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This film is notable for the acting performances (especially Joaquin Phoenix in the starring role) obtained by a fine director, Pat O'Connor. O'Connor may be more comfortable with Irish subject matter but does an excellent job capturing the 50's in middle America. The story is well-told, and the relationship of the two brothers (Phoenix and Billy Crudup) stands out. We need more films like this!

I was fourteen when I read an interview with Liv Tyler in Seventeen magazine about her upcoming movie, Inventing the Abbotts, and I wanted to see it sooooooooo bad! That summer, it was out on video and I wanted to rent it (on tape, of course), but my family chose As Good As It Gets Instead. A few nights ago, I happened to notice Inventing the Abbotts in my Showtime subscription, but skipped over it thinking I had long outgrown the target demographic. Tonight, I saw Inventing the Abbotts again and thought I owed it to my fourteen year old self to give it a try.

I'm so glad I did! I probably appreciate it more at thirty-eight than I would have at fourteen. It brings the nostalgia of first love and the aches and pains of growing up to the mind and heart. I particularly related to Billy Crudup's character, Jacey, and can understand why he carries a chip on his shoulder, even if it ultimately keeps him from being happy. It's also a joy to watch future Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly so early in their careers. Connelly particularly steals the show with her complex portrayal of Eleanor. Even in her most robust and vivacious scenes, Eleanor's unhappiness is still visible in Connelly's eyes and in the subtle expressions of her face. She is truly amazing.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was definitely worth the twenty-four year wait!

I saw this film on a flight to Australia. I'd never heard of it but it would pass some time. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a Forest Gump kind of charm but a lot less humour. It also reminded me of the early soap operas like Peyton Place in the way it portrayed 1950's America. The unfolding of the family story is well spun out so that you only gradually come to appreciate the tensions involved and indeed some of the scenes are only understood after later revelations show up a new significance. The characters were believable and the twist in the tale of the story sufficiently unexpected but predictable in retrospect that you kick yourself for not realising. A family film with little to worry the censor other than some mild fisticuffs and a small amount of what might have been referred to in the film as "fooling around". The interplay between the leading roles is exceptional, both between the two brothers and between Liv Tyler and Joaquin Phoenix.

This is one of the best movies I have ever watched. I cry every time I even think about this movie. Even if you don't really like drama, this movie is well worth watching. It will make you rethink everything about yourself and about your life. See this movie with someone you love, even if at the time you are at odds with one another.

Don't know why I didn't see of hear of this film back in 1997, but I don't remember any noise about it at all. Excellent screen play with fine characterizations by all actors; absorbing story and a true-to-life story that hits home at any time. The era was well represented by costume and settings; one of those "good little films" that get lost in the shuffle I guess. Bravo to all associated. I'll recommend it!