Amor a Toda Prova

Whether it is in drama or comedy, I enjoy Kathy Bates's acting. She always presents her character in a real way that isn't a carbon copy of her last role. And in this "particular movie" we get to say, "Man, what a voice that woman has!"

Kathy Bates is wonderfully funny in the role of Grace Beasley whose life is falling a part. Her husband has left her. Her favorite crooner, Victor Fox (Jonathan Pryce), has been murdered while in Grace's home town of Chicago, Illinois. The only moral support in her life comes from her daughter-in-law, Maudey Beasley (Meredith Eaton), who is a little person with a big, understanding heart. (Maudey is married to Grace's only son, Andrew.)

After Victor's death, Grace decides to go to England. She wants to attend his funeral. She desires to be of help to his family. Instead she learns that a young gay man, Dirk Simpson (Rupert Everett) is his family. And that Victor's "blood family" is trying to take everything Victor left to Dirk. (Victor's sisters are played by Lynn Redgrave and Stephanie Beacham.)

Dirk has been hurt by Victor's death and the treatment he has received from the family. So, needless to say, it takes a bit for Grace to gain Dirk's trust. Once she does, she talks him into going to Chicago to solve Victor's murder. The outcome of their hard work turns up surprises concerning Victor's death.

Then there's all that happens to move Grace towards independence, much to the dismay of husband, Max (Dan Aykroyd).

This film is worth your time!

Among the highlights of this movie are the roles played by Julie Andrews and Lynn Redgrave. What fun they added. AND getting to hear Grace (Kathy Bates) sing, along with a surprise accompanist.

But a great cast! Jonathan Pryce, Kathy Bates, Rupert Everett, Lynne Redgrave, Julie Andrews and Dan Aykroyd! And that's just the beginning.

I'm not totally sure that any description of the movie and plot are going to entice you to watch this one. Suffice it to say that it has something for practically everyone: death, singing, a sparkly suit, cell phones, a little person (nice looking woman, actually), a drawbridge (modern, not Medieval), a boombox, and a crossbow. Oh, and a psychotic. And Barry Manilow.

You will have to trust me when I say that 50% of you out there will hate this movie because of the lack of the Absurd Gene in your DNA makeup. It's not your fault; it's hereditary. The other 50% of you will probably want to change the channel after 20 minutes, but you HAVE TO KEEP WATCHING.

Even at that, at the end you may wonder why you watched... but keep in mind that absurdity thing. It should grow on you. It is a test.

I found this movie to be extremely delightful.I am biased I suppose.I happen to adore Kathy Bates.I found her singing an added pleasure.She has a very nice voice.

Ms Bates plays Grace Beasley.The film takes you from her doledrums married life in Chicago to England,the home of her recently murdered singing idol Victor Fox.There she meets his three surviving uppity sisters.She also discovers that Victor leaves behind a male lover,Dirk Simpson.

The story leads you on to some surprisingly comedic and heartwarming situations as Grace and Dirk develop a true fondness for each other,after an initial rather rude rejection,on his part.They return to Chicago where they team up with Grace's pint-sized,hilarious daughter-in-law,Maudie,to find the serial killer who murdered Victor.

Everyone in the picture did a fine job.Particularly enjoyed Julie Andrews,Lynn Redgrave and Barry Manilow.This movie was fun.It makes you cry.The music is absolutely charming.

Other posters here who found problems with any parts of this movie,just don't have a clue.

My husband and I both loved this film. At first my husband was skeptical and asked how many points he got for sitting through this one. But after a few key scenes he was totally sucked in and by the end he was convinced it was one of the best movies going. Kathleen Bates has never been so wonderfully loveable and the rest of the cast is just simply fantastic. Thank you for this beautiful film.

If there's anything more difficult to share with another human than a toasted almond, it's a movie comedy; I've shared "Airplane" with folks who thought it was insufferably stupid, and there are numerous individuals who don't find the W.C. Fields masterpiece "It's A Gift" anything but a bore. When you decide that your best pal has to share Duck Soup with you, and the friend sits stone-faced as Groucho cracks wise, perhaps you even begin to question the nature of your friendship.

That said, this film provided me with genuine humor and frequent laughter; the experience seems to be created on the spot by a batch of skilled actors riffing on an impossible and often illogical script and just deciding to throw in whatever might stick to the wall--and they do it without resorting to stupid humor, to flatulent jokes or urinating dogs; instead, we have references to dozens of films, from "The Wizard of Oz" to "Don't Look Now;" even Julie Andrews appears magically on a stricken aircraft with a tuneful surprise, and...well, if you like slightly nuts, zany humor, you might find this funny. I did, loving the offbeat plot about a left-behind wife and her adventures in another country, but recommended it with caution.