Not as bad as it could have been

Rating: 7/10 (17 August 2013)

I stumbled on this movie on TV late at night and thought: 'Oh, no, this looks really cheesy.' But I kept watching (there wasn't much else on) and I think the acting really elevated this to something meaningful. Gena Rowlands, as Allie, the elderly, southern belle with dementia, is a real standout in her role: one minute sharp and wise, the next minute not recognising her own children. It's a really meaty role and Rowlands really runs with it. Rachel McAdams, also, throws everything into her role as the younger Allie, who must choose between two lovers -- whether to follow her heart or her head. It's a role that, under a lesser actor, could have been really pedestrian. But McAdams reacts and acts, rather than just reciting the lines and looking pretty. The scenes are sharply edited and the music isn't too overwhelming. The scenery is gorgeous and the costumes beautiful. Apart from the raunchy love scene, it's quite an old fashioned movie. Overall, it's good entertainment, and I even found myself bringing out the tissues at the end.