I love Michael Shanks from Stargate and Erin Karpluk was warm, bubbly, direct, and sweet. I thought that both portrayed the appropriate emotions in whatever scene they were required.
Mary was shown as a dedicated career woman working in a specialized not-for profit. Her relationships were clearly defined with openness, professionalism (at work), and with warmth, affection, concern, and involvement throughout the film. Erin certainly had the range necessary and both were able to bring forth tears spontaneously when experiencing painful situations.
Jack was the hardworking, single father who had as much or more on his plate than many single parents, especially with the isolated location.He looked very tired in many of his scenes, as was needed. I thought that they captured what they were given with the direction and the script, which are the tools that drive any film.
The story provided information about the growing closeness through conversations around the changing circumstances instead of showing the alteration to their relationship, except for a couple brief scenes. One was on the porch where they were sitting together after the Thanksgiving meal and he asks her to marry him the first time. It was clear that she would eventually say yes, just not then. They are close together with his arm around her and appearing affectionate. It is clear how they feel about each other without needing to go further because the producers wanted a family film without the sidebar activities of higher rated movies.
When the major challenges have been resolved with the Lodge being repaired, the decision about Granddad being moved to a convalescent center and recovering sufficiently from the stroke, and to be part of the Christmas celebration, the timing is right for the proposal and public acknowledgement.
This was a small budget production with a specific goal that I felt was accomplished very well. It was not aimed at a large market and for what the producers and all involved want to achieve, they did it.
If people was more demonstration of physical attachment acted out in a film, that is simple to obtain at Amazon and all other online sites. The world is a wonderful and diverse place. Just as some people want the entire menu, others may have a more specific palette requiring less of this and more of that. Have a great time.
A Checkered Life speaks of myriad diverse adventures being the rewards of endless curiosity.
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