HOPE FLOATS 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) out of 4 for the abandoned woman
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr., Gena Rowlands, Mae Whitman, Michael Pare, Cameron Finley Director: Forest Whitaker Producer: Linda Obst Screenplay: Steven Rogers
Sandra has finally found a movie of substance, after such disappointing efforts like SPEED 2 and IN LOVE AND WAR. These epic disasters were rather unfortunate in view of previous successes like SPEED and WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING. This otherwise, likeable, always charming, bankable star, has decided to dig deeper this time round, and found something that is unlikely to stink or sink. From this aspect itself, we can literally say that yes, HOPE does FLOAT, even though your last two movies were big box office duds. In an age when divorce and separation is on the rise, comes a movie about surviving the holocaust of family break-ups. This is a story of an ex-beauty queen, Birdee Pruit (Bullock), who is dumped by her spineless husband for her best friend. The point hits home when all is revealed on a talk show, unbeknownst to the victim. Carrying wounded pride, Birdee wanders home to her mother to nurse her wounds. This is a journey of a woman who initially wallows in self-pity and depression, only to survive the crisis by reclaiming her dignity and more importantly, retaining the love of her daughter.
Yes, this deep and mushy stuff, but at least it makes a valiant attempt to address the issues at hand. Sandra will not lose fans by smiling, crying and laughing through problems relating to difficult mothers, angry daughters and unfaithful husbands. Harry Connick Jr is affable enough to be an old beau, who is still single and vies for her affections. Whilst Michael Pare takes a break from C grade pics and appears likeable as the unfaithful husband.
Overall, a thoughtful movie, that says that HOPE FLOATS when you are holding on to the last straw. Things tend to get better even when you're hurting badly on the inside. Don't mope about, don't blame yourself and don't keep hoping your unfaithful husband will come back to you. Take the remains of the day and do something worthwhile. Somehow you will survive the awful mess of a marriage breakup.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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