I went into this one based on the solid IMDB rating and Paul Newman, but other than that I went in blind. This is primarily an interpersonal drama (with some well placed humor throughout) and I wasn't surprised to learn that it was based on a novel. This isn't the type of story to be green lit by Hollywood without having proven successful elsewhere. There's no high concept. No ironic hook. Very little by way of spectacle or set pieces. I just struggle to see how a single sentence log line would ever have gotten producers on board. Luckily, that all speaks to a blind spot in the Hollywood system, and isn't a critique of this movie.

The film isn't trying to be a blockbuster. It's just compelling characters, unique relationship dynamics, and quality dialogue. Specifically, I really enjoyed how the "small town" element interacts with and disrupts what otherwise might be cliché character interactions. At the end of the day, Newman's character has a wholesome camaraderie with everyone, including the proxy antagonist of the story ([spoiler]Newman's scenes with Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith were undoubtedly the highlights for me[/spoiler]).

As far as critiques go, the ending fell a bit flat, with certain scenes slipping into melodrama. In particular, the big moment with Newman's grandson felt forced. That said, there was nothing so problematic as to spoil the movie and I would still give it a solid recommendation.