Meu Gigante Preferido

I have really liked the movie. Not only because of the idea behind it, but I was very happy to see locations from The Czech Republic with castles, villages, and people (even actors), etc. What was my surprise, when I hear from the TV: "Here I am, in Romania..." Come on, if the filming locations in the Czech Republic are so good, why not to name it accordingly? Because of a story? Well, then go to Romania to shoot the movie and do not give wrong information to viewers (mainly American), who can finally learn something about Europe. As a Czech citizen I am really not very happy about this... But you guys probably do not care anyway, so sorry for bothering you.

This film broke my heart especially when his lost love (played bitchily by Joann Pacula) disses him and actually gets nasty with Billy Crystal who is only trying to help. I thought she would turn out to be a giant herself and that there would be a twist at the end but that was not to be. George Muresan was a little difficult to understand but he brought a warmth to the role. I really enjoyed this heartwarming film and Billy Crystal always makes me laugh. I recommend it highly

This so-so comedy kept me entertained most of the way through, but it got too soapy towards the end for my tastes. Crystal is his usual likable self, but Muresan is the real find here. Sure, he could use some brushing up on his English, but Gheorghe has a natural gift for acting, it seems. Unfortunately, the movie is only sporadically funny, and the more emotional scenes seemed forced and just didn't work they way they should have. It's not bad, but the weak ending left me disappointed.

If you like Billy Crystal or are just catching up on old movies you missed out on it's OK, it's by no means a Great Outdoors, Uncle Buck, Ferris Bueller or When Harry Met Sally, but it's likeable and simple, not many laugh out loud moments but a coming of age kind of movie, you wish the good guy well kinda movie, and that's why I watched it, I was more into the Billy Madison, Shallow Hal stuff when this came out in 98, so I missed it then. But for $2 at a local charity shop it was a good buy, I will probably watch it again along with other movies I like a bit but aren't my favorites except on a snowy winter Sunday, like Funny Farm or Modern Problems with Chevy Chase, they are ok but not an Uncle Buck or Ferris Bueller by any stretch. Georghie is a pretty likeable guy, glad he made this film.

I usually don't read others comments before I review a movie, but for this one I did. Mixed feelings by others. Some enjoyed it, some absolutely hated it. Both were right to do so. I liked it. It definitely wasn't a "great" movie. I think your reaction to this movie really depends on what you expect going in. It's billed as a comedy, but really it's not very funny so don't expect too much laughter. It is, however, mildly amusing and heart warming. Most importantly, it's clean enough to be an entertaining family movie. Don't expect a deep thought provoker, or a hysterical side splitter, but just watch it. I believe someone else described it as "predictable fluff", which is true but that doesn't have to be a bad thing all the time. It's a nice movie so don't end up hating it because you expected too much.