Tennessee Valley

This is a cute movie about a simple love story gone bad, when the man can't say I love you. For me, this kind of movie had the true spirit of American cinema. Not those stupid million dollars budget, special effects blockbusters with stars, violence, and no plot. The warm simplicity of this film shows me that USA can still do good movies without being stupid. Aging Diane Keaton is still charming and should be considered one of the best American actress of all time. I hope she will be with us for a long time.

I watched this movie about three times. I think many people will see themselves, at least at some point in their life, as one of these characters. It may seem slow for those who want action.. but this is one of those movies that makes you think.. and hopefully teaches that if we don't communicate what we want, how can we expect to be understood? You have to make life work.

This little-seen obviously-based-on-a-play movie deserves to be seen. Diane Keaton is, as always, great. Her relationship with Sam Shepard rings true, and the reflecting relationship of their kids doesn't make you say Come On... You should see this movie because of its wonderful scenes and beautiful lines. It's a quite, what they call small film, and I guess that's why it didn't succeed. Do yourself a favor and spend 100 minutes with the Fritzsimmons and the McHenrys.

At the beginning of the movie Reece McHenry (Sam Shepard) has a moral dilemma. His wife has been in a coma for an extended period and though he is lonely, feels he must remain faithful. Carol Fitzsimmons (Diane Keaton) enters his life and the relationship they develop over a thirty year period becomes the key theme of the movie. Unfortunately we never find out when (or if) Reece's wife ever dies, which is a key factor in understanding the principal characters' motivations and actions. This is a tender love story with subplots that take a too long to develop their connection to one another. Otherwise, the superb performances by Keaton and Shepard make this motion picture a delight.

I happened to catch this movie after it had already started on one of the movie channels. I probably saw about an hour of it and enjoyed it immensely. The actors were truly outstanding.

I was amazed when I viewed the credits to see that I had never even heard of this movie. I am wondering how such excellent acting was overlooked.

It is worth seeing and I look forward to seeing the whole movie.