Review of Hope Floats (1998) by Jeffrey L — 12 Sep 2010

Another good showcase for Bullockâ??s appealing talent, Hope Floats throws some heavy material at us but brightens it up with good performances and comic relief. The story of a single woman (who found out the hard way that her husband has been having an affair with her best friend) taking her young, impressionable daughter and moving in with her cuckoo mother down south is a bit gloomy. Still, the talented cast pulls it off with expertise.

This one starts out on a really hilarious note with poor Bullock being a guest on a talk show where her best friend informs her that she and her husband have been having an affair. Humiliated as ever, she decides she could use some love and support from her mother (a goofy Gena Rowlands). Wouldnâ??t you know, once she moves back and reunites with hunky Harry Connick Jr., a romance ignites between them!

This somewhat obvious romance flick may be a drag for some as the story drags and can be very sad at parts (especially those rooting for Rowlandsâ?? character), but there is still much to enjoy along the way. Bullock is always appealing even when playing a mess of a character and Connick is in good form as the man who turns her life around. Yet, the biggest award here should go to young Mae Whitman for her stellar performance as Bullockâ??s shaken yet adorable daughter, perhaps the most likable character in the film.

The runtime drags at times, but one shouldnâ??t notice too often, as there are enough jokes and comic material poking fun at southerners. With goofy accents and obnoxious styles for certain characters, the laughs and tears (some parts get sappy) provide for thorough entertainment. Enlightened further by an excellent country soundtrack including music by Deanna Carter, Lyle Lovett and even the Rolling Stones.