Hope Springs (2003)

25% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
31% of users liked it
(6,747 ratings)

Not a sequel to 1998's Hope Floats, Hope Springs is a romantic comedy based on the 2001 novel New Cardiff, the first new book in over 20 years by Charles Webb, author of The Graduate. Directed and written for the screen by Mark Herman (Brassed Off), the film stars Colin Firth as lovelorn British… More Not a sequel to 1998's Hope Floats, Hope Springs is a romantic comedy based on the 2001 novel New Cardiff, the first new book in over 20 years by Charles Webb, author of The Graduate. Directed and written for the screen by Mark Herman (Brassed Off), the film stars Colin Firth as lovelorn British artist Colin Ware. After being left by his fiancée Vera (Minnie Driver), Colin takes to sulking about in a small Vermont hotel run by Joanie Fisher (Mary Steenburgen). When Joanie becomes aware of Colin's broken heart, she decides to match him up with a local woman named Mandy (Heather Graham). But just as romance begins to ensue between Colin and Mandy, Vera suddenly pops back into the picture with intentions of rekindling her relationship with Colin. Oliver Platt heads up the supporting cast that also includes Frank Collison and Chad Faust. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Mark Herman
Written By: Mark Herman
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

In Theaters: Jan 1, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

Mark Adams, Hollywood Reporter
Somehow it can't make the leap from an enjoyable light film to a movie to remember.
Dan Jardine, Cinemania
Firth, who is one of the best of the rom com actors out there, eventually crashes into the film's multitude of shortcomings
Oz, eFilmCritic.com
Hope Springs went straight to video after being savaged by critics and audiences in the UK, and that's about where it belongs.
Kevin N. Laforest, Montreal Film Journal
Hopelessly boring.
Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
A wonderful romantic comedy with an uplifting message about love and hope.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...remains engaging primarily due to the charismatic performances and director Mark Herman's breezy approach to the material...
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Ultimately it's the wholly unbelievable -- and frankly, impossible -- story that makes Hope Springs fail to work in virtually every scene.
Ian Waldron-Mantgani, UK Critic
We see a relationship that doesn't seem to have any reason for being, or even any joy.
Neil Smith, BBC
A date movie that's well worth making a date with.

Read all 9 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Mason W

I am a fan of both Colin Firth and Minnie Driver. This is not my favorite film but it is funny and worth seeing. Colin plays an artist whom lives in England with his love (Driver). When she leaves him Colin decides to have a big change by moving to New England. While staying there… More
I am a fan of both Colin Firth and Minnie Driver. This is not my favorite film but it is funny and worth seeing. Colin plays an artist whom lives in England with his love (Driver). When she leaves him Colin decides to have a big change by moving to New England. While staying there he encounters many ineresting characters such as the hotel's owner (the wonderful Mary Steenburgen)and her husband. At the same time he meets a beautiful off the wall lady (Heather Graham). Will home call him back to his 1st true love or stay in the states is for you to find out.
Beth M

Awful, awful, awful, AWFUL. Colin Firth is probably regretting ever making this film and Heather Graham proves yet again that she has no acting skills whatsoever. The storyline for me, had no thought behind it and it's forgetable. Even now, I'm struggling to remember parts… More
Awful, awful, awful, AWFUL. Colin Firth is probably regretting ever making this film and Heather Graham proves yet again that she has no acting skills whatsoever. The storyline for me, had no thought behind it and it's forgetable. Even now, I'm struggling to remember parts of it. I'm being generous by giving half a star.
Barry L

Genuinly good film. The twists are great.