Viaggio d'estate

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.

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.

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.

It's 1953. Ann Deveraux (Renée Zellweger) lives with her womanizing band leader husband Danny (Kevin Bacon) and her two sons George (Logan Lerman) and Robbie (Mark Rendall) in NYC. After catching him with the latest indiscretion, Ann walks out on him. She's a flaky clueless mother and goes on a cross country road trip looking for a new man.

This shows that Renée Zellweger is actually a real actresses. She's given a couple of great lines and a fascinating character. She does a pretty good job. Logan Lerman is a good young actor. He plays George Hamilton's character in the semi-biopic. It feels a little light weight and meandering. Maybe I just don't know much about George Hamilton or a fan of his work. He's always been just a caricature of the Hollywood guy with too dark of a tan. So I'm not naturally interested in his life.

Although many of the male characters depicted in this film are exaggerated and portrayed unsympathetically, I believe it was a cinematic device to move the story along more quickly. It wasn't necessary to further develop the character of the men who sought to marry the down-on-her-luck Zelleweger--it wasn't their stories being portrayed, but that of the story of Zelleweger's determination to provide for her sons. If the men were stereotypical and one dimensional, it was done to make a point. I found a lot of sly humor underlying some of their personalities. Having been raised in the 50's, I know it was a sad reality of that time that most women had fewer choices when it came to relationships. It was a man's world and women very often had to rely on their good looks and being connected to the right man to provide for their needs. If Zelleger's character seemed devious and contriving in trying to find a husband, it was because of those hard realities. Maybe one needs to be a woman who has experienced a similar life to appreciate this. I enjoyed the movie and although it wasn't laugh out loud funny, it was entertaining and worth seeing.