Hampstead

I watched this under the mistaken impression it was Woody Allen's 'Match Point' and was called 'Wimbledon'; a misapprehension compounded by the presence of Diane Keaton.

Very much an American's eye view of Blighty, teaming with caricature Brits and with the usual fluttering music score. But Keaton has outgrown those mannerisms that made her work post 'Annie Hall' such a trial, and her performance and that of Brendan Gleason keep you interested until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion.

This film tells the story of a wealthy American woman whose fortunes have turned after her husband's death. She befriends a man who lives wild no the heath next to her home, and together they fight for things they truly wanted in life.

The characters are very interesting in here for a change. The superficial friends in the neighbourhood are rather thought provoking, as they appear so perfect from the outside but they are way less than perfect on the inside. Indeed they seem to be selfish and have little compassion for each other. The final courtroom scene is unexpectedly touching, as the stranger makes a moving confession. It is an enjoyable, and certainly unconventional romantic film.

23 June 2017 Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - Hampstead. Why do people find it so hard to reconcile themselves to the fact that it's OK to be different. This story takes us on a journey of burgeoning love between a widowed American and a man who deliberately chose to remove himself from society. Putting nothing into society, yet taking nothing out, he is persecuted for his lifestyle and when he is being threatened with eviction he finds support from an unexpected source....namely Emily, played the the wonderful Diane Keaton, who brings her flighty style to this put upon, widowed character. Almost forced into rebelling by Fiona, her busy body head of the tenants association neighbour, Emily discovers Donald Horner, a man who has been practising his lifestyle for 17 years, yet is facing eviction by the developers who want to utilise his plot of land. Based on a true story this film shows the unpleasant side of some people's characters and the nicer side of those who are drawn out from their shells. A feel good film which only had one uneasy moment for me, that was when Emily seemed to change her personality momentarily leading me to wonder where things were going. A good rainy Sunday afternoon film.

A simple, pleasant and charming oddball romantic tale with great production standards. Of course, the truth is, I wouldn't have looked into it, much less touched it, without the name Brendan Gleeson. That he can adapt his 'strengths' to this form of confectionery product increases my admiration for his skills. I haven't exactly been clamoring for more Keaton, but she does what she does well. I had to hogtie and incapacitate my cynical beast to get through it, but it leaves a pleasant taste.

I had serious doubts about Hempstead but with Keaton, Gleason, and a relatively short run time, I thought I'd give it a try. There are some predictable and sappy moments throughout but, in the end it's an easy, and pleasant film. It's based on a true story. Check it out for something light and breezy.