ironhorse_iv
This movie was kinda heartwarming when it comes to the two main characters, Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) & Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver). I like, how although, the two main characters, are both unaware of the connection they have, with each other, due to a heart transplanted; yet they treat each other, with respect. It's nice to see both characters acts fairly normal. It's so unlike, the more recent romantic comedies that go way over-the-top, with its nearly unlikeable two leads. It's also really nice, not to hear: dumb yelling, screaming, or any mean-spirited comments, before they hook up in the end. It makes the relationship seem, so much, more realistic. Director Bonnie Hunt really knows, how real relationship, honestly works. This is one of the main reasons, why I wanted to return to this film. I know, a lot of critics, have stated out that the film is somewhat tame, predictable, forgettable, bland, and full of clichés. I do kinda agree with them, yet, in my opinion, the film also shows the most realistic portrayal of what real-life 30 something dating is like. In many ways, most true love-effects in real-life, are often; this bland-looking. Yes, I know every love story needs a strong conflict, or it would be, alienating, too mushing or not that entertaining. However, I did like, this movie's unique concept, even if the idea wasn't that strong. The idea that the tragic death of one person can still save the life of another is very interesting. Though, I do agree with the critics, that movie's central conflict with the heart is really no reason, for somebody to have the third act, break up for. I do have to say, regardless of that, the two characters are very likable. David Duchovny is very lovely, as the over-depressed widow trying to get over the death of his wife. I like, how the movie doesn't really, go really overboard with his depression. Still, I would like to see, more signs of it. I was really hoping for a more, 'he stop truly living', kinda of a tone. Also, I think the character needed to be, a little more flesh out, because the whole perfect guy with a heart of gold, feel was a bit, much to take in. For Grace Briggs, Minnie Driver is a beautiful and charming actress. She really does, delivered that, girl next door innocent look, very well. I also love the idea that she suffers from Survivor Guilt. It makes her character, so much more complex. However, I never, really got to understand, if she truly loves Bob, or if that's just her heart, doing that. I know, what the heart wants, the heart gets, but the whole contrived coincidence was a bit impractical. I also didn't really like, the whole spiritualism metaphor side of that in this film. The film makes it seem like Minnie Driver's character was possession by a dead woman's ghost. That's just too creepy! Anyways, like other rom-coms, these characters are often, surrounded by a number of key characters, such as the best friends, Megan Dayton (Bonnie Hunt) & Charlie Johnson (David Allen Grier) who has nothing, better to do, then help their friends, get laid. I can understand, why Charlie would do that, but Megan? She already knew that Grace got her plane ticket to Italy in advance for her painting career. So why would, she help set up a date, here in the States if she knows that Grace will be leaving, soon? It doesn't make any sense. Still, the actors did OK with their limited roles. By far, the best supporting actors in the film are Carroll O'Connor & Robert Loggia. They have some of the best scenes in the film. I couldn't stop, smiling, whenever, they were on screen. Sad to see this, as Carroll O'Connor's final film before his death the following year. The music that this movie use, are pretty memorable as well. I have to say, that the montage set to Frank Sinatra's "At Long Last Love", was wonderful. Overall: While, Return to me might have an unbelievable premise. It's still sweet and romantic enough, not to pay too much attention on it. In my opinion, it's a lovely film that deserve, another look. Return to it.
Irie212
As someone who has had multiple organ transplants, and also has a longtime boyfriend whom I met after the surgeries, may I saw that Minnie Driver's character bears no resemblance to any of the organ recipients I've shared hospital quarters with. The wit and poise her character displays when she's with friends and family, as well as at work, disappear when it comes to potential lovers. "As soon as they know," she says, "they think of me as broken." Well, honey, it's up to you to prove you're not broken.Unfortunately, the filmmakers wanted to make a tearjerker, not a good, vigorous movie about survival. The whole thing hinges on vanity, but the simple fact is, a healed surgical scar is minor compared to things like the regimen of immune-suppressing drugs (including steroids), and the fact that transplants don't last forever, so your clock ticks so loud that your loved ones hear it too. And how a potential partner may handle all of that-- from scars to a shortened life span-- is something you want to know early. There is no point hiding scars from lovers, as anyone with scars could have told Bonnie Hunt. Unfortunately, of course, it's sentimental plots that jerk tears.Duchovny and Driver both deserve better, as do those of us who have had transplants, and the wonderful people who love us.
