Reese Holden: "I just can't believe this is the same man who told his six-year-old daughter that Christmas was a Republican capitalistic conspiracy created by the Hallmark Corporation and that, if Jesus were alive today he'd be down in Nicaragua rallying the Sandinistas. Grace Away." Actress Reese Holden has been offered a small fortune by a book editor if she can secure for publication the love letters that her father, a reclusive novelist, wrote to her mother, who has since passed away. Returning to Michigan, Reese finds that an ex-grad student and a would-be musician have moved in with her father, who cares more about his new friends than he does about his own health and well-being.
The first thing you'll notice in this film is Zooey Deschanel's acting. I know I did, she is just a stunning character actress and only a few people know of her stellar performance here. If only this film was marketed more in the veins of mainstream Hollywood then Zooey might just get the applaud and praise of the movie-going audience. While the script might not pique the interest of some people, and I admit, I am one of them, I gotta say this film worked because of the actors.
This is a character driven story and each of the four main characters really got the job done. Its not Zooey Deschanel portraying Reese Holdin, its Reese Holdin as portrayed by Zooey Deschanel. The same goes to Will Ferrell, who yet again strays from his comedic roots and takes on another fine performance as hopeful musician Corbett. He nailed it in Stranger than Fiction and he nailed it again here. Ed Harris who plays Reese's dad, a down and out writer Don Holdin sporting the old man hermit hairstyle. A mighty fine performance from one of the most celebrated actors out there. Then there's Amelia Warner. Can't say I haven't heard of her name before but she sure was impressive here.
Winter Passing is one of those dark and moody films about a dysfunctional family so the vibe is really not that jolly when you're watching it. So I guess its up to you if you wanna watch it.
The first thing you'll notice in this film is Zooey Deschanel's acting. I know I did, she is just a stunning character actress and only a few people know of her stellar performance here. If only this film was marketed more in the veins of mainstream Hollywood then Zooey might just get the applaud and praise of the movie-going audience. While the script might not pique the interest of some people, and I admit, I am one of them, I gotta say this film worked because of the actors.
This is a character driven story and each of the four main characters really got the job done. Its not Zooey Deschanel portraying Reese Holdin, its Reese Holdin as portrayed by Zooey Deschanel. The same goes to Will Ferrell, who yet again strays from his comedic roots and takes on another fine performance as hopeful musician Corbett. He nailed it in Stranger than Fiction and he nailed it again here. Ed Harris who plays Reese's dad, a down and out writer Don Holdin sporting the old man hermit hairstyle. A mighty fine performance from one of the most celebrated actors out there. Then there's Amelia Warner. Can't say I haven't heard of her name before but she sure was impressive here.
Winter Passing is one of those dark and moody films about a dysfunctional family so the vibe is really not that jolly when you're watching it. So I guess its up to you if you wanna watch it.