Review: Saving Grace (2000)
[2.0/4.0]
Films with a central plot revolving around marijuana use are not uncommon, but they typically target a young, counter-culture audience. This film is an oddity in that it is centered around marijuana, but it is seeking a sedate audience that would want to see a cute, uplifting sleeper.
The story begins with the newly widowed Grace (Brenda Blethyn) trying to deal with the debt she inherits from her late husband. She has lived a pastoral life on the English seacoast passing her time with gardening, but she is suddenly faced with the prospect of losing her house to creditors. The idea comes to Grace and her pot smoking handyman, Matthew (Craig Ferguson), that they could solve the financial problems by using Grace's gardening expertise to save Matthew's dying marijuana crop.
It is not hard to guess where events lead. The rural neighbors are supportive of the members of their clan, ignoring that they are indulging in criminal activities. Matthew's girlfriend disapproves of his irresponsible activities. The pair get involved in dangerous circumstances, but never come across anything they cannot handle.
The positive aspect of the film is that it does have humorous moments, even if those are merely plays on stereotypes. Director Nigel Cole gets the benefit of a solid performance from veteran Blethyn, but adds little of substance. The thin premise cannot support much, and hence standard archetypes and story development are used to allow the audience to follow along without expending much effort. Although the combination of Waking Ned Devine and Cheech and Chong may sound intriguing, this film is barely noteworthy.
Not recommended. The film uses standard characters in a formulaic plot in an attempt to present the audience with a light, charming story. The result is a tiresome, predictable adventure that only becomes more silly as it goes along. If it were not for the quirkiness added by the marijuana aspect, the film would have been devoid of substance. It does occasionally elicit laughter, but is mostly boring.
(c) 2000 Murali Krishnan The Art House Squatter http://ArtHouseSquatter.com
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