gem

Rating: 8/10 (23 December 2011)

The plot of the movie doesn't really want to make you rush out and see this but Thomas McCarthy gathers an ensemble cast and weaves a story that will touch and inspire you. This is only the director's 3rd movie but each one is worth seeing at least twice.
There is no weak link here, Giamati, Ryan, Carnevale are all perfectly cast and the small town backdrop works perfectly here as well. Carnevale gets a special mention as he provided a comic element to the movie, i'm not sure if he plays his role tongue in cheek or he is intentionally this amusing but he plays a great foil to Giamatti's serious guy role.
A great first role for Alex shaffer as well, it'll be interesting to see how his career goes after such a bright start,.