Ender
11-28-2001, 01:07 AM
Mr.Destiny
19??
Director: James Orrs
Cast: Jim Belushi, Linda Hamilton, Michael Caine, Hart Bochner
Plot: Larry muddles through his painfully ordinary life, forever regretting his botched chance at stardom. Then, on his 40th birthday, he meets a mysterious stranger who turns back the clock to show him how his life could have gone.
Critique: This is the sort of movie that you've probably already seen. If you've sat through IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE or THE FAMILY MAN, you've more or less gotten everything this movie has to offer. It's not that it's a bad film, by any means, but it's not a great one either, and it's not nearly as original as the premise might seem.
The Cast: What can you say about a guy like Jim Belushi? He's got a bad rep (and rightfully so, in many cases), but he turns in a not-half-bad performance here as the lovably clueless Larry Burrows. He goes through all the usual "What's going on here?" motions with gusto, and makes you chuckle every now and then despite yourself. Linda Hamilton plays both the loving wife and the ice queen aptly. Hart Bochner is wasted in his throw-away antagonist role, though he does have a delightfully smug expression plastered onto his face throughout the entire 100 minutes. Michael Caine steals the show as the mysterious stranger who warps Larry's life, and I wish he'd had more screentime.
Directing: Can't complain, but I can't compliment much either. To be honest, I don't remember a hell of a lot, which probably says more about Orrs' work than I possibly could.
The Bottom Line: Well, it's nothing special, but I'd recommend it anyway. A sweet little movie, with a bit of insight to offer, and some decent laughs here and there.
19??
Director: James Orrs
Cast: Jim Belushi, Linda Hamilton, Michael Caine, Hart Bochner
Plot: Larry muddles through his painfully ordinary life, forever regretting his botched chance at stardom. Then, on his 40th birthday, he meets a mysterious stranger who turns back the clock to show him how his life could have gone.
Critique: This is the sort of movie that you've probably already seen. If you've sat through IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE or THE FAMILY MAN, you've more or less gotten everything this movie has to offer. It's not that it's a bad film, by any means, but it's not a great one either, and it's not nearly as original as the premise might seem.
The Cast: What can you say about a guy like Jim Belushi? He's got a bad rep (and rightfully so, in many cases), but he turns in a not-half-bad performance here as the lovably clueless Larry Burrows. He goes through all the usual "What's going on here?" motions with gusto, and makes you chuckle every now and then despite yourself. Linda Hamilton plays both the loving wife and the ice queen aptly. Hart Bochner is wasted in his throw-away antagonist role, though he does have a delightfully smug expression plastered onto his face throughout the entire 100 minutes. Michael Caine steals the show as the mysterious stranger who warps Larry's life, and I wish he'd had more screentime.
Directing: Can't complain, but I can't compliment much either. To be honest, I don't remember a hell of a lot, which probably says more about Orrs' work than I possibly could.
The Bottom Line: Well, it's nothing special, but I'd recommend it anyway. A sweet little movie, with a bit of insight to offer, and some decent laughs here and there.