MOVIE REVIEW - Last Chance Harvey

Finally in wide release the new Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson movie, Last Chance Harvey. A movie that proves it's never too late for good things to happen to good people. It's a little, off beat romantic comedy that should not be missed.

I call movies like this, "little movies." It's not an indy film, but it feels like one to a degree. Hoffman stars at the 65 ish Harvey Shine. Harvey is a failed musician who has been making his living writing jingles for many years. He's divorced with a grown daughter, he's losing his job, he's lonely, and his daughter has just chosen her stepfather to give her away at her wedding. Which is in London. While Harvey travels to London to be ignored, he meets Kate.

The very British Kate (Thompson) is a slightly chubby 47 ish, never married, with a boring job, who is her needy mothers keeper. She too is lonely and by her face you can tell she feels that her realistic chances for love have passed her by. These two meet by happenstance, and will they find love? Are they the unlikely answer for each other?

First off, this movie is perfectly cast. Hoffman and Thompson are just delightful together in this gem. Hoffman spends the movie looking up at everything in life, including Thompson, and you can really feel Harvey's pain. Thompson is lovely, and riveting with her matter-of -factness. I wish she's make more movies, she is terrific!

This is an interesting take on older love. The both characters cut through the junk, plain speak which I feel is indicative of real life with more seasoned adults. There's no games between them, they just lay it our there. The good and the not so good. Wonderful dialogue, fantastic performances and a perfect soundtrack give LCH the boost it needs to be a real winner.

Last Chance Harvey. This movie may get somewhat lost with all the box office bling out right now, but it's not to be missed. A great big hit, crammed into such a little movie. Well, well done!