returntome

They say that after a while, owners begin to look like their pets, or vice versa. I believe that in the world of movies occasionally, a director’s body of work will not just define their vision, but will actually take on their personality. An example of this principle is “Return to Me” the directorial debut of underrated actress Bonnie Hunt. Hunt usually plays characters who are worldly wise, and caring, but always have their tongue planted firmly in their cheek and bringing humor into tense or dramatic situations. This movie takes on that same personality, being at times, dramatic, sweet, sarcastic and very real. Granted its premise is a bit hokey and unbelievable, requiring a few instances where reality must be suspended. However, as an overall love story, it truly works in magical, and effective ways.

The premise of the movie is simple, if not a tad outlandish. Bob loses his wife in a tragic accident, at the same time that Gracie is in search of a heart for a transplant. Unbeknownst to either, Gracie gets Bob’s wife’s heart, and continues living, while Bob goes on living for his wife by completing her project and life’s work. Both have friends who want to set them up, Grier for Duchovny, and a wonderfully cantankerous group of older men (led by a gracefully aging O’Connor) for Gracie. We know what is going to happen, the film knows that too, so we don’t really get too many “meet-cute” situations, only one in fact, and it works, taking a realistic perspective on them. The key is that the predictable happenings are dealt with on a more realistic level, with a deft touch, rather than a sledgehammer. There are very few wasted, unnecessary scenes which are forgivable, because face it, this movie is just sweet, kind, and loveable, and you really cannot help but laugh, smile and maybe even cry during it.

The sweetness and reality come mainly from the characters, both main, and supporting, who all shine in the roles, they are given. Leading the way of course are Duchovny and Driver who are simply adorable, and sweet enough to give you more cavities than those Raisinettes that you’ll snarf down while watching. They have a chemistry, a vulnerability, and a relatibility that is sorely lacking in most movies today. In support, Hunt, Belushi, Grier, and especially the “older men’s club". Each performer brings something special to their roles, never upstaging the main stars, but each holding their own. Just like spices that you’d add to a main dish, they truly bring the movie to life, and keep it from being another run of the mill sappy date movie.

Ultimately Return to Me is a movie that does indeed have a heart. Hunt's onscreen vision captures her spirit, personality, humor and intelligence. Usually, cinematic love stories fall into one of two categories, either unnaturally dramatic, or unnecessarily sappy (i.e. You’ve Got Mail). I believe, as does Hunt obviously, that the key to a successful love story is to balance the two, and come in somewhere in the middle. For every situation like the ultimate and inevitable revelation, we get a scene with such an “awwww” feeling (i.e. viewing the Chicago skyline from his first building), to even it all out. This is one to definitely see, although it may be more female inclined, I believe that guys can let this one get to them as well, and not endanger their membership in the testosterone club. See this one soon, and guys, maybe next time you can go see stuff blow up, for now, score some points, and open your heart. You might just be surprised what happens. ($$$1/2 out of $$$$)

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