The Long Way Home

The scenes between Jack Lemmon and Sarah Paulson make The Long Way Home something special. This Hallmark Channel TV film explores the problems of old age when you feel you have no purpose any more.

Lemmon is playing someone in his own age bracket, a 70 something widower who went to war in World War II, married a hometown sweetheart and raised a family. Now he lives with one of his sons Garwin Sanford and Kristin Griffith and they fuss over him like he's an invalid.

He's hardly that, in fact he was a cabinetmaker an honorable craft which he was employed at for almost half a century. Lemmon looks like a man who took pride in his work.

One day when the circus comes to town he plays hooky. He meets Sarah Paulson a girl who is traveling west to rejoin her parents in California. The two of them just hit it off, he's the grandfather she never had. Lemmon and Paulson decide to journey together, Lemmon to meet up with an old girlfriend Betty Garrett, a widow who lives near Paulson's parents.

Lemmon and Garrett have a wonderful reunion scene. Lemmon's in Kansas and she's in California. Geography is against them in the romance department, but it's not insurmountable.

Lemmon also learns quite a life lesson from meeting Paulson's parents, especially her father. As that immortal 20th century philosopher Yogi Berra put it, it ain't over till it's over.

The Long Way Home is a wonderful duel character study and inspiring, especially to an old codger like me.

This movie is pure bliss to watch, Jack Lemmon makes it so. Such a shame we shall never see more of his films. I'm used to seeing Mr. Lemmon play old cranks, politicians, businessmen, etc but in this role he stands out as Tom Gerrin, a 75 year old retired carpenter. Mr. Lemmon not only looks like the retired carpenter you almost forget he is an actor.

The best part of this movie is it demonstrates how friendship knows no age limits. In fact friendship between two people from completely different generations can easily bridge the gap. I would know as one of my closest friends is an 82 year old former professor of mine. When I watch this movie I think of our times we meet and swap stories from out past.

What also contributes to the friendship and the bridging of the generational gaps is also the message of "the golden years should not mean a death sentence." This movie is about living one day at a time and enjoying life no matter what age you are.

In closing Jack Lemmon made this movie. Cheers to him and God rest his soul. Pick up this movie on DVD on amazon.com. It will make you glad for the friendships you will make with all sorts of people and give you and outlook for enjoying life.

Harmonious,well-balanced,serene,golden,dignified movie.Everything is of interest:the script (by an objective,sober psychologist),the dialogs ,the cast (Lemmon and Miss Paulson,Mrs. Griffith),the photography; visually,the film is delightful.The acting is strong (Lemmon,electrifying,simply outstanding;Miss Paulson,amazing!),the funny dialog works,the humor is unobtrusive and light.Nothing hollow, ostentatious or cheap here.

The Long Way Home is nothing less than it is meant to be,or than it intended to be.It leaves a suave taste,and a pleasing fragrance.Real cinema took place here!

The script wisely turns down many stupid possible solutions and chooses to be supple.(Another writer would have chosen some kitsch twists.)

Lemmon seems to be believable in any kind of role.

It is useless and pointless to begin enumerating what this movie IS NOT (as the disappointed love has made some to proceed).It is not a lot of things;but that does not matter.Take it,or leave it.Enjoy it as it is.That's all we got,and it is not few.

Both Jack Lemmon and Sarah Paulson are excellent in this fresh movie. I absolutely loved the storyline, and wish that I had learned of and seen it years before my 76th year.

Jack Lemmon is great in this drama, portraying a widower with masterly realism, balancing between a grumpy old man and the character he played in Short Cuts. While watching the movie, I was afraid it would eventually turn overbearingly sentimental, but it never did. It's a lovely, thought provoking story. Surprisingly fresh and much recommended.