February 25, 2008
I just saw this film at an invited screening earlier this evening. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it, without hesitation, to friends. It has many wistful moments, to be sure, but it is ultimately a very funny movie and goes on my list of "feel good" films to enjoy. If you don't tear up or choke up at least a couple of times, check your heart for "petrification". The three "women in the car", played by Lange, Allen and Bates are each totally believable, and Kathy Bates is terrific in a role that would seem to have been written for her. Baranski is strong in the only role not well-written; her character is too one-dimensional. This is unfortunate, as Baranski is a talented actress. Tom Skerritt is, also, totally at ease in this one and, therefore, completely believable. Why don't we see more of this inordinately talented actor?
