Last Chance Harvey (Overture Films)
Dustin and Emma Shine
Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson exert their effortless talent in a sweet love story titled Last Chance Harvey. The two stars are naturally talented and their gifts are tailor made for a story such as this. The audience can relax as two real pros bring the sentimental movie to life.
Harvey Shine (Hofffman) is a man with many problems. His career as a writer of songs and scores for commercials is not going too good. He is making a decent living but the hits are just not coming as often as before and he has to pitch and pull to get his music heard.
On the personal side he is divorced and not currently attached to anyone. His daughter is getting married in London and he has to fly there to see the wedding. He knows that his ex-wife (Kathy Baker) and her second husband (James Brolin) will have everything under control and there will not be room for him in much of the celebration.
When he gets to London his worst fears are realized. He is put in a hotel while the other members of the bridal party are ensconced at his wifes home. Then to add insult to injury, his daughter (Liane Balaban) tells him she is going to have her stepfather give her away.
While all this is going on, Kate Walker (Thompson) is having some problems of her own. Her mother (Eileen Atkins) is sure the neighbor next door is some kind of mass murderer. She thinks he is stowing the bodies in a shed he has in back of his house. Kate can do nothing to assuage her fears and her mother calls her on her cell phone constantly. She calls even when Kate is out on a date, but this isnt as much of a problem as it sounds as the blind date is just not into her and shows it.
Eventually Harvey and Kates paths cross and in situations that are not too forced begin to speak and enjoy each others company. Harvey plays it slow and earnest for he knows this might be his last chance at a fulfilling relationship. Kate doesnt know if Harvey is worth the risk of opening up her heart. He seems nice but he is older and he is from America.
The film is elevated by the talent of its stars. Hoffman and Thompsons styles of acting compliment the others completely. You like seeing them together and in a movie like this that affection for the characters is paramount.
The movie is rated PG-13 for mild profanity.
If you want to see a movie that is relaxing, entertaining, and enjoyable; then drop in to see Last Chance Harvey. It isnt the greatest movie ever made but it is a way to relax and be entertained.
I scored Last Chance Harvey a rise and shine 7 out of 10.
