Review of Grace Is Gone (2007) by Chris W — 19 Jun 2008
Affecting and heartfelt movie, even if director James Strouse has a lot of improving to do. A man (John Cusack) gets word that his wife has been killed in action in Iraq and can't bring himself to tell his two daughters, so he surprises them with a trip to an amusement park.
The beginning stumbles and the movie looses its footing when it tries to interject its politics into what is otherwise a heartfelt and emotional tale. Strouse has too many needlessly long shots, some of which are there for no reason.
But Cusack delivers one of his best performances ever and the work of the girl playing his oldest daughter is also impressive. When the film focuses on the man's efforts to communicate and enjoy time with his daughters, it's heartfelt and touching.
The ending is a bit manipulative but Cusack's work is so good that you really can't criticize too much. Not a great film but worth a look.
This review of Grace Is Gone (2007) was written by Chris W on 19 Jun 2008.
Grace Is Gone has generally received positive reviews.
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