An Unfinished Life

If you're in the mood for some light, heart warming entertainment then this movie may well satisfy. I really enjoyed it. The story takes place on a small ranch in Wyoming and centres around the tensions between a man and his daughter in law, both of whom are grieving for the son and husband they lost in a car accident many years before.

The appeal of the movie is partly in the beautiful setting and good script, but it mostly lies with the well drawn characters. The plot moves slowly giving you time to get to know the personalities and to understand the tensions between them. Robert Redford and Jennifer Lopez are both terrific in the main roles, and Morgan Freeman shows great pathos in a supporting role as Redford's friend. However, it's Becca Gardner, as Redford's grand daughter, who steals the show. She has some of the best lines, but more than that, she drives the story. Whilst everyone around her is lamenting the loss of the life they believe they should have had, she's busy exploring the new one she's found herself in, and it's her presence - and her outlook - that compels them to reassess their lives.

As I write this review, I think of why I actually decided to see this movie. I came to the realization that it was to see Robert Redford, and Morgan Freeman - two top-notch, class actors. That said, along with the fact that I'm not a very big fan of Jennifer Lopez's, I thought the presence of Redford, and Freeman would be enough to enjoy this movie. I was wrong, not that either Redford, or Freeman's performances were nothing less than excellent, but the job done by Becca Gardner was especially wonderful. In fact, in my opinion, she stole the show. Gardner's portrayal of the Griff Gilkyson character was a special one indeed. And yes I must admit, I even enjoyed Jennifer Lopez in this movie. All in all, a very solid movie that I enjoyed so much. And the best part, it was NOT a remake.. thankfully !!

Some have described this as basically a remake of Heidi. Robert Redford has given up on life and spends his time taking care of his ranch hand, played by Morgan Freeman, who was attacked by a grizzly. That right there is enough for me to spend two hours watching a film. Redford and freeman have not disappointed me in the past and i do not expect to ever see a film by them that is not worth watching.

Now, add in the fact that we have Jennifer Lopez playing Redford's daughter-in-law, and the person he blames for the death of his son, showing up on his doorstep with his granddaughter, and you can expect some real sparks to fly and a Lifetime movie to result. Redford, Freeman, & Lopez - Just WHAT do you want from a movie? Grab some popcorn and enjoy.

There are a great many families who don't treat well the idea of losing a special someone. A few hide their simmering anger, blaming everyone for their sorrow. Others wallow in self pity, while still others mired themselves in a perpetual sea of regrets, recriminations and unyielding memories. Such is the life of Einar Gilkyson. (Robert Redford.) His life is a solitary one as he goes about his ranch, tending horses, cattle and his best friend Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman)who blames no one for his unfortunate encounter with a Grizzly Bear, which left him an invalid. Into his lonely existence arrives his Daughter-in-law Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) who escaped a frightening existence as an abuse wife with a volatile ex-boyfriend, searching for her. Together they must face the memories they both feel has put their lives on hold. With supporting stars like Damian Lewis, as Gary Winston, Josh Lucas as Crane Curtis and Camryn Manheim, the film explores the troubles existence of people who have not completed the lives they left behind. All in all, a good family in need of repair, living in a land quite capable of forgiving even the most troubled spirits or raging bears. ***

I've always appreciated the talent of RR and MF. I think JL brings her drama game to this flick which suit her better than romcoms. The entire movie flows and is full of life's many dramas, not just one. Anything Lasse Halstrom does will be family safe and a great story.