Wednesday, May 06, 2009

5/4/09: Living Out Loud (1998)

AFCA WEEK
Living Out Loud chronicles several months in the life of Judith Moore (Holly Hunter), whose marriage has been derailed because of her husband's infidelity. Newly single, Moore is adrift, trying to figure out what her new purpose in life should be. The film is about making new friends, and how those friends get us through the day when our relatives and spouses let us down. Among our hero's new friends are Pat (Danny Devito), the elevator operator in Moore's apartment building, and Liz (Queen Latifah), a singer in a neighborhood cabaret. It's a small, funny and touching movie, marred only by Holly Hunter's relentless chainsmoking. Writer-director Richard LaGravenese employs a daydreamy, Walter Mitty-type conceit for Hunter's character from time to time that should seem out of place but feels oddly appropriate for this film. Devito plays against type as a sensitive charmer who forms a bond with Hunter, and Queen Latifah gets to show off her wonderful voice and look sexier than ever before. Thanks to AFCA's Jason Quick for the recommendation! Rating: 4/5.

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