AN UNFINISHED LIFE (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

An Unfinished Life—a simple drama told in a ranch setting—stars Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, and Jennifer Lopez in a film about family and friends resolving guilt issues and moving forward. The movie has a blunt conclusion that seems ill-timed, almost as if the script ran out and there were no new ideas to extend it into the usual gradual conclusion. This results in a feeling of unfinished business for the audience which echoes the movie’s title.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A rancher attempts to come to terms with his son’s death.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Lasse Hallström for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Graham King, Meryl Poster, Michelle Raimo, Matthew Rhodes, Joe Roth, Mark Rydell, Bob Weinstein, and Harvey Weinstein for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford), Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez), Mitch Bradley (Morgan Freeman), Crane Curtis (Josh Lucas), Gary Winston (Damian Lewis), Nina (Camryn Manheim), Griff Gilkyson (Becca Gardner), Kitty (Lynda Boyd), Deputy (Rob Hayter), and Shelter Supervisor (P. Lynn Johnson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The story shows some of the worst parts of life rather than the best parts and leaves the audience depressed due to lack of a strong resolution of any of the presented problems. Don’t expect an upbeat ‘I’ve been entertained’ feeling after watching this movie. It’s average entertainment.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers