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Some really nice words about Return to Me

posted 10 years ago by Pippy-4
7 replies | jump to latest

For a bonus rom-com recommendation, we turn to copy editor/news assistant Melissa King.
'Return to Me": I was a film studies minor in college and managed a movie theater for a number of years, and I love movies, so I've seen a romantic comedy or two ... thousand. Of all the rom-coms I've seen, though, my all-time favorite is "Return to Me."
For anyone who hasn't seen it: A) what are you waiting for? and B) it's the story of a man who falls in love with the woman who receives his late wife's heart in a transplant.
When the movie came out in 2000, I remember reading that director and co-writer
Bonnie Hunt never really considered casting David Duchovny in the lead because she didn't think Mr. "X-Files" could pull off a romantic comedy. I don't know why she was so worried; I saw the movie 13 times in the theater (not an exaggeration), and Duchovny is amazing as Bob Rueland. Word on the street is he even had a camera man crying during the filming of one scene (you'll know the scene when you see it).
The story is plausible and charming; it's filled with moments that will have you reaching for a tissue (when Bob has to explain to the dog what has happened), make you laugh out loud (Joe's reaction to Grace's blind date), and melt your heart (the scene high above the city when Bob asks Grace if he can hold her hand).
The ensemble cast — which includes Hunt, Minnie Driver, James Belushi, Carroll O'Connor (his last film) and Robert Loggia — provides plenty of laughs, and it's refreshing to see a film that can so easily bridge the generation gap. The comedic timing here is spot-on, and the screenplay is dripping with wit and sarcasm, which I absolutely love.
I never grow tired of watching this comedy that's straight from the heart.
More online
Talk About It: Indulge with these 5 rom-coms
This is the opinion of Melissa King. "Return to Me" can be rented/bought on Amazon or bought on iTunes.

http://www.sctimes.com/story/entertainment/movies/2014/08/13/talk-anot her-favorite-rom-com-try-return/14023413/

[–] Rpdsf 10 years ago

A very charming and entertaining movie.

[–] rivarachel-1 9 years ago

I absolutely agree with everything the reviewer said. Let me tell you something. This has to rank in the top five all time romantic comedies and I beg anyone to differ.

EVERY area of this movie touched my heart. Many movie reviewers will say a particular movie has everything but this movie did! I am surprised more people are not aware of it and more press about the movie wasn't pushed harder.

We have enough misery and suffering. Why cant we spend a little time getting lost in a story where everything feels good and we can let our guard down.

Truth be told, the only reason I saw this film in the first place is because I was a huge X-Files fan. David was off the charts in this movie. I read a review once by the late Roger Ebert who mentioned that D.D. was playing, what otherwise would have been a laughable (lousy) scene but D.D. made it so convincing, that he pulled it off. I also remember Roger complimenting David on his acting skills.

Bonnie knocked the script out of the park. Her acting with Jim Belushi was so funny I could not stop laughing. Perfect chemistry!

Minnie Driver blew me away not only with her acting, but her spot on Chicago (Midwestern) accent. I am from the northeastern part of the states but my mother is from Chicago so ever since I was a little boy (I'm in my mid 50's now) I have been going to Chicago to visit. I know a Chicago accent when I hear it.

And the Cherry on the pie were the men. Wonderfully charming, nostalgic, and extremely believable.

Put this movie in the category of "It's a Wonderful Life." What a GREAT movie!

[–] Pippy-4 9 years ago

ITA with you. This film should have done so much better. However I do believe people have found it on DVD. If I remember correctly it did make a profit for (was it MGM?)that released it. The whole cast was awesome. This is one of the few films I've watched many times and always enjoy it. David was awesome.

[–] HowYaLikeDemApplesWill 9 years ago

As a man I agree, this was a Rom-Com that was far from torture, very watchable, and I have recommended it to many others. Whenever it is on cable I can't resist watching at least 30 minutes of it.

The only other Rom-Coms I have seen that are anywhere in RTM's neighborhood, are....Working Girl, Crazy Stupid Love, and Officer and a Gentleman.

Whose idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have an "S" in it?

[–] kelly-527 8 years ago

I am there! In fact just posted I would love to see some more work from these collaborators.

[–] geode 8 years ago

I just saw this for the first time a week ago. When it was released I thought only the British could do romantic comedies properly, so this one is a bit of a surprise. I didn't think it would end up working after the first few minutes but it did.

Oh Lord, you gave them eyes but they cannot see...

[–] Pippy-4 8 years ago

Yes, it was a very enjoyable film.