Carolina

I had never heard of this movie but rented it because I thought the description sounded interesting. My husband and I loved it so much that we ended up watching it three times before returning the movie. I haven't usually been a fan of Julia Stiles' but I did very much enjoy her acting in this movie and I also thought Shirley McLean and Jennifer Coolidge were great. Whoever was in charge of casting really knew how to do their job well. I have decided to buy the DVD if I can find it. I do have a question that I hope someone might be able to answer. In the movie, there is a little dog with cute black ears that belongs to Shirley McLean's character. Does anyone know what breed this dog is? I would really appreciate knowing what kind of dog this is as we would love to buy one just like it.

Carolina is a warm and tender movie that will make you chuckle and at times laugh out loud. The Performances by Julia Stiles and Shirley MacLaine are wonderful as is their chemistry together. Unfortunately I was only able to see this on DVD and not the big screen where I would have enjoyed it so much.

How do I know this was an entertaining movie well worth recommending to others, because when it was over I had laughed, shed a tear and it left me with a smile on my face. See this if you can.

Carolina (Julia Stiles) might be termed the sane one in an Addams-like family. Her grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) is notorious for doing and saying what she likes in their southern town. Sister Georgia is single and pregnant from a one night stand and sister Maine is a rocking horse-riding, lottery obsessed girl. The family's father is a semi-recovering alcoholic who turned to drink after the mother's death. Oh, and Aunt Marilyn is a madam. Only Carolina seems to be the white bread type, having a job in television and a British businessman for a boyfriend. However, Carolina has a long relationship with the handsome writer next door, Albert (Alessandro Nivola). It has been a friendship; could it ever be anything else? Amid the chaos of a very strange family situation, a nice love story emerges. Stiles is wonderful as the beautiful young lady who loves her family but hopes to live a more sedate life. MacLaine is really quite nice, also, as the eccentric grandmother and the other cast members are fine. However, the story is a stroll down life in extremes, careening from one bizarre incident to another. Maybe there are families like this one but, if you ever meet one, run for your life. That said, if you wish to locate another sorta-romcom for the evening, you might try this one, especially if you have seen most of the other light comedy-and-romance films that are out there.

Another magnificent film from Stiles, and another Film Festival movie. I waited and waited for this film to be released in Region 1 so that I could snag it, and then promptly bought it from Canada. Carolina (Stiles) is gloriously and comically oblivious to Albert's (Nivola) obvious love for her. You'll laugh at Grandma Mirabeau's (MacLaine) outrageous humor, you'll sigh with Albert each time Carolina doesn't see what's obviously there, and you'll rage with them when they lash out in anger for lack of a better defense. But, it's a movie after all, so you'll be smiling in the end. It's a wonderful film that had my attention from the very first scene. One of the best romantic comedies I've seen in years.

This movie has been a long time coming. After waiting a year for Miramax to release it in the US, I picked up the DVD via Canada. Although not perfect, it was sweet and very well acted. Ms. Stiles continues her skill of creating a new personality for each of her screen appearances, and she has NEVER looked better. Her range is amazing. She once again delivers a very powerful performance. In fact, all of the actors were impressive. Shirley MacLaine's role is more than a cameo, and she delivers. Randy Quaid was a pleasant surprise. In a role where he could easily have gone over the top; he didn't. Azura Skye did a great job and had several very memorable moments. I look forward to seeing her again. The child actress chosen to play the young Carolina is an uncanny young version of Ms. Stiles. Along with the acting, the dialog was consistently smart and sharp. Miramax should release and promote this film for no other reason than it contains some of the all-time great movie lines. Not every aspect or scene worked for me, but most did. I enjoyed and recommend it.