Paul J. Nemecek
The old song says "you've got to have heart" and heart is what this film is all about. Crusty curmudgeons beware; this film is dripping with romantic sap. If you're a sucker for implausibly perfect romances (I am) this is two hours well spent. If your hero is Ebenezer Scrooge you will absolutely hate this film.David Duchovny plays Bob Rueland, owner of a successful construction company and husband of Elizabeth, his beautiful, charming wife. Early in the film, the couple is in an auto accident. She does not survive. He does, but in body only. If you think of the grieving Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle you've got the picture here.Minnie Driver plays Grace Briggs, an invalid desperately in need of a heart transplant. The end of Elizabeth's life provides a new beginning for Grace. Some time later, Grace and Bob meet but neither of them are aware that the heart that he is missing is the heart that beats inside of her. Who will realize it first? How will it affect their relationship? These are the questions that drive the film through the second act.The real heart of the film is relationships. The splendid ensemble cast is part of what makes this film work. The supporting characters are rich portraits of "urban villagers" in ethnic Chicago. Grace is a waitress at an Irish-Italian pub where her grandfather (Carol O'Connor) and his friends play poker and argue about which country produced the greatest singers. The Irishman argues for Bing Crosby, the Italian friend comes up with Sinatra, Martin, Lanza, and more, and the Polish friend is left with Bobby Vinton. I grew up in a Chicago neighborhood where most of my classmates were Polish, Italian, or Greek. I remember similar debates between Myron Dyzurko, Angelo Benedetto, and Quincy Barteslewski. This geriatric "gang of four" is part of the charm of this film, the Chicago setting just adds to it.Minnie Driver is charming as Grace, but she gets great support from the second tier. In addition to the fearsome foursome, Bonnie Hunt reprises her role as supportive best friend. Hunt has played similar roles in Jerry Maguire and Only You and she is perfect for this part. Jim Belushi plays her husband and provides some great humor throughout the film. But Hunt is ultimately the star of this show since she is one of four people given credit for the story, one of two given credit for the screenplay, and is the director of record. Hunt's direction is occasionally unconventional but her timing is flawless and the end result is wonderful.This is not a profound film or even a great film, but it is certainly fun and will warm the heart. This film will be of no help if you need a heart transplant, but if you happen to be in need of a tune-up, you might want to give it a try.
ironhorse_iv
This movie was kinda heartwarming when it comes to the two main characters, Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) & Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver). I like, how although, the two main characters, are both unaware of the connection they have, with each other, due to a heart transplanted; yet they treat each other, with respect. It's nice to see both characters acts fairly normal. It's so unlike, the more recent romantic comedies that go way over-the-top, with its nearly unlikeable two leads. It's also really nice, not to hear: dumb yelling, screaming, or any mean-spirited comments, before they hook up in the end. It makes the relationship seem, so much, more realistic. Director Bonnie Hunt really knows, how real relationship, honestly works. This is one of the main reasons, why I wanted to return to this film. I know, a lot of critics, have stated out that the film is somewhat tame, predictable, forgettable, bland, and full of clichés. I do kinda agree with them, yet, in my opinion, the film also shows the most realistic portrayal of what real-life 30 something dating is like. In many ways, most true love-effects in real-life, are often; this bland-looking. Yes, I know every love story needs a strong conflict, or it would be, alienating, too mushing or not that entertaining. However, I did like, this movie's unique concept, even if the idea wasn't that strong. The idea that the tragic death of one person can still save the life of another is very interesting. Though, I do agree with the critics, that movie's central conflict with the heart is really no reason, for somebody to have the third act, break up for. I do have to say, regardless of that, the two characters are very likable. David Duchovny is very lovely, as the over-depressed widow trying to get over the death of his wife. I like, how the movie doesn't really, go really overboard with his depression. Still, I would like to see, more signs of it. I was really hoping for a more, 'he stop truly living', kinda of a tone. Also, I think the character needed to be, a little more flesh out, because the whole perfect guy with a heart of gold, feel was a bit, much to take in. For Grace Briggs, Minnie Driver is a beautiful and charming actress. She really does, delivered that, girl next door innocent look, very well. I also love the idea that she suffers from Survivor Guilt. It makes her character, so much more complex. However, I never, really got to understand, if she truly loves Bob, or if that's just her heart, doing that. I know, what the heart wants, the heart gets, but the whole contrived coincidence was a bit impractical. I also didn't really like, the whole spiritualism metaphor side of that in this film. The film makes it seem like Minnie Driver's character was possession by a dead woman's ghost. That's just too creepy! Anyways, like other rom-coms, these characters are often, surrounded by a number of key characters, such as the best friends, Megan Dayton (Bonnie Hunt) & Charlie Johnson (David Allen Grier) who has nothing, better to do, then help their friends, get laid. I can understand, why Charlie would do that, but Megan? She already knew that Grace got her plane ticket to Italy in advance for her painting career. So why would, she help set up a date, here in the States if she knows that Grace will be leaving, soon? It doesn't make any sense. Still, the actors did OK with their limited roles. By far, the best supporting actors in the film are Carroll O'Connor & Robert Loggia. They have some of the best scenes in the film. I couldn't stop, smiling, whenever, they were on screen. Sad to see this, as Carroll O'Connor's final film before his death the following year. The music that this movie use, are pretty memorable as well. I have to say, that the montage set to Frank Sinatra's "At Long Last Love", was wonderful. Overall: While, Return to me might have an unbelievable premise. It's still sweet and romantic enough, not to pay too much attention on it. In my opinion, it's a lovely film that deserve, another look. Return to it.