A Minneapolis slacker (Joshua Jackson) deals with the dilemmas posed by his Parkinson's-afflicted grandfather (Donald Sutherland) and a budding relationship with his grandfather's free-spirited caregiver (Juliette Lewis) in this heart-tugging slice-of-life drama. Ever the pro, Sutherland winds up stealing the film as the debilitated-yet-feisty granddad, and Louise Fletcher matches him as his no-nonsense wife. Though many elements are predictable, scripter Brent Boyd does try to keep the dialog genuinely conversational.
Shelf Talk: AARP magazine awarded Sutherland the 2007 Movies for Grown-Ups Best Actor award for his role in Aurora Borealis, so it's safe to assume that older audiences have a lot to like here. Given its many local references, Minnesotans in particular will have a great time with the film, which also picked up awards at regional film fests in Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and Winston-Salem, N.C.
Drama, color, R (mature themes), 110 min., DVD $24.95© 2008, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.