The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie

"The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie" was a great film and I think if it would have had a cinema opening, it would have done well. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a while. The gorgeous Kevin Zegers as "Charlie" and lovely Gena Rowlands as "Mrs. Ritchie" were perfectly cast. I suggest that everyone watch this film.

With two seasoned veterans on the bill, Gena Rowlands and James Caan, (and an up and coming actor like Kevin Zegers) one would expect a certain quality of acting in this movie... and it does not disappoint. The simple yet beautiful story was handcrafted by Paul Johansson (who was also the films director) and it seems that he took as careful care in the casting as he did in his writing. Each character struck me as unique and genuine and all of the actors served the story rather fittingly. Leslie Hope deserves special notice for her portrayal of Charlie's mother; she is near psychotic most of the times and yet Hope manages to keep things from going over the top. One of the highlights of the film for me was observing the relationship between Mrs. Ritchie's handicapped sons, played by Jeremy Raymond and John Speer. Jeremy Raymond, who I've discovered is actually not handicapped at all, was a delight to watch whenever he was on the screen and a few of the scenes between him and Speers were quite touching in their honesty. This is a wonderful movie that is constructed with great care and it is a fine example of what Canadian film is about.

I had no idea of the storyline of this film and was 'incredibly' touched by it. Gena Rowlands was excellent as always and Kevin Zegers shone as the troubled teen boy. With his hunky good looks and natural acting techniques, Kevin Zegers is definitely an up and coming film star. The humorous scenes with the 'mildly retarded' boys brought tears of joy to my eyes. I loved how they 'dressed' for lunch and dinner.This film has enough teenage story lines to appeal to young boys and girls and enough 'adult' content to appeal to mature women and men. I would highly recommend this film to viewers of all ages, especially those with a heart.

I love this movie it shows us that when we value life in all forms and come from love we are blessed.

The respect Mrs. Richie showed for her two sons gave them the opportunity to grow to their full potential. The love and forgiveness she had for her husband that could not accept his son keep alive to work through the years in their hearts and minds. The husband even though he could not be with him never lost touch. Then there was the family which looked like it could not be redeemed and yet through truth and the son saying "I told you what I thought what you wanted to hear." How often has the that happen in recent years where it has effect peoples lives in a very negative way. When she put an earing back into the earth it showed us that we need to give back to all life. There was so much richness caring in the movie that it is hard to put it into words. Like the garden and the baskets she gave out, her awareness of the limitations of what each recipienent could eat, to me it was love and a return to caring for your neighbor. We all can look around and see where we can extend ourselves to those around us. It was just lovely and has stayed with me like the the movie Enchanted April.

Charlie (Kevin Zegers) is a troubled teen fighting all the time and getting kicked out of several schools. His home life is a mess. His father (David Schofield) is an angry bully. His mother (Leslie Hope) is also troubled. Juvenile delinquent Lawrence (Justin Chatwin) befriends Charlie and steals a purse but Charlie is the one who gets caught. The principal (James Caan) offers Charlie a job to help Mrs Ritchie (Gena Rowlands) and her two Down Syndrome sons or else get expelled.

This is a nice story written by Paul Johansson. It has a nice poetic touch in some of the twists and reveals. He isn't as good as a director. The style is limited to a TV movie feel. My biggest problem is with lead actor Kevin Zegers. He doesn't bring anything special to the role and he also looks too old. I wonder if Justin Chatwin is a better fit although he's even older. At least, he does that grumpy teen character very well. James Caan is in the movie but his skills are needed more in the important father character. Then there is the one and only great Gena Rowlands. She makes this look easy. It could have been a run-of-the-mill Lifetime movie if not for her.