Sam & Kate

As I sat down to watch the 2022 comedy "Sam & Kate" from writer and director Darren Le Gallo, I must admit that I had some expectations to the movie. Sure, I hadn't heard about the movie prior to getting the opportunity to sit down and watch it. But seeing that the movie had the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek on the cast list, of course I had to give it a chance.

The storyline in "Sam & Kate" is actually interesting and nicely written by Darren Le Gallo. I enjoyed how the narrative in the movie was something very relatable and realistic, and it made for a very down to earth viewing experience. However, I must admit that I felt that the end of the movie felt rushed, as if they were running out of funds and had to close down production post haste.

The acting performances in "Sam & Kate" were good. And the movie is nicely carried by the cast ensemble, which includes the likes of Henry Thomas, Tyler Labine, Schuyler Fisk and Jake Hoffman, not to mention Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek, of course.

I was genuinely entertained by Darren Le Gallo's movie, though I wasn't fond of the ending. But if you enjoy a feel-good drama, then you definitely should watch "Sam & Kate". Now, the movie is listed as a comedy, but this is not the type of comedy that will have you toppling over laughing. Nay, this is more of a drama laced with comedy elements.

While "Sam & Kate" certainly is watchable, this is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing.

My rating of "Sam & Kate" lands on a six out of ten stars.

There are so many positives to this movie, I almost feel bad starting with the poster: it is so misleading!

You look at the poster and you thing this will be just one more of those crazy silly comedies. This couldn't be any farther from the truth.

This movie is deep and thoughtful, with intertwined stories very well connected and rooted in reality.

You watch it and it makes you feel all kinds of emotions:

• there is a light comedy that makes you chuckle on many places and, best of all, it never feels forced.

• there is unlikely romances that you can't foresee how this could possibly happen, and it catches you by surprise slowly developing into something nice and beautiful without any of those "magic moments" that so often happen on rom-coms.

• there is also a bit of drama that makes you cry and feel deeply for the characters and move you along the progression of the story in a very natural way.

In SUMMARY: an almost perfect script, filled with great actors, all very well cast on each role; you'll feel all the emotions and you'll be grateful that you have picked this film to watch at the end.

Always being a fan of Dustin Hoffman and knowing the acting chops of Sissy Spacek, after watching the trailer it compelled me to watch.

A quarter of the way through I checked IMDB to see if possibly the character Sam was Dustin's son. The noses prompted me to check and I was pleasantly surprised to find out he was! Kate's similar looks to Tina (and nose too) was also Sissy's real daughter. The chemistry between this cast is so palpable as you feel the connections coming from the scenes.

I found myself smiling and chucking and also wanting to know what would happen throughout the whole movie. It was slower but it allowed me to feel the emotions it was giving and really enjoy it. You have to be in the right frame of mind to slow yourself down to really encapsulate what the movie so kindly gifts you.

I wouldn't consider it a romcom but it was about love and romance to be fair. Life, not being easy, is depicted in this treasure and will tug at your heart. I most definitely shed quite a few tears but also was left associating it to my own life many times and smiled as it was quite endearing. Being a creative, I enjoyed the collective tapestry of the art, music, books and small town living that brought the charm that makes it a cozy find.

No spoilers as this movie unravels deliciously and that's one of the best parts. I didn't want it to end and also, like others, felt the end was a bit rushed. It's slow burn and movies not wanting to be over 2 hours these days, possibly found it needing to come to a close sooner than it needed to be.

All in all, truly an enchanting find that even compelled me to write my very first movie review! If you like music lyrics, don't miss listening intently to the last song played by Kate on piano, really puts a bow on the love this movie brings.

No expectations, no trailer, little information, romantic comedy.

This movie just popped up, usually I have no interest in this sort of movie and the only draw to it was DH.

For a slow burner the pacing was nice, Goldilocks even.

It's a simple story that would reflect many audience members lives or if not, would have a familiar ring to it for at least one of its story threads.

It doesn't batter you over the head with its themes or narrative and thankfully let's you fill in the blanks and work out the context and conclusions.

The actors are gentle the dialogue is light and witty. Don't expect head thrown back laughter but chuckles and titters, in a good way.

I have done no research but I would be surprised if this didn't come from a small book or short story, possibly an off broadway or festival play. Though I'm probably wrong!

For a lazy warm Sunday afternoon go watch and have a glass of wine!

Some may feel prior to viewing Sam & Kate that the casting of film legends Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek's adult children is a gimmick to garner publicity for the film, and of course it likely was an intended angle. However, Jake Hoffman and Schuyler Fisk are accomplished actors in their own right so the on-screen interactions are very organic and natural and in no way a distraction. One comment I've read is that Schuyler is such a natural, bright light of a presence here and I agree we should see more from her on screen. The story itself is more dramatic than the marketing would lead you to believe, which is so often the case. But the storytelling is first-rate and moves along nicely with some unexpected character developments, even though Dustin's arc is fairly predictable from the start. Spacek has the strongest and most interesting material in my opinion and she performs with her customary charm and understated artistry. It's been a real treat to see some of her later work finally pair her with other film heavyweights such as Robert Duvall, Robert Redford, and now Dustin Hoffman. Overall, a mostly dramatic film with strong and likeable performances carrying the day.