The Engagement Ring

How many times have you heard someone say that they don't watch television very much, usually only some of the programs on PBS? If this were true, "Nova" would be the most popular program of all-time, and Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano would be making probably a good living doing stand-up, instead of amassing large nine-figure net worths from their television shows. So it is with movies. We all tend to trumpet our devotion to classics like the above - and are often reluctant to admit watching (let alone liking) more seemingly-pedestrian fare like this modest film of Ms. Heaton's. As Debra on "Everybody Loves Raymond" she was always thoroughly-believable, very engaging, displayed the character's both sweet and tart sides to perfection - as well as being as pleasant to look-at as, say, Tia Carrere in "True Lies," or Sharon Stone (in ANYTHING with Sharon Stone). This movie is charming, more interesting than many trumpeted "blockbusters," and Patricia Eaton (and her fellow cast members) are likable - and she is as "pleasant to look-at" as ever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted comedy. Laine Kazan an Paticia Heaton made the movie work. The other actors were perfect for the script. This is the story of many typical Italian families. Grudges are held and in some cases, some people never speak to one another again. If they do "kiss" and make up, it will be spectacular.

The scenery was great, the food made my mouth water. I wish I could have tasted that wine Sara made. It sounded very special. Apparently agreed on by all of the family.

A think a follow-up would be another clever comedy which many folks could enjoy.

Enjoyed viewing this picture from beginning to end and how two families growing grapes in Napa Valley could have such a strong love and hate relationship. The entire cast of actors gave outstanding performances and I thought that Patricia Heaton,(Sara Rosa) showed her real talents and even rode a horse around the vineyards. This engagement ring was given with great love and in a way, caused a great deal of hatred for many many years among these two families. There is lots of humor, drama and cute romance with husband and wife and some live together couples, getting to know each other. I really think this story of these two famines should be made into a TV series, or at least make up a TV program using most of these fantastic actors.

I am so glad I accidentally found this on TV as I was dozing off for a nap on Saturday. It kept me awake and completely charmed me. Not only were the actors very good, the settings were gorgeous (how could they NOT BE in Napa Valley?) and the music was a perfect match. I want to watch this movie again, seriously. Because of her character on Raymond, I've never been a Heaton fan, but she won me over in this movie! I base my opinion for many films on whether or not they made a rainy or cold Saturday or Sunday BETTER. This one DID IT! We could not remember the name of the actor who played the uncle, but we knew him, so when the credits actually named the actors at the end, this movie received a few more PLUSES from us! I recommend heartily!

It's hilarious when NY filmmakers make films set in Northern California, with Northern California based characters. They cast New York actors who have NYC accents and mannerisms. It doesn't work. People who grow up in California wine country don't talk like New Yorkers or wear gold chain necklaces. We've also never used the word "palooka." Please stop.