imperialvalleyjim

Given the talent and general excellence of this film, one would think it would have made it to DVD. It has that hard to define quality that certain films achieve, the ability to bring a smile to your face when you weren't expecting to. While I watch films mainly to laugh or get an adrenaline rush, those flicks that make me smile and keep me smiling long after they're over have a magic that should have it's own name. The same magic is the prevailing quality of better known films, like "Love Actually" or several other Hugh Grant British romantic comedies. The storyline is almost formulaic. The acting is good, professional, and heartfelt though unexceptional. The laughs are few though solid. The tears are available but not overpowering. The romance is tender and sincere bot again, not overwhelming. There is nothing in this film that is very over the top. Nothing exceptionally memorable like John Cusack standing outside the girl's window holding a boom-box with an anthem pounding into your brain. It's rather like a date flick for pleasantly married people who love their spouses. But just because an emotion isn't screamingly loud and in your face, that doesn't mean that it isn't deep and meaningful. This movie is both deep and meaningful, on a pleasant journey in the life of Gavin Lamb. If you want to smile, spend a couple of hours with Gavin getting it right. (If you can find this film - it doesn't play often enough for me, and I've bought it twice on VHS.)