This was really a very poignant study of a girl who goes to spend a summer with her estranged father. How many of these revealing summer films have we been subjected to through the years, where people learn from each other during those 2 precious months together?
Amazing that the film is as good as it is despite the fact that it is uneven in parts.
Tim Matheson, as the father, has one of his best roles ever. When we first view him, his daughter has come for the summer before she heads off to college. Long divorced from her mother, Matheson is a handy man who drinks and seems to be resolute about life. He doesn't get along with his daughter and suddenly they're best friends. She learns how to fish, make signs and even lose her virginity that summer to a local boy. All is well and then suddenly a drunken Matheson slaps her and she is ready to leave again.
Matheson's girlfriend suddenly assumes the role of counselor.
Along with all of this, we have Ed Asner as a retired English teacher, a free spirit encouraging our young lady to read War and Peace.
With it all, cliché up to the hilt, this movie is memorable as it deals with the human spirit and the discovery of fondness between father and daughter. There is a certain sadness that pervades us due to the fact that both father and daughter lost 11 precious years together. Nonetheless, the ending is revealing in itself.
Amazing that the film is as good as it is despite the fact that it is uneven in parts.
Tim Matheson, as the father, has one of his best roles ever. When we first view him, his daughter has come for the summer before she heads off to college. Long divorced from her mother, Matheson is a handy man who drinks and seems to be resolute about life. He doesn't get along with his daughter and suddenly they're best friends. She learns how to fish, make signs and even lose her virginity that summer to a local boy. All is well and then suddenly a drunken Matheson slaps her and she is ready to leave again.
Matheson's girlfriend suddenly assumes the role of counselor.
Along with all of this, we have Ed Asner as a retired English teacher, a free spirit encouraging our young lady to read War and Peace.
With it all, cliché up to the hilt, this movie is memorable as it deals with the human spirit and the discovery of fondness between father and daughter. There is a certain sadness that pervades us due to the fact that both father and daughter lost 11 precious years together. Nonetheless, the ending is revealing in itself.