Dustin Hoffman & Last Chance Harvey

I have always been a bit of a reluctant Dustin Hoffman fan. I know he is a good actor, but at the same time there is something about him, and maybe just slightly off about some of his performances that have caused me to hold back in my applause. I think my favorite Hoffman outing in film was Kramer Vs Kramer, a role in which I felt he hit every note right on key.

Emma Thompson on the other hand is an actress whose work always elevates the material. Although Love Actually remains a favorite film to pull out at Christmas, no matter how many times I watch, Emma's power as an actress guts me every time I see break down in her bedroom to Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now.

With then wife Anne Byrne, Cannes Film Festival 1975

I have known of Last Chance Harvey for awhile, but for some reason there was nothing about it that actually drew me towards it. Yes, it had Emma and Dustin, but the ad and promotion for the film did little to excite me which actually made my viewing last week as that more special. I finally recorded it on my DVR and Last Chance Harvey ended up being one the most enjoyable films I have seen in awhile. Emma was great as usual, but Dustin really tore my heart out, especially in a scene at his daughters wedding rehearsal. (you'll know it when you see it) This is an adult drama, meaning no car chases, no big special effects or jumping out of planes. A beautiful small character drama set in London about two people, a wedding and a man finally becoming a father. If like me, you skipped by this flick, I highly recommend giving it a go.

A little look back....

The Graduate (1967)

Marathon Man (1976)

Straight Time (1978)