Sam & Kate

As I sat down to watch the 2022 comedy "Sam & Kate" from writer and director Darren Le Gallo, I must admit that I had some expectations to the movie. Sure, I hadn't heard about the movie prior to getting the opportunity to sit down and watch it. But seeing that the movie had the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek on the cast list, of course I had to give it a chance.

The storyline in "Sam & Kate" is actually interesting and nicely written by Darren Le Gallo. I enjoyed how the narrative in the movie was something very relatable and realistic, and it made for a very down to earth viewing experience. However, I must admit that I felt that the end of the movie felt rushed, as if they were running out of funds and had to close down production post haste.

The acting performances in "Sam & Kate" were good. And the movie is nicely carried by the cast ensemble, which includes the likes of Henry Thomas, Tyler Labine, Schuyler Fisk and Jake Hoffman, not to mention Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek, of course.

I was genuinely entertained by Darren Le Gallo's movie, though I wasn't fond of the ending. But if you enjoy a feel-good drama, then you definitely should watch "Sam & Kate". Now, the movie is listed as a comedy, but this is not the type of comedy that will have you toppling over laughing. Nay, this is more of a drama laced with comedy elements.

While "Sam & Kate" certainly is watchable, this is hardly a movie that warrants more than just a single viewing.

My rating of "Sam & Kate" lands on a six out of ten stars.

The title makes it clear this is a story about the son and daughter, played by Jake Hoffman as Sam and Schuyler Fisk as Kate. Their parents in the movie are played by their real life parents, Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek. It didn't start out that way, but when an actor dropped out Dustin was pulled in.

Set and filmed in a small Georgia town, Sam is an aspiring artist who works in a low-paying job in a candy factory. He lives with his old dad to help take care of him and although a very kind 40-something man is somewhat of a slacker.

Kate has an air of mystery about her, she co-owns and works in a book store. When Sam is first smitten with her she tells him she isn't really into dating just then, much later we find out about her tragic losses.

A lot happens in this movie but it all happens very deliberately. Some might term it "slow." But it moves along at the right pace for the story, which involves issues with each parent as well as the two 40-something children finding ways to move forward in their lives.

My wife and I enjoyed it, streaming on NBC's Peacock site.

As an aside Dustin and Jake Hoffman first acted in the same movie in the 1988 movie "Rain Man."

No expectations, no trailer, little information, romantic comedy.

This movie just popped up, usually I have no interest in this sort of movie and the only draw to it was DH.

For a slow burner the pacing was nice, Goldilocks even.

It's a simple story that would reflect many audience members lives or if not, would have a familiar ring to it for at least one of its story threads.

It doesn't batter you over the head with its themes or narrative and thankfully let's you fill in the blanks and work out the context and conclusions.

The actors are gentle the dialogue is light and witty. Don't expect head thrown back laughter but chuckles and titters, in a good way.

I have done no research but I would be surprised if this didn't come from a small book or short story, possibly an off broadway or festival play. Though I'm probably wrong!

For a lazy warm Sunday afternoon go watch and have a glass of wine!

Just watched it and it's lovely. Nothing groundbreaking, but on the other hand, one could say they don't make films like this any longer, unfortunately.

It's a simple story and yes, there are a couple of clichés, but it's still refreshing. Do you know why? There is a man and a woman, and they fall in love. No propaganda whatsoever. How sad is it that this kind of story is such a rarity these days?

One annoying downside is that it is marketed as a romantic comedy, which it is not. There is one character who is there for comic relief, I guess, but he is not funny.

Dustin Hoffman is fantastic. He is one of my favourite actors ever. It hurts to see him getting so old...

Sam (Jake Hoffman) has come home to care for his ailing father Bill (Dustin Hoffman). He's taken with book seller Kate (Schuyler Fisk). Bill becomes interested in her mother Tina (Sissy Spacek).

These are two Hollywood legends and their kids. Of the four of them, there is one squeaky wheel. Jake Hoffman is not a big name. His acting is limited. He does fit this slacker loser role. I accept his mistaken donation as the story's need for drama. For his character's sake, he really should have a big cinematic redemption. He should wait at the donation bin for days if necessary to get her stuff back. That's a writing problem. It comes down to Darren Le Gallo's full length debut as a director and as a writer. It's a small story that needs a more skilled hand at the wheel. The two Hollywood legends deliver. Schuyler Fisk should probably do more movies. I'm sure that she's happy with her music career. It's just that she has this adorable coolness that really works on the screen.