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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.

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.

This is one of those films that you say to yourself, "Wow!.... What an emotionally satisfying film!". It is definitely filled with great emotional highs and lows.

While the performances were very good in general (Especially Gena Rolands!). Kevin Zegers(Charlie) came up a bit short.

The Romantic Quality of the screenplay all be it a bit mushy,is exactly the quality that I think you should come away with. It gave me tears in my eyes. It has a certain spiritual undertone as well. It makes one think about how our weaknesses can be our strength.

All and All I'd give it a score of 7.5 out of 10.

"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.

Wonderful feel good movie with veteran cast Gena Rowlands, James Caan, and David Schofield, delivering fine performances. Kevin Zegers in the key role of Charlie was also very good. The sharp contrast between Charlie's totally dysfunctional family, and Mrs Ritchie's unconditional loving family, drives the film. Lessons in forgiveness and tolerance permeate the emotionally satisfying script. Interesting parable that a family is like a garden, and needs love and attention to grow. A very quiet movie that has a lot to say about honesty and human kindness. Not necessarily a tear jerker, more of a mind stimulator, or perhaps a wake up call for your emotions. - MERK