Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-21 13:16:10

Only one flaw

This is a brilliant film in almost every way. The acting is incredible; Diane Keaton deserved an academy award. The script and film direction were exceptional. The music was okay but nowhere near the level Maltin pegged it. The one flaw was comic relief: It wasn't funny. The physician and his stooge should have been written out of the film. They got in the way.Still, what a great film. Every serious movie goer must see it.

2012-05-21 09:00:23

The movie was outstanding in all ways. I give it an A!

The movie gave a person a moment to think about how valuable life is. It had a great impact upon me. I especially think that Leonardo was in one of his best films ever. But, all actors/actresses deserve a lot of credit for the movie. END

George Parker 2012-05-10 22:19:17

A poignant, sentimental, and warmly humorous story about living

"Marvin's Room" tells of two long estranged middle aged sisters; one who'sspent 20 years caring for her bed-ridden father in Florida (Keaton) andtheother, a hair stylist who's raised two boys in Ohio (Streep). When one isdiagnosed with leukemia, the sisters reunite and begin long over duereconciliations. "Marvin's Room" is a warmly humorous film which tiptoesaround the matter of cancer while telling a sentimental story of adysfunctional family pulling together in a time of need. An enjoyable,middle-of-the-road dramady with an excellent cast and both Oscar and Globenominated performances worth a look. (B)

bandw 2012-05-10 13:25:40

Above average drama about family dynamics in the face of aging and illness

Bessie is a middle-aged woman who has been caring for her father Marvinsince he had a stroke some twenty years earlier. Marvin is on his backin bed and cannot speak, but he does have a limited understanding whenspoken to. Marvin's sister Ruth is also in the household and, whilestill in possession of her faculties and ambulatory, her life seems tocenter around what is happening on her favorite soap operas. Bessiefinds out that she has leukemia. What to do? Bessie's only hope is fora bone marrow transplant and the only possible donors are her sisterLee, estranged since Marvin's stroke, and Lee's two sons.Rather than concentrating on the grim details, the focus is on thechanges in the family dynamics precipitated by Bessie's illness. Bessiecalls Lee and tells her the story and Lee packs up her two sons andtakes out from Ohio to Florida. All those years ago Lee and Bessiesplit over Marvin's illness and care - Bessie took it over and Lee gotaway as fast as she could. So, a good part of the movie has the sistersdealing with old wounds. A subplot concerns the relationship thatdevelops between Bessie and Lee's rebellious seventeen year old sonHank. What raises this film above the ordinary is the great cast and somewell written scenes. Streep and Keaton are in good form and play welloff of each other. There are a lot of awkward and intense momentsbetween them - I particularly liked the scene where they meet eachother for the first time in twenty years. Hume Cronyn, as Marvin, neversays a word, but his presence is felt throughout the film. LeonardDiCaprio, as Hank, is so good that you wonder if he is playing Hank orjust being himself. Playing against type Robert De Niro puts in anappearance as Bessie's somewhat maladroit doctor.What didn't work for me was the attempted comic relief. Ruth seemedjust a bit too ditsy and her pain relief device operating the garagedoor was forced humor. De Niro's brother's role was solely to interjectsome dim-witted comments.Bessie's comment about how privileged she had been to have loved sodeeply stuck with me. I had never stopped to think of the delight inloving as something to be valued in itself, requited or not.

2012-05-07 01:18:28

Superb and excellent

Marvin's story is very ordinary. But Leonardo's performance together with the other casts make the film very extraordinary and superb. The book is well-plotted to the point that it's very exciting as if you can't stop reading. It's very touching to the point that I can't stop myself from sweating! The film is also very good. The casts make the story alive! END

2012-05-06 09:08:04

Get ready to laugh and cry as you watch Marvin's Room

A great story of a family trying to come back together. There are parts to laugh and parts to cry. Leonardo Dicaprio, Meryl Streape and Diane Keaten deserve 10 thumbs up! END

Boba_Fett1138 2012-05-05 03:03:25

It never gets too sappy or overdone.

