La mia casa nel bosco

How often do we have the opportunity to watch a film about a 30-year-old-man bonding with his grandfather? That is precisely the premise of this skillfully crafted made-for-television film.

Edward Asner is outstanding as the crusty curmudgeon who provides a life lesson to his grandson, a hotshot attorney played by Jason London. When the old man buys a cabin in the forest and appears on verge of squandering his fortune on the neighboring land and deeding it to Native Americans, Asner's character Jack Green is visited by his grandson who is ready to serve him legal papers that declare Jack to be legally incompetent. But the young attorney is unprepared for the wisdom to be imparted to him from his stay in the woods with his grandfather. The relationship unfolded with both humor and tenderness. Both actors should be applauded for performances that hit all the right notes. Stephen Bridgewater also needs to be credited for a deft directorial touch in a number of effective montages and the beautiful photography.

The writer Henry David Thoreau described his living experiment on Walden Pond with the words "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity." For the young yuppie attorney who paid a visit to his grandfather's cabin, the lesson that he learned was that of simplicity and a lot more as well. There was great feeling in this film and a profound message—one that we all may learn by taking a walk in the woods.

I know ten is a little high for this one, but I have to admit, I really liked Asner's work, and in this piece he portrays an elderly student/teacher of life. The twinkle in his eye throughout the film reveals that he's having a ball with the role. Admittedly, there are corny moments that go along with the particularly corny music at the film's beginning. Also, there is a bit of irritating Hollywood politics, as they feel their viewers are too stupid to be politically aware, themselves. There are also those occasionally glaring questions, such as...Don't these attorneys actually WORK? But in all, it was a kind and restful movie--Perfect for just sitting down and getting away from reality for a little while.

Vickie is wearing her engagement ring, very obviously, just prior to the proposal..... a cute film, but some really careless oops...

Es Asner is the grandfather who returns for his quiet place in the woods after a life of looking for happiness in vain, he is visited by his grandson who has a mission of talking him out of acquiring a large piece of land and jeopardizing the family fortune in the process. The story gives Ed Asner the opportunity to put the thumbscrews on his grandson, and you can see he really enjoys doing so. Although the film results in a black and white choice between two ways of life and real life is much more complicated (and subtle!) the movie is entertaining (mainly thank's to Ed Asners convincing performance). The film is a potential eye-opener for those who feel their lives and the rat race have escaped their control. It's refreshing to see that the movie advocates making your own choices. Just for this I was able to put up with the fact that he is reading eastern philosophy in his log cabin.....

I'd say this film started off a little predictable, but then what isn't if you've watched as many films as we all have. But it's far from predictable as it gets going. The premise may be but I love the way it diversifies with the Native Americans stealing the show as well as Ed Asner. I have a question for my fellow film buffs, has anyone noticed that Ed Asner is the absolute double of the strawberry smelling bear Lotso in Toy Story 3? He just reminds me of him. It's very weird.I digress. The film rocks, it's good fun, has a great moral message, shows Native Americans in a great way, and has a happy ending. Any film that says screw greedy yuppies no matter what decade is good for me. I lived through the 80s as a teen. Horrible time, especially in UK and USA. But by GOD the music. Anyway great film watch it.