Return to Me

[arto_j]

This is a romantic comedy starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver. I don't know what negative to say about this film, it was surprisingly good, as I just saw it. The plot is kinda goofy and predictable, but in this genre, it's a winner, if your happy to see the couple together in the end. This film also has a really funny and good supporting cast, for example Bonnie Hunt( also the director) and James Belushi form a funny couple, David Allen Grier is good, and some of the funniest parts of the film are the gatherings of the four grandpas, lead by Carroll O'Connor of All in the Family, and Eddie Jones. I recommend this film to anyone, who has interest in the genre, or if your girlfriend wants to see a film like this, it's a good choise.

[Kavan]

David Duchovney tried to break out of his dour X-Files mode with this sunny comedy about organ transplants, true love and Chicago.

The story focuses on Bob who is happily married as the film begins. Then his wife is killed in a sudden accident. Months later Bob meets Grace a sweet waitress with a loving Grandfather. Bob likes Grace, Grace likes Bob. It looks like love then Grace realizes uh oh she has Bob's dead wife's heart.

I love corny, sappy movies but for some reason Return to Me never worked for me. Duchovney seemingly got a lot of praise for this film but his performance left me unimpressed. His Bob is supposed to be genuine, down to Earth just a normal guy. Anyone who has ever seen Duchovney knows these are not normal qualities for him and I didn't think he projected them in the film. His Bob was written one way and I think Duchovney made an attempt to portray Bob in that light but the performance didn't take off. He seems to be saying lines and yet there is a sense of a smirk hiding just beneath the lines.

As Grace Minnie Driver has more luck. She really comes across as sweet, sensitive and gentle. I liked her even if I never bought the chemistry with Duchovney.

That said some parts of the film work beautifully. David Alan Grier, Carollel O'Conner, Robert Logia and the scenery of Chicago take turns stealing the show.

And despite the leads lack of chemistry I did think parts of the film worked. Return to Me has a sunny, warmth and is unafraid to be emotional. But it is also a very funny fil. Bonnie Hunt in particular has some good zingers.

Even if the film does not work director Bonnie Hunt shows some promise. She isn't afraid to helm a film that is a little sentimental and in certain scenes she shows great promise. I'm interested in seeing her next film even if this was does not totally work.

5/10