Michelle SweeneyReview - Last Chance Harvey
April 23rd 2009 15:38
Harvey (Hoffman) is a wannabe jazz pianist who somehow fell into the world of writing jingles for television. Slightly out of step with the new technology entering his field, he feels the pressure from the younger guys who are more than willing to step into his shoes while he flies to London for his daughter's wedding. Harvey, a divorcee who never remarried, is estranged from his only daughter, Susie (played by Canadian actor Liane Balaban) and it is clear from their first meeting that they have not been close for many years.
Kate Walker (Emma Thompson) is single, works at Heathrow collecting data from passengers and spends a lot of time taking calls from her lonely mother (Eileen Atkins). An extremely bad day for both characters and a chance enounter brings Harvey and Kate together. Harvey has just been sacked from the job at which he no longer finds enjoyment and attended his daughter's wedding at which he was not given the honour of being able to give her away. Kate recently had an embarrassing date and is constantly being pestered by her mother. They don't start off on the right footing but Harvey warms his way to Kate's table and sits next to her while they eat lunch.
Written and directed by Joel Hopkins, the characters show great warmth and truthfulness. One issue I did have however, is that I would have liked to have seen more dialogue and interaction between the leads as they are both extremely capable actors.
I found some scenes to be a little clumsy especially the the action between Kate's busybody mum and her neighbour. It was a little on the distracting side although the wedding reception scene was handled beautifully by both the actors and the director.
Harvey and Kate are both mature adults who have had their fair share of disappointments and unhappiness. A reverse case of an Englishmen in New York, these two may not be a match made in heaven but it looks like they have a bit of life in them yet!
Voyage Review: 3.5/5
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