Banquete do Amor

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.

I don't write typical reviews because I'm not really smart enough. I'll leave that for those willing to be bright enough to cover all the dimensions of a film. That being said, this movie appeals to your heart and makes you feel something. A little about love, a little about loss, and a little about how important honesty is in relationships and in life in general. It tells you that most importantly, you need to be honest with yourself, but also you really need to find out what to look for in this great journey of life.

I believe Morgan Freeman led a excellent cast of actors, but what I noticed more in the narrative was his distinct voice of reason that Mr. Freeman is so exceptional with in every film he does. So, if you decide to take my advice and spend a couple hours away from your routine to take in this wonderful little film, try to view it from a perspective that its message of thoughtfulness, courage, and heart might endure long after its over.

I also enjoyed some great acting efforts from the always good Greg Kinnear and the Aussie Radha Mitchell, which I think are worth mentioning separately, but the whole cast was good. The film basically follows five distinct relationships (six if you count Morgan Freeman's marriage) as they fall in love, stay in love, or fall out of love. The story line is a little chaotic and improbable at times, but like I said in the beginning, sometimes you have to spare the analysis, and let the experience just gobble you up and let you go. The better films will do that. Happy viewing!

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.

A movie that manages to be genuine while making you laugh and cry at the fates of the characters in it. I usually go for romantic comedies rather than drama, but this mix of drama, romance and comedy really did it for me. It did not go overboard in trying to make the viewers cry, like so many dramas tend to do and it managed to mix sad comedy with funny comedy - the way they mix in real life as well.

Morgan Freeman is the veritable pillar that holds the whole thing together. One of his better roles (as opposed to many movies that he's been hired to be "the grave guy") and reflects the wisdom of old age very well.

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.