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There's 'something about this movie'! It has captured my fascination differently than most movies. I have an emotional memory of the story that usually is reserved for beloved pets, or vulnerable (and 'emotionally available') people I've interacted with. Weird huh?

Somehow the story itself and Keanu's acting worked (for me). The sub-plots are mixed: parts I could relate to, other parts required suspension of disbelief; my thoughts were, "ummm, can't imagine this happening in real life but as long as it adds to the ultimate storyline, I'll accept this in this instance". I'm referring specifically to the social/cultural expectations and the willingness of an outsider to cooperate with them. But, the family dynamics represent customs unfamiliar to me. Because of that, I had a level of acceptance I probably would not with a culture more like the one I was raised in (White Anglo-Saxon America).

The underlying theme from two strangers meeting on a cross-country bus throughout the movie was a study in the undeniable strength of personal relationships. Romance is undeniably present but it's so much more than just a romantic flick.. Romantic plots are as old as time and have been done to the point of overload. What grabbed my attention was the intent each character had. Against family and cultural obstacles, (not to mention the secret they kept from the woman's family), they were laser-focused on being together no matter the challenges. The story centered on a couple willing to do anything to keep their promise to each other. Their strength grew as their commitment deepened.

I found myself really caring about this couple's ordeal; rooting for them and finally feeling relief at the end. The production value was only slightly above mediocre and one or two cast members were unremarkable, Keanu Reeves was incredibly effective. I totally believed his character portrayal and the story was sincere. This flick was different but as I said, it really moved me and I'll always have a fond and positive opinion of it.

I imagine true Midsomer Murder fans in the UK knew in advance of the cast change but in the USA, we're at least a year behind the most current British prime productions. Our public broadcasting stations (PBS) operate independently throughout our vast country on almost NO funding. That means that viewers often don't get to see Masterpiece Theatre or other wonderful BBC productions until they are perhaps 5 or 6 years old or more! Probably, the licensing fees are less by then. Of course, PBS stations in large metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are not as financially constrained. I live way up in the upper left corner of the USA. I typically see things 10 years after they been filmed.

I had heard that there would be a cast change via media rumors but that was years ago. Meanwhile, MM episodes continued as ever. Then suddenly there's a new DCI (which is fine; people really DO retire in REAL life). My issue is that this was not addressed within the series except as a slight afterthought. Changing the face of the person the camera focuses on 90% of the time is important enough to warrant at least a subplot or a single scene! I had trouble rapping my head around 'this new guy' as hero when the old DCI fit like my favorite pair of jeans. A person who really LOVES a series, creates (in their own mind) an idea of who each character is. Having a suitable transition allows the TV audience to bid farewell to the outgoing character and say hello to the new.

Aside from this gripe, there is an incredible improvement in the production value of the series in general. I'm very impressed by this aspect. I also thoroughly like Neil Dudgeon so much but really miss John Neville. I wish he would return occasionally just to schmooze cousin to cousin.