Rating: 
Summary: Return To Me...wow! Wow! WOW!
Review: Well, what can I say? I went to the cinema with a couple of friends to see this movie; Return To Me. To my horror, a load of old people came walking in.... "Oh no, its gonna be a soppy chick flick!" I recall someone saying behind. To be honest, that was what I was expecting too. But I was extremely suprised at the direction this film went, and thats a VERY good thing! In a nutshell, the film is this: Bob Rueland (David Duchovny)is completely devastated after the death of his wife played by Joely Richardson. She is a donor, and her heart is given to patient Grace (Minnie Driver.) Bob decides to honour the memory of his late wife and concentrates all his energies into building a sanctury for her beloved gorillas. He falls in love with recuperated waitress Grace, unbeknown to either of them who the donor was. What leads is a rollercoaster ride of laughter, tears and joy. A pure class film, the best of 2000 by far. I'd give it 4.5/5, but as we dont do halves here, I dont need to think twice about giving it 5/5..EXCELLENT! The cast are superb and provide believeable roles that we can all relate to, and Bonnie Hunt excels in her directorial role. A fantastic film in which all the cast shine throughout. I will DEFINATELY be the first in the queue when this fim comes out over here in England! If you loved the cast's acting, can I suggest that you see David Duchovny's fims Beethoven, Playing God, Babysitter and Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead? All films are fantastic and totally underrated by viewers and the film industry alike, especially the thought provoking Playing God. He is perfect playing Agent Fox Mulder in the X-Files alongside the fantastic and beautiful Gillan Anderson as Agent Dana Scully (is it obvious I am an X-Phile yet? ) Minnie Driver stars opposite Cate Blanchett and Rupert Everett in An Ideal Husband...great story, superb acting, gorgeous cast members...what other reasons do you need to see it for? Well, what are you waiting for? Run down to that video store...NOW! Oh and one more thing... DD looked so GODDAMN FINE wearing jeans and a hard-hat....Mmmmmm! *g*
Rating:
Summary: A sweet romantic comedy for any age
Review: I was a little apprehensive at first because most romantic films these days are aimed at teenagers or full of very predictable cliches. I was more than pleasantly surprised by "Return to Me." It is a lovely, funny ensemble film. It worked well for me because of the characters that populate the world of Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver). David Duchovny and Minnie Driver were really quite good in their roles, he a shattered man and she a woman who has never had a chance to experience life who find each other by chance. Carroll O'Connor, Robert Loggia and the other characters at O'Reilly's Italian Restaurant almost walk away with the show. They are all truly wonderful. Bonnie Hunt and James Belushi, as Grace's sister and brother-in-law, and their children, fill out the cast perfectly. I know families just like theirs. Bonnie Hunt did a lovely job with this film. I enjoyed every minute of it. I, and the audience, laughed often and at the right places. I left the theater feeling that the evening had been well spent. I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a modern but old fashioned romantic comedy, and wouldn't mind seeing it again myself. Thank you, Amazon.com!
Rating: 
Summary: My Sensitive Side
Review: This is probably the most bizarre review I've written considering the reviews I tend to write. But, why not, right? I'm not too full of macheesmo to admit watching and liking a good ol' romance film from time to time. I usually drive my wife to the brink of madness by making her watch films like Death Wish 3 and Zombie Holocaust, but there are times when the soft side of me takes over and I surprise her by bringing home something like this. I was very happy with my selection this time. Return To Me doesn't have an awful lot new to offer in terms of a love story plot outside it's "twist", but it's well done. Practically every character is very likeable, it's romantic, it's interesting, and..........well, you just can't help but like it. So, if you're a guy and you have a night alone with your girlfriend, wife or mistress, forget your copy of Tango & Cash and give this a whirl. Neither of you will be sorry.
Rating:
Summary: IT WILL SURPRISE YOU
Review: Bonnie Hunt, who is an exceptional comic actress with a wonderful warm quality, imbues this sentimental romance with the same qualities of truth and gentle humor that she gives to her performances. Her leading players, the ultra-charming and subtle David Duchovny, and the luminous Minnie Driver, exude real sparks, and their fated romance feels real, despite the over-the-top premise. There are moments of true heartbreak, as in the first ten minutes of this comedy, and in the strange twist of fate that brings the two leads together (with all of its complications sensitively handled), but overall the tone is light, frothy and real laughs ensue. The utter realism of the Bonnie Hunt/Jim Belushi scenes constantly pull you back to reality, and bring broad smiles to your face. The older characters give the movie a gravity and a sense of tradition and family missing from so many romance stories today. The score features gems from an older generation's jukebox, but that tradition/family heartbeat works well in creating a true sense of familial relationships. As surprising and delightful as this movie is, it is strange that it did not "cross over" big-time. This movie will bring a catch to your throat, and a smile to your face.