This drama was a surprising good one. The story might soundover-dramatic and sappy but the execution of it all is surprising good.The director chooses an approach with lots of humor present. It makes"Marvin's Room" a well balanced drama that despite its heavy subjectnever feels overdone- or gets too heavy to watch.It's sort of too bad that this movie is always sort of regarded to as aLeonardo DiCaprio-flick. Its a movie from the period when he wasn't awell known male Hollywood lead yet. The mainstream audience had yet todiscover him, which they did a year later with "Titanic", while certainsmaller groups of movie viewers already discovered this great youngtalent in movies such as "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", "The Quick andthe Dead" and "Romeo + Juliet". This movie however deserves so muchmore than just being regarded as as a Leonardo DiCaprio-flick. I'm sureof the fact that this movie is regarded as such, scares lots of peopleof from watching this movie (mainly "Titanic" haters). Yes, LeonardoDiCaprio is in the movie but no he doesn't play the main lead, or apretty boy, which he more often did in his later movies, which are thereason why he also has so many haters all over the world. So really, ifyou're not a fan of DiCaprio's later movies (after 1997) you'll mostlikely still enjoy this movie. So please, just give this movie achance, it's certainly worth it.I was not sure what to expect from this movie. The story soundedover-dramatic. It's the sort of story were one problem is not enough.Basically every characters has several problems and issues. A movielike this can easily go over-the-top or it can get too sappy andoverdone. I'm glad to say that the movie however surprised me andsurpassed my expectations. Because of the fact that the movie is toldwith quite some humor, it doesn't make the movie an heavy one. Sure,there are plenty of dramatic scene's still present in the movie but itall is extremely well balanced all. It never gets too heavy but it alsonever gets too humorous either. It makes both the drama and the humorwork out really well in the movie.It also certainly helps the movie that there are lots of stars presentin it. They make the characters and events feel more likely andrealistic. Meryl Streep is perhaps one of the best actresses of alltime, although this role is certainly not her best one but I think thatsays more about Streep herself rather than her performance in thismovie. Of course Diane Keaton is no light-weight either. She delivers apowerful performance. Also Leonardo DiCaprio shows that he is more thanjust a pretty face. A smaller role is there for Robert De Niro. It'sthe sort of role basically everyone could play and it doesn't make avery big or lasting impression, so don't expect much of him whenwatching this movie. The only reason why he plays a small role in thismovie is because he also was one of the producers for this movie. But if you take away all those great actors, would this still had beensuch a good movie to watch? I don't think so. At certain moments whilewatching this movie I even wondered why all those famous actors everagreed to be in this movie. I think that the movie had some greatcasting persons and some powerful, influential producers. It probablyalso had to do with the director Jerry Zaks who was a very successfulaward winning Broadway director prior to this movie. (Perhaps he alsohad already worked with some of the stars out of this movie?) Butreally, the story on its own is not good or powerful enough to carrythe entire movie or make it an incredible interesting or emotionalpowerful one. So on its own, the movie is a pretty empty and formulaicone but it is made interesting, good and powerful thanks to thewonderful cast and refreshing directing and approach by Jerry Zaks.Of course this movie is mainly for the lovers of drama movies buteveryone should be able to appreciate and enjoy this movie thanks toits approach of the heavy themes and the professional cast playing thecharacters.7/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

2012-05-04 11:14:16

Warm and compassionate

This review is from: Marvin's Room (DVD) Simply one of the finest movies in recent years for those who are loving or those who wish to be. Superb performances by all, indeed all....even the old dying father is memorable. And the lovely Diane Keaton is so very touching and real, many things and characters that will remain in your mind and heart. I have watched this movie many times and suspect that you will too.

2012-05-01 19:48:54

I love this film

This movie is really good, I hired it because i'm a big fan of Meryl Steep, she was really outstanding!! The movie was one of the best i've seen! See it! END

2012-05-01 10:15:09

Great performances

in a great story, the ensemble cast is superb. To watch meryl Streep and Diane keaton at the top of their game. And the then young Leonardo Dicaprio, you can see that he can holdit against his older counterparts.making this a memorable movie

2012-04-25 00:49:04

LEO IS FANTASTIC !!!!!!!

I saw this film just because Leonardo Dicaprio appeard in it. After I saw it I realised that it was a very good film also, Leo did an exselent work. I cried when aunt Bessie died.I LOVE LEO !!! END

2012-04-24 03:42:53

Heart-renching performance

Leonardo DiCaprio by far the best actor gives an astonding performace. He brings character to the screen and everyday feelings of people like the character to life. This movie will bring tears to the eyes and a great love to the heart END

2012-04-24 11:42:53

Outstanding

Leo Leo Leo, that's all you can talk about. And stop already! He's not even the lead here. No-one can outstage Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton. From what I've seen, All the parts he has played are ALL THE SAME. How can you say OOh he's the best actor, or one of Hollywood's most talented? he's good, nothing special. Doesn't take much to play the troubled kid who hates everyone y'know? This movie is fantastic, all included. It will make you laught while you're crying

2012-04-24 08:33:19

This has to be one of the best movies I have ever seen!

The only reason I rented this movie was because Leo was in it. But as soon as I saw it I fell in love with it. The story line and the acting is fabulous!! I've seen it at least a dozen times, and can't wait to see it again!!! It was great. END

2012-04-17 13:29:11

Simply unforgettable

I have watched this movie at least three times and everytime, it doesn't fail to move me. It's a rather underrated movie except for the Oscar nomination for Diane Keaton who shines supremely as a luekemia-striken woman caring for a vegeatated father and an absentminded aunt whose on a pacemaker. Diane's only hope is a match in her sister Meryl Streep and her sons. But Streep is a woman who's faced with a broken marriage, a rebellious elder son and worst of all, an estranged relationship with her family.When tragedy strikes and she is being called home, she learns to re-assess her life pirorities as well as learn new things about her sister (and family) that she's never known before. Through all these, an amazing bond takes place between her elder son, Leonardo Di Caprio and his aunt, Diane Keaton. An unforgettable scene was when DiCaprio's character took his aunt on a wild car-ride in the sea that sealed their bond.The story of initial despondence and eventual hope and reconciliation is nothing new but what works here is the amazing acting (especially by Diane Keaton and the funny doctor played by Robert De Niro who also produced the movie), and poignant direction. Give yourself the chance to be touched by the wonders of human relationship.

