(rated PG-13, 112 mins.)
In tragic death, the living are left to live. Through the pain, life goes on. Joe Nast (Jake Gyllenhaal) was Diane’s fiancée until one day he suddenly loses her. During and following the funeral Joe is suffocated by people’s words of comfort. People who think Diane’s in ‘a better place.” Heck, how would they know? Even Diane’s parents (Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon) aren’t sure how to behave in wake of their daughter’s death. So Joe takes responsibility to be the perfect would-be son in law. He’s also the one to assist the District Attorney’s prosecuting lawyer (Holly Hunter) on matters. But one day, between panic attack’s, Bertie Knox (Ellen Pompeo) walks into his life and changes the living. The movie has charming small town folk appeal. Jake’s role is well-delivered, probably because director/writer Brad Siberling had a real life experience with his girlfriend being murdered and because his passion for life hereafter tales (City of Angels) again shines through. While Hoffman is good at sidekick proteges (“Rain Man”) Sarandon’s role seems inappropriate. No mother would be delivering sarcastic lines in total calmness only three days after her daughter’s murder. By the way, move over Julia Roberts, Pompeo has real star quality.
