The Engagement Ring

I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted comedy. Laine Kazan an Paticia Heaton made the movie work. The other actors were perfect for the script. This is the story of many typical Italian families. Grudges are held and in some cases, some people never speak to one another again. If they do "kiss" and make up, it will be spectacular.

The scenery was great, the food made my mouth water. I wish I could have tasted that wine Sara made. It sounded very special. Apparently agreed on by all of the family.

A think a follow-up would be another clever comedy which many folks could enjoy.

It's hilarious when NY filmmakers make films set in Northern California, with Northern California based characters. They cast New York actors who have NYC accents and mannerisms. It doesn't work. People who grow up in California wine country don't talk like New Yorkers or wear gold chain necklaces. We've also never used the word "palooka." Please stop.

A delightful comedy of errors, much in the vein of "Moonstruck;" but in some ways funnier and more charming. The acting is less over-the-top than in "Moonstruck." It's Shakespearean in its Romeo & Juliet romance, and its comedic errors and misunderstandings. Its odd little plot twists cover a 40-year spoiled romance, an up-to-the minute romance, and provoke an old Italian grandmother into finally speaking, after 20 years of mourning in silence for her dead husband. Vincent Spano and Tony Lo Bianco are charming as uncle and nephew; and Lainie Kazan shines. Patricia Heaton (of "Everybody Loves Raymond") is fabulous. This is far better than most made-for-TV movies. I recommend it highly.

If you've loved at all in your life, you'll enjoy this film. Actually, you'll enjoy it anyway, but you'll understand every nuance if you've been in love. This movie dances with every emotion and dynamic one experiences in a relationship of any substance; love, hatred, anger, betrayal, hurt, humor, power struggles, pride, fear. It's all wrapped up tightly in this movie and presented in a tender, subtle, yet gripping way that engages the viewer and gently holds your attention until the end. The acting is great, the emotions are real, and the presentation is lively, interesting, and even informative. I can't remember when I've seen a better balanced film; each role is important in piecing the message together and everyone involved does a great job. Very enjoyable. I challenge anyone to view this film without laughing and shedding a tear.

How many times have you heard someone say that they don't watch television very much, usually only some of the programs on PBS? If this were true, "Nova" would be the most popular program of all-time, and Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano would be making probably a good living doing stand-up, instead of amassing large nine-figure net worths from their television shows. So it is with movies. We all tend to trumpet our devotion to classics like the above - and are often reluctant to admit watching (let alone liking) more seemingly-pedestrian fare like this modest film of Ms. Heaton's. As Debra on "Everybody Loves Raymond" she was always thoroughly-believable, very engaging, displayed the character's both sweet and tart sides to perfection - as well as being as pleasant to look-at as, say, Tia Carrere in "True Lies," or Sharon Stone (in ANYTHING with Sharon Stone). This movie is charming, more interesting than many trumpeted "blockbusters," and Patricia Eaton (and her fellow cast members) are likable - and she is as "pleasant to look-at" as ever.