In a moment when the morale in America is whispering to every citizen that perhaps the American dream is dead, or at least on its last legs, Lost and Found in Cleveland's premiere couldn't be more timely and relevant to remind us of who we are and where we come from.
At its core, the film is about worthiness and belonging, as told through a beautifully spun allegory about 5 hopeful Clevelanders who bring their personal objects to "Lost and Found" (think "The Antiques Road Show") to see if they are worth anything.
First time film makers Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak have assembled an all star cast to tell its tale...even including recent Emmy Winner Jeff Hiller in a fun, if minor role and Hollywood heavy weights Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, Loretta Devine, June Squibb, Stacey Keach, Dot Marie Jones and Jon Lovitz. We haven't seen this much talent in an ensemble cast since Love Actually.
Not all plot lines land the way the filmmakers intended, but overall, you don't really care because it almost makes the film feel that much more authentic and homespun and thus intrinsically mid-western.
The stand out performance and anchor of the film belongs to Dennis Haysbert, who truly encapsulates the films main message: that we are all worthy of a bigger, better next chapter and Gods delays are not Gods denials.
If you're looking for a sleeper-hit film of the holiday season, I'd start here.