Rating:
Summary: Great for a Quiet Night At Home¿
Review: "Return to Me" is a sad but wonderful love story that follows the romance of widower Bob Rueland (David "Agent Fox Mulder" Duchovny) and Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver). THE STORY: Bob Rueland's life is turned upside down when he tragically and unexpectedly loses his zoologist wife in a traffic accident. Meanwhile, terminally ill Grace Brigg's life is forever changed when at the last minute she reveals the heart transplant that saves her life. Fast forward a year when Bob and Grace meet, not knowing that their lives are now forever entwined... THE COOL THINGS: Overall, like most love stories this movie unfolds very nicely. In addition to the powerful story about the very nature of this romance the movie also contains a "nice" comedic side courtesy of the members of Grace's extended Irish-Italian-American family as well as Bob's friends. In all, this is a perfectly safe and "family-friendly" movie with good, clean fun. THE DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Though a little sparse on DVD features compared to current standards, the offerings here though are a "nice touch." 1. Feature length audio commentary by Director Bonnie Hunt and Co-Writer Don Lake: Always an interesting listen. 2. Music Video: "What If I Loved You" by Joey Gian. Nice 3. One Deleted Scene: Danny Boy. Nice and funny bit with Grace's uncles, grandparents, etc crooning out that old tune. THE VERDICT: Admitted, the story is sad but the story is done nicely and the ending ties up everything nicely. Overall, I'd say this is a perfect movie for a couple to curl up into on the couch for a nice evening viewing (be it bought or rented).
Rating:
Summary: a small film with a big heart (no pun intended :)
Review: This is a really wonderful movie and so unlike just about every other Hollywood film these days, even other romantic comedies. There is no gratuitous sex or violence (aside from Elizabeth's death, which is sort of required to get the plot moving) and amazingly, it is a movie the whole family (kids, parents, grandparents, and yes, even GUYS) can see and enjoy. Rarely does that happen these days. Bonnie Hunt has always presented herself as having a great sense of humor, but that isn't the only thing that shines in this movie. It is heartwarming and, despite the somewhat unbelievable plot, very very real. It will make you laugh and cry. The situations that the characters find themselves in are moving and they deal with them in a very realistic way. Minnie Driver is a good actress and I enjoyed her in this role very much. David Duchovny is such a wonderful actor and although I'm sure the poor guy is getting tired of references to his X-files persona, Fox Mulder, he really proves here that he's so much MORE than that. He is really charming and sweet and you fall for him instantly. The supporting cast is also terrific and really, really funny. In short, this film isn't trying to win 'Best Picture of the Year' and it's premise is very simple, but it gives you a good feeling and leaves you smiling. In a world where it's cool to be cynical, Return to Me is really a breath of fresh air. And you can watch it again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: Now for something completely different-an "it sucks" review
Review: When I first heard about the plot, I thought - no way, how they going to pull that off? They didn't. I suppose this was intended to be one of those "feel good movies of the year" and despite the enormous charm of Minnie Driver and David "I'm too good for the X-files" Duchovny, this movie is surprisingly void of any appeal or magic. Instead we end up with a big fat mess of flibbityflam. It is piled high with oh-so-cute odd ball characters who are not so cute and the love story made me want to break out singing "it's a small world after all....". The spinach pizza I was eating at the time I watched this movie started doing loop-de-loops in my tummy and even though that may sound like fun, it's not. It probably would have worked better as a black comedy: "You've won my heart, my dearest" "Ahhh, and your dead wife's too" kiss kiss Fox Mulder, along with Scully, is one of my favorite tv characters of all time, but if Mr. "I'm too awesome for the X-files" Duchovny doesn't start begging for better movie scripts he might as well get abducted and probed 'cause no one's gonna miss him. Do I sound bitter? Do I sound bitter for throwing away nearly 2 hours of my outrageously wonderful life to watch this glop of cheese whiz - huh? Well, I gave it two whole stinkin' stars, didn't I? One for Miss Driver's lovely locks and two because David "I'm too wonderful for the X-files" Duchovny looks yummy in jeans.
Rating:
Summary: jesus, this movie is good!
Review: ok... before the big bonnie hunt bang of 2004, this movie made her a star in my eyes. the four men older men in this movie have the best chemistry i've seen between characters on screen. ever. the best. seriously- i'm not joking. this movie is hysterical and it pulls on your heartstrings. duchovny and minnie driver are almost supporting actors, in my eyes. just goes to show you that experience shows. by far the most underrated romantic comedy i've seen.
Rating:
Summary: Return to Me
Review: This movie, "Return to Me" is just what the doctor ordered for a rainy day. Remember to have a large box of tissues close by, some good chocolates, and a pot of your favorite tea. The opening scenes are a bit slow; then WHAM -- you'll be hooked. The descriptive words for me are: warmth, love, family loyalty, friendship, kindness, sharing, and romance. This movie is at least a five handkerchief movie! This is one I will see many times, and share with my friends and family.
Rating:
Summary: Charming
Review: I was really skeptical about this film at first. It seemed oddly cast, and the story seemed overly cheesy, but I was very surprised. Driver was wonderful and believable; she brought life to a not so likely character and made her a beautiful person and more importantly, a relatable one. David Duchovny had a little more trouble with his role it seemed, but overall his character is enjoyable as well. The real triumph here, however, is the supporting cast. Lead by Bonnie Hunt (whom I love) they were all drop-dead hilarious and loveable. I would strongly recommend this film. The DVD itself is a little boring, but that is made up by the wonderful film.
| 
