Review of Last Chance Harvey (2008) by Mark C — 11 Jun 2009

Sometimes it's not such a bad thing to see a formulaic plot as long as it has two of the best actors working today equipped with witty and poignant dialogue.

There's nothing surprising plot-wise about Last Chance Harvey, but is anyone going to go it because they're expecting to be surprised? Most people that want to it are expecting to watch two seasoned professionals work their magic. And for the most part, Thompson and Hoffman have been given the freedom to do just that.

Both actors have what Hoffman, in the film commentary,rightly calls arias. In addition to the expected great performances, these are instances of ingenious dialogue that elevate the film far above the far too often frothy genre. Hoffman's character gives a genuinely (not manipulative) tear jerking toast at his daughter's wedding and Thompson gives a monologue thather hero, Jane Austen, would be proud of.