashion, there would have been special effects of the freezing and other SGI's galore. More attention would have been paid to the background situation and not just the main two characters.

I am very glad that this movie was not done that way. Hope Davis and Denis Leary do an amazing job in this film. Usually known for his caustic small screen/comedy special personality, Leary plays a man who lost everything in his life, and his sense of reality. He does an excellent job, particularly early in the movie, establishing a man on the verge of breakdown. Hope Davis plays his therapist. She portrays a soulful character who is stuck in an incredibly difficult position.

Together they have great chemistry that isn't forced. The love that blossoms between them is the obviously dictated by the story, but in seems to unfold naturally. Early on they spar verbally, but eventually start to trust each other. When the finale rolls around, the scene doesn't seem forced but rather is poignant. And although Davis really sells the finale, Leary also does a fine job.

Again, this movie is not for everyone, but many will appreciate it.

I always knew Dennis could act. He just never had material this good. There is no action in this film, about 80% of the film is in one room. But this is a well written, that is well acted. It's not easy to see where this film is going. I can recommend it enough to some who liked a film like My Dinner with Andre'. Not that there is any similarity in story, but if you can enjoy a film that's strongly driven by the writing and acting, you'll like this film. And if you can't do that don't watch this, I don't want you writing a bad review if you don't like it, and possibly turning someone

off.

Okay, it is a not a sci-fi movie in the sense of laser gun battles or travelling through time warps, or anything like that. In fact, you almost have to be told that it is science-fiction, it plays out more like a subtle love story, but mostly like a psychological drama. Another interesting thing about this movie is that it is a slow movie, but it absolutely grabs your attention.

Denis Leary turned in a great performance, such natural speech, and without his usual foul-mouth on top of that too! Him and Hope Davis convince you that there was a bond that developed between them, and under any other circumstances this bond could've led to a quiet comfortable life together. There is a scene at the end which is touching, it almost reminds you of an elderly couple who know their life together is coming to an end and are saying their final goodbyes to each other.

A very strange look into the mind of leary. I had hopped that his character was going to come to terms with the death of his father. The story shifts to a bigger problem of him not fully aware of how or why he is institutionalized.

I purchased this film in 2006 in a bargain bin. I tried watching the film and after 20 minutes I didn't have the patience to keep viewing. It may have been the sets, a hospital room with only a bed. I tried viewing this film at least 3 more times. I then was fortunate to pick up "The Secret Lives of Dentists" with both Hope Davis & Dennis Leary and after seeing that gem I just had to see "Final" and have the patience to see it through. I somehow remembered the film taking place in a padded room but I was very wrong. As I past the 20 minute mark the film just kept getting better until it captivated me. By the end of the film I was hooked. Without spoiling the film I can only compare this experience as a life lesson. I must have patience and I was so thankful that I prevailed because this film has some of the best acting I have seen especially on such a budget. This film as my gift for having a film for over 7 years and finally thanking the powers that be to allow me to see a love story. I wish all Science Fiction films had the intimate passion between the lead actors that "Final" has within it.