Better than I expected -- humans still exist
Maybe I'm suffering from summer movie overload. I enjoyed seeing a film about humans that relied upon story, character and interaction rather than special effects. I watched "Playing By Heart" on cable earlier this week, a film that was very similar in structure. The downside of this structure is the need for coincidental events to move the story -- and in this movie, it all has to happen in one day.What makes it work and makes me, at least, willing to go along for the ride, are the characters and the performances. Everyone is flawed, but all are engaging. In fact, there are two sets of characters with whom I would love to spend more time and see where things go for them.
Glenn Close is superlative. Within her first 5 minutes on screen you are reminded what excellent film acting is. Elizabeth Banks seems to channel Parker Posey a bit, but with less intensity. Jesse Bradford is strong, particularly in his post-audition interview scene. James Marsden has the natural ease and looks that remind me of Robert Redford years ago -- no one seems to accept that they are acting.
Nice humorous touches (the pyre-marriage counseling game is a nice light moment).
"Crash" is the "10" in this genre; "Heights" is a solid "8".
score 8/10
bufordog55 10 July 2005
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1123263/35347
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