Autumn in New York

Rating:
Summary: Some Tough Issues To Deal With
Review: An unlikely romance lies at the heart of "Autumn In New York," a visually poetic film directed by Joan Chen and starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder as the couple who defy the odds of a difference in age and the knowledge that time is not on their side to pursue that most elusive butterfly, love. Gere is Will, a successful restaurant owner who, at 48, falls for the much younger Charlotte (Ryder). Whether or not it can or will work is the question; Will has a history with Charlotte's late mother, the fact of which her grandmother, Dolly (Elaine Stritch), fails to inform her, not that it would have had a direct influence on the romance in any case. For who among us can define love or explain it? And who can really explain how and why these two come together in the first place? Will is a notorious womanizer, while Charlotte has a singular issue of her own with which to deal. When it comes right down to it, and with everything considered, all bets should be off. but it's autumn, not only in New York, but in the lives of Will and Charlotte as well. Cinematically, New York City has rarely looked more beautiful; this is not the city of "West Side Story," but a lyrical land of myriad colors and picturesque vistas. Beyond the chill of the season there is an alluring warmth to the surroundings that contrast splendidly with the more dire, unsettling events unfolding within the story. The performances of Gere and Ryder are outstanding, but just how successfully these characters will connect with an audience is open to question. Whether or not you will be able to sympathize or identify with them will depend heavily on your own personal state of mind and frame of reference. To like Will, one must be willing and able to forgive much; it's a tough character not to pass judgment on. Unlike "Scrooge" you get the feeling that Christmas may not last throughout the year with Will, despite the life-altering circumstances he ultimately encounters. Charlotte on the other hand, is an endearing character; she makes no pretense of her situation, which she deals with in an open and honest manner. And the winsome Ryder, who can say so much with her eyes alone, will capture even the most astute cynic with a single, penetrating glance. It may be difficult to understand some of the choices she makes, but in the end it becomes a matter of walking a mile in the other person's shoes. You can speculate as to how you would handle a given situation, but the truth of the matter is, no one knows until it actually happens to them. The supporting cast includes Anthony LaPaglia (John), Sherry Stringfield (Sarah) and Vera Farmiga (Lisa). With "Autumn In New York," Chen has delivered a thoughtful, visually stunning film, a romance that is somewhat different than the usual fare. There is an unexpected lack of emotional impact, which can only be attributed to Gere's character (not to be confused with his performance), but this is an exceptionally well made movie; how it will be received, however, is in the final analysis going to be quite simply a matter of personal taste.

Rating:
Summary: another romantic drama
Review: The plot of "Autumn in New York" is based on an archetype of a romantic drama. So if you expect to see something original, don't bother seeing this movie. However, if you enjoy love stories, this movie will deliver the expected. Overall, the movie is average. The performances are good, but not terrific. With what they have to work with, Gere and Ryder do a pretty good job. Gere plays an aging playboy who attempts to avoid self-confrontation. Although he is dissatisfied with his lyfe-style, phobia of becoming emotionally attached prevents him from living otherwise. His life lacks meaning, but he successfuly substitutes meaningless sexual affairs for what is lacking. When he meets Ryder, he feeels instant physical attraction. Because Ryder is the daughter of his deceased friend, Gere does not dare to hurt her feelings. Therefore, he reveals his numerous character flaws and explains that a long-lasting relationship is impossible. To his surprise, Ryder is not repulsed. On the contrary, she is ready to love him unconditionally. In her perception, the two should let life take its course and enjoy the ride. For the first in a long time, Gere develops a relationship that goes beyond casual sex. Unfortunately, their relationship cannot last because of Ryder's terminal illness. Gere is forced to choose between his old, hedonistic lyfe-style and true love that is bound to leave him with a broken heart. Trying to prevent the inevitable, the two find true love and happiness.

Rating:
Summary: another romantic drama
Review: The plot of "Autumn in New York" is based on an archetype of a romantic drama. So if you expect to see something original, don't bother seeing this movie. However, if you enjoy love stories, this movie will deliver the expected. Overall, the movie is average. The performances are good, but not terrific. With what they have to work with, Gere and Ryder do a pretty good job. Gere plays an aging playboy who attempts to avoid self-confrontation. Although he is dissatisfied with his lyfe-style, phobia of becoming emotionally attached prevents him from living otherwise. His life lacks meaning, but he successfuly substitutes meaningless sexual affairs for what is lacking. When he meets Ryder, he feeels instant physical attraction. Because Ryder is the daughter of his deceased friend, Gere does not dare to hurt her feelings. Therefore, he reveals his numerous character flaws and explains that a long-lasting relationship is impossible. To his surprise, Ryder is not repulsed. On the contrary, she is ready to love him unconditionally. In her perception, the two should let life take its course and enjoy the ride. For the first in a long time, Gere develops a relationship that goes beyond casual sex. Unfortunately, their relationship cannot last because of Ryder's terminal illness. Gere is forced to choose between his old, hedonistic lyfe-style and true love that is bound to leave him with a broken heart. Trying to prevent the inevitable, the two find true love and happiness.

Rating:
Summary: Worst movie I have ever seen
Review: I have seen thousands of movies, and a few of them have been really bad. But none of them (except for maybe the remake of rollerball) can compare to this one. This is so bad I cringe from the beginning to end. Terrible dialogue, terrible acting from usually good actors, terrible script, everything is bad. The only thing worth seeing in this movie is the backgrounds, the city. THe movie was worse than one can describe, DO NOT WATCH IT!

Rating:
Summary: Awful Movie
Review: I have always wanted to see this movie and I finally did the other night. When The movie came out in 2000, it received poor reviews, all I can say is the reviewers must have been looking at different aspects than I did. I was enchanted by Charlotte's outlook on life and her acceptance of love. Will's character was lovable as well. You should really see this movie if you are in a mind set to dive deep into the soul of a movie and really appreciate it's raw truth.

Rating:
Summary: Just read the review!...
Review: Okay, I'm a man. My favorite movie was Matrix; Payback and Rambo were close runners up; but I am a shameless romantic; and when I saw this movie I cried the whole way through. This is the most beautiful love story I've ever seen. When I finished the movie, I logged onto the Internet and bought my own on DVD. This has become decidedly my favorite movie, watch it, you'll love it.

Rating:
Summary: I really like Richard Gere
Review: In this film his character is that of a typical womanizer who finds in a 25 year old woman something he's never known before. I didn't expect a lot before watching, but after I did I gained a lot of respect for this movie. I will admit this is a movie more for women then for men, but what valuable lessons this one teaches. That men can't get by on sex and lust alone, the mental connection, respect and love that he finds in Winona Ryder touched me. It's one of the ones I bought to put in my collection of movies to watch when I stumble across a man who can't handle his own emotions. I didn't cry - I rejoiced that Gere could play this one so well. I think he is a fine actor and don't understand why men in general don't like him - maybe it's kind of like the fact that most grown women don't care for someone like Britney Spears.

Anyway - I would have loved to have seen this with my ex - he is the same man and the illusion never turned to reality like it did here.