2012-04-17 08:29:49

Acting trio make this film an worth seeing.

This review is from: Marvin's Room (DVD) The acting makes the film an experience worth watching. The sensitivity of the portrayals at times touch the heart and make you think. You can almost forget who's in this film and experience it's sensitive message.

Movie_Muse_Reviews 2012-04-11 18:51:08

Very quality story and acting, but overshadowed by movies with better film value

"Marvin's Room" is undoubtedly a solid film that slipped through thecracks during the slough of great films of the mid 90s, gettingoverlooked in 1996 by "Fargo" and "The English Patient" among a fewothers. It's sole recognition was an academy award nomination for bestactress for Diane Keaton.Keaton stars as Bessie, a middle-aged woman who has spent her entirelife taking care of her father Marvin and Aunt Ruth who both are notmentally sound, who has discovered she has leukemia. Her doctor, playedby Robert DeNiro, informs her that her only chance of survival is ifshe can convince her sister (Meryl Streep) who she has not spoken to in20 years or nephews Hank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Charlie who she hasnever met. The drama that ensues is all built around the familytension, as Streep's character Lee has not spoken with Bessie becauseshe refused to help take care of their father.Keaton and Streep both deliver fantastic performances, and we even geta taste of pre-"Titanic" DiCaprio. The performances make the movie,which is simply the play put on the silver screen, which comes as nosurprise when the playwright, Scott McPherson, is also responsible forthe screenplay. Keaton's honesty and innocence due to her living herlife as her father's aid are incredibly apparent in everything shedoes, and Streep clearly lets Lee's roller-coaster ride of differentemotions become apparent at every stop.The film's weaknesses lie mostly in the deeper thematic areas. Thesymbolism felt much more appropriate for the stage, where from a filmperspective there was nothing very active about the plot aside from afew moments. Most of it is dialogue and hitting on themes throughcharacter interaction, which is vital in the theatre, but not aseffective in film. So, those that love the theatre will find "Marvin'sRoom" very good for those reasons, but those who have a deeper love offilm will find something missing from this story despite the stellaracting and touching story.

2012-04-11 03:29:42

I liked this film all the actors were great .

The actors were very good and you realy believed that the characters were real people. But I did not like the ending it was a bit sudden. END

Joey Lange 2012-04-08 10:22:37

Very Good Representation McPherson's Vision

I was recently in a production of the stage production of Marvin's Room(yes, there was a play. It came before the movie). I was cast as Hank.I found it a challenging role to portray, but I feel I came out in theend with a good representation. I'll be the first to tell you - I don'thave the stunning looks of Leo, but the looks are just a superfluousbonus. Anyway, back onto my comments. I think the movie really captured thedeep meaning of the play. The connections family makes, and how suchgreat distances can be crossed emotionally by showing love for someone.I really enjoyed watching the movie, it brought back all the memoriesof the experience in acting this show.Bravo to them all!

2012-04-07 19:40:42

Deeply touching!

One of the best dramas of the 90's. I've seen this movie a number of times since its release and it never fails to move me. It is a story of two estranged sisters whose life choices drove them to different paths but after years of no contact brought them together again when one needs a bone marrow transplant due to cancer. That's when they had the chance to talk about unsaid feelings and provide them a closure. Diane Keaton played the sister with the cancer and Streep the sister who'll try to give the transplant. Leonardo di Caprio (underrated actor) plays Streeps rebellious son and De Niro has a semi cameo as Keaton's doctor. The titular Marvin is the father of Streep and Keaton whose been dying for years without actually dying. Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton were perfection. I especially enjoyed Streep's performance. It was fun seeing her play a bitch and she nailed the role. But Diane Keaton ultimately takes over the movie especially in the end. I was deeply moved by her performance, so natural and true that it stays with me long after the movie ends. There's a moving scene towards the end of the movie, when out of the blue Keaton said to Streep that she's very lucky because her life was full of love and then Streep consoled her and said yes many people loves her. But Keaton said it's not about that. What she meant was she's very lucky to love her dad and her aunt so much. Makes you realize that the best feeling in the world is to love someone regardless whether reciprocated or not. The ending was just perfect, it's still sad but in a good way where the characters reached the peak of their character arcs. It's a triumphant ending.I recommend this film to the highest regard possible. It's full of heart and I don't want to say life lessons because the movie ain't preachy, but I guess in some ways made you think about your own life. Grade: A