My One and Only

or sort of a true story. The movie doesn't tell you in the beginning that it is based on a real person, but at the end of the film we learn one of the characters is a real person whom became an actor. The movie has funny and dramatic parts.

It's about a wife, Anne Deveraux, whom is tired of her cheating husband. So she takes her two teen sons and they go on a road trip. She goes to Boston, Pittsburg, ST. Louis, in search of a new husband. She runs into some old flames, but none of them are really interested in a middle aged woman with two kids. She finally goes to Los Angles, where at the end of the film, one of her kids becomes an actor. He changes his last name to Hamilton and becomes known as George Hamilton.

FINAL VERDICT: OK, worth checking out on cable.

This film is about a woman who leaves her unfaithful husband and goes around the country to find another husband.

"My One and Only" may be a plain story but it is surprisingly engaging. The story is told very well, that it draws me and makes me feel a part of the family. The misfortunes that are bestowed upon Anne Deveraux is sad but mysteriously have a light hearted tone to it. Her determination to search for a new life is inspiring, I admire her courage and her drive to break out of her comfort zone. The two sons are acted well; George successfully radiates a confident and mature feel while Robbie shines as an effeminate individual that makes me smile in several scenes. I enjoyed watching "My One and Only", as it provides an engaging and touching reflection of family and romantic relationships.

Loncraine's 'My One and Only' is an adaptation of soap actor George Hamilton's mother, Anne. After catching her husband in the act of infidelity, Anne Deveraux takes off with her two teen sons and embarks on an adventurous road-trip hoping to find a man who would take care of them. While Anne's attempts fail, she remains high-spirited and hopeful through her struggles until she learns a most valuable lesson, that the best person to take care of you is you.

Writer Charlie Peters has wonderfully encrusted this period piece with plenty of humour that keeps the viewer amused all the way. The balance between humour and drama is well maintained as the story flows smoothly. While the cross country landscape is stunning to look at, Loncraine brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the 50s through the sets, setups, costumes, languages and music.

Renee Zellweger yet again proves what a tremendously gifted actress she is. She delivers another spirited performance as Anne Deveraux, a lady in the truest sense, and beautifully carries the role. Logan Lerman is wooden for the most parts. Kevin Bacon looks burned out and exhausted but that works for the character. Many familiar actors like Nick Stahl, Steven Webber and David Koechner, make appearances and leave a strong impression.

Unfortunately, 'My One and Only' hasn't gained the recognition it deserved and thus it remains an under-appreciated gem. I couldn't recommend it enough and one can enjoy it with the entire family.

Usually, the people on the road are wanderers, hippies, addicts etc., but no ladies with no coping experience - to crown with 2 juvenile children. But so is the plot, based loosely on a true story - and it seems credible. Of course, the events happening are not so wild and crazy as among the first mentioned types, but it is still catchy to follow - first and foremost thanks to 2 great performances: Renée Zellweger as Ann Deveraux (Zellweger has proved herself to be a versatile and talented actress) and Logan Lerman as George Deverau (so far, his 2nd best performance after Charlie Kelmeckis from The Perks of Being a Wallflower). Of course, most of supporting actors are not bad either, Kevin Bacon could have spent more time on screen though.

This warmhearted, realistic movie, with both ups and downs, successes and disappointments, should definitely get more attention and praise. If not in cinemas, then on TV - a pleasant time is guaranteed, including for families with teen children.

This is in many ways a fascinating movie. It is certainly entertaining and moves quite well, and everybody puts their best into it. (The "making of" featurette on the DVD is a wonderful look into the making of a higher budgeted 'indie' movie by the way.) But there is one serious flaw to the film, and that is Renée Zellweger's performance. Whenever the character undergoes pressure, she gets all wobbly and quirky, like a character actor playing a supporting role - but she's not only the lead, she's what the picture is all about, so this is definitely a flaw that threatens to derail the whole project.

Fortunately, it doesn't. First, of course, everyone else in the picture submits wonderful performances. Logan Lerman is a marvelous young actor who strikes chemistry with practically everyone he interacts with. And the film is really beautiful to look at, and filled with pleasantly eccentric characters, in situations highly evocative of the era in which they occur, the 1950s.

Secondly, part of the problem with Zellweger's performance may have to do with the character herself. Although she fancies herself a Deep-South Southern Belle, deserving of the better things in life, once we meet her sister we realize that she really comes from the mid-South commercial class, and that her attitude of entitlement is a self-delusion. She is thus out of touch with her own life, and in need of review of her identity. On the other hand, her desperate search for a husband to support her has a realistic edge - the '50's America was not kind to single moms. The question thus becomes whether the inner struggles involved in her effort to survive repeated crises is well presented. I'm not sure it is, but not from want of trying on Ms. Zellweger's part. It may be that the core of the character is really hard to define.

Otherwise, I have no trouble recommending this often amusing, insightful glimpse into a complex family during an era of change. It may have no more weight than an old family snapshot of the era, but it is as telling and well-developed a snapshot as one could wish.