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Features Actors:Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson,Richard Schiff,Liane Balaban,Daniel Lapaine,James Brolin,Eileen Atkins Running Time:93 Min. Rating:PG-13 Hoffman handles the title role here as Harvey Shine, an aging New Yorker facing last chances at love, career and fatherhood. As the story opens, we find him having a hard time holding on to his day gig as a TV-jingle writer. Despite a stern warning from his boss (Richard Schiff) that his job is in jeopardy, he flies to London for the impending wedding of his estranged daughter, Susan (Liane Balaban), to a chap named Scott (Daniel Lapaine). Harvey soon comes to regret his decision to attend when, shortly before the ceremony, she informs him that she's already asked her step-dad (James Brolin) to walk her down the aisle. Devastated by the snub, he rushes back to Heathrow but arrives too late to catch a flight back in time to prevent his being fired. Next, he dejectedly drags himself into a pub where, while crying in his beer, he becomes instantly smitten with Kate (Emma Thompson), a shy and retiring spinster. She's also down-in-the-dumps. between blind dates from hell and the constant smothering from her hovering helicopter mom (Eileen Atkins). It is therefore no surprise when sparks start to fly between these two sad sacks, and Kate grudgingly agrees to accompany Harvey to his daughter's wedding. After the reception, Harvey puts his plans to return to the States on hold indefinitely to pursue the whirlwind romance which ensues. Will the affair blossom into full-blown love? That is the unanswered question at the center of the Last Chance Harvey, an emotionally-restrained adventure. Hope this helps you decide.Thanks for reading! :)Read full review
This modest story has been told a million times - loveless singles who find each other. And yes, the story is way predictable, as American Dustin Hoffman ventures to London for his daughter's wedding, cross-cutting with British Emma Thompson struggling with a possessive mother, a rote job and impinging loneliness. You know what's coming. And it does. But the finesse with which Dustin and Emma handle their acting chores, squeezing every ounce of humanity from the script, and adding a lifetime of acting skills to paint their characters, is a joy to experience. The joy isn't discovery of the predictable plot developments, but of two pros filling the screen with their brand of humanity. But the script, for the most part, is nuanced and natural, rather than sitcom-y or broad, and doesn't go for the obvious line. There are rough edges in Emma Thompson's character delineation, as well as her mother's sketchy storyline, but for the most part -- when Dustin and Emma are on-screen - it's movie magic. With a lower case M, since there are no fireworks or Rocky-line denouement. But it's a special movie in its own way.Read full review
Great interpersonal relationship going on throughout the film. Acting is top notch. Kept me engaged throughout the movie. If this is your forte in movies, you won't be disappointed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Excellent movie, shows how anyone can, and deserves a second chance to find that right person. Great cast, funny and light hearted. Thought it would be good to watch over again and frequently.
Two good actors in a lightweight feel good movie. Good way to spend an evening with nothing better to do.
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