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Cast: Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell, Katherine Moennig, Melissa Leo
Frank (Robert De Niro) just lost his wife, and without their mother by his side, Frank's grown children aren't compelled to visit for the holidays. So he hits the road to visit them -- collecting various revelations and learning about himself along the way.
I have never seen the original film but one thing I can say, is that if you like a good drama you should enjoy this star studded one. This is not your typical family film at least not the kind that is normally released for the holiday season like it was, it's a funny, sad, heartwarming character study about an old man who goes against his doctors advice and decides to take a road trip and visit his four children across the country because they all canceled on having dinner at his house. DeNiro is at his best as Frank, the old man who just wants to see his kids and he just needs to be the best father possible to them even if they all are grown and have lives of their own now. DeNiro is magnificent here as he always is but he really brings the emotion to this role and makes Frank a memorable character. Like I stated before this film has an all-star including Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell, Katherine Moennig and Melissa Leo all of whom are terrific in the film. The film is a well-written drama with some light humor mixed it but the main reason this film is so good is DeNiro's performance, he has great comic timing and proved it in films like "Meet The Parents" but it is nice to see him play a real character again and use his great acting skills to their fullest. Frank seems to have some regret for "preaching" to his kids while they were growing up instead of just listening to them and being a loving father which motivates him to reach out and try to reconnect with his kids, this makes the film touching and real. It also gives us the message that family is most important. It is too bad the film didn't perform better in theaters because this is one of the better dramas to come out last year. If you like a film that will have you laughing one minute and shedding a tear the next or just love DeNiro then I highly recommend picking this up. Among all the bad comedies and horror released it is nice to see a film with values. The DVD contains Bonus Features that include The Making Of Paul McCartney's (I Want To) Come Home, Deleted & Extended Scenes
Released by Miramax Home Entertainment
***** Out Of *****