Whoopi-Goldberg Movie Reviews

This has been a complete waste of my time and money. I love miniseries and I love Fantasy, but this is too awful to look at. I wish I wasn't so greedy and that I had kept my money in my pocket. This can only be fun for little children, but not for adults !!!

Don't buy it !!!!

A Leprechaun Romeo and Fairie Juliet, a nice idea if the writing, editing, and special effects were any good. If you're looking for a good fantasy of this sort, rent Darby O'Gill and the Little People or Willow. The 10th Kingdom, Legend, and The Princess Bride will also quench a desire for excellent fantasy, but don't waste your time on this over-long, cheesy movie. I will give it a thumbs up for great costuming, make-up and some highly enjoyable characters, but it still probably isn't worth your time, though your children will probably like it.

This movie literally made me fall in love....with Ireland, it's legends, it's music and especially with a certain leprechaun named Mickey Muldoon (Daniel Betts, a phenominal young actor.) The story was creative while staying true to the old Irish tales, and Shakespear's "Romeo and Juliet" theme was never used to better advantage. There were a few incongruities, and Randy Quaid and Whoopi Goldberg seemed to be cast only for their star-power. Also, while my young teenaged daughters enjoyed the whole movie, the smaller children thought that the sections encompassing the human love story were a bit long. But when the movie focused on the actual "faerie story" it was truly captivating for all involved. The vast majority of the acting was superb, the musical score was enchanting, the special effects were very well done, and the entire experience was extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend this movie for anyone who ever had a romantic bone in their body, ever loved a fairy tale, or ever dreamed of Ireland.

I've seen it so many times I could almost play each part. In fact, it comes on this afternoon on Showtime. It's a continuing story of Delores Van Cartier aka Sister Mary Clarence (Whoopi Goldberg) who uses her gifts of music and determination to keep a school open as well as change the lives of all those her life touches. Great music, great humor and drama. Lauren Hill (pre-Fugees) is in this as well as Jennifer Love Hewitt and Monica Calhoun if you look really, really carefully. Buy it, enjoy it.
Hey, maybe you'll catch it on Showtime during one of it's airings. I'm positive when it's over, when you can finally stop yourself from humming one of the great tunes, and possibly put down your tissue (I cry EVERY TIME I see it)( and baby, I've seen seen it so many times that I've got ot turn it off when my husband comes home because he says "Are you watching that again?) You will say "I wish I had that movie!" So get it so you'll have no regrets!

FANTASTIC sequel! Just as enjoyable, if not more, than the first! All of the musical numbers are glorious!! A successful sequel all the way!

I've read all of the reviews on SA2 and it is quite obvious this movie is not for everyone, however, if you enjoy "feel good " movies , this is for you. The storyline iis quite predictable, the acting is good , but the music is a delightful bonus,just wish there was more of it. I know that if I'm feeling a little down, I can pop in this movie and feel better.

Terry McMillan's followup to "Waiting to Exhale," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," was dismissed by some critics as a fluffy beach romance novel. It definitely had its spunk, but suffered from an overall blah-ness that weighed it down. The movie version has similar problems. Our heroine, played by the fierce talent that is Angela Bassett, is a broker trying to balance her career and being a single mom. She, along with her best friend (Whoopi Goldberg), takes a vacation to Jamaica, where she falls for the striking Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs, whose Jamaican accent fades in and out throughout his otherwise solid performance). The problem? She's 40. And he's 20. You can pretty much imagine the issues these two have to face, as they decide whether or not to start a "serious" relationship. "How Stella..." is a pleasant movie, despite the often sappy touches that almost mar the film. The love story itself is fairly predictable, although the supporting roles from Suzzane Douglas and the always-dependable Regina King are pretty good. Don't go looking to get blown away by this movie. Like the novel on which it's based, it will pass your time nicely without requiring any deep thought.

I just saw this movie again this past weekend. Each time I do, I want to hop on the next plane to Jamaica. The shots of the island and Stella's room were wonderful! Angela Bassett's performance as Stella was refreshing. There aren't too many movies which showcase successful, intelligent, and independent African American women. And, of course, Stella's beauty and physique makes 40 worth looking forward to. I didn't think that the chemistry between Winston (Taye Diggs) and Stella was very magical, at least not like in the book, but I thought they made a nice pairing thanks to Bassett's performance. And Diggs' performance in the shower made him a worthwhile addition. The best chemistry was between Bassett and Goldberg. They remind me so much of me and my best friend! And the bickering between the sisters was hilarious. The women, in general, just stand out in this film. A great movie to watch especially when hanging out with the girls.

pI couldn't help but enjoy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, though it deals only in surface emotions. Many people prefer not to deal with issues anyway, and this is a perfect romantic comedy/drama for them. It is far superior to 1998's other tropical island movie, the clunky Six Days, Seven Nights.

It is always fun to see Angela Basset and Whoppi Goldberg, two of our greatest actresses, on the screen. Their careers are somewhat similar. Both have had difficulty in obtaining consistently good roles. Both have been nominated for Best Actress Oscars. Goldberg won for Best Supporting Actress in Ghost.

Stella [Bassett] is the forty year old working mother of a ten year old boy. A successful financial executive, she's become a workaholic. Her friends see that her life is unbalanced, and they urge her to liven it up. She resists, but, finally, reality hits home. On a whim, she calls her oldest friend, Delilah [Whoppi Goldberg], and suggests a week in Jamaica. She's due a vacation, and the son is going off to see his Dad. The two pals hop on a plane. Stella has no clue as to just how lively her life is about to become.

She meets a sexy, intelligent man named Winston [Taye Davis]. There is instant mutual attraction. The catch it that Winston is half her age. Encouraged by the spunky, outrageous Delilah, Stella decides to have a short affair. Catch number two arises when this odd couple realizes the relationship is much deeper than a casual island fling. Stella tries to force an arbitrary end to it and returns home.

This is the basis for the plot. Where will the relationship end? How can something so socially unacceptable ever work? I think many people enjoy stories about eccentric or unusual people and situations. A lot of us live conventionally out of fear or necessity, rather than out of a lifestyle preference. It pleases us to watch fictional characters who go beyond our relatively limited boundaries. Stella, Delilah and Winston are three of those characters.

As I said, the movie is short on substance. We never really know what motivates Stella or Winston. Issues come up, but are either quickly dropped or are given a simple solution, much like a TV sitcom. We enjoy the story, but at the conclusion, we realize we hardly know either Stella or Winston.

Jamaica is photographed at its very best. I was tempted to call my travel agent. Bassett and Davis do a fine job, considering the script limitations. Bassett, a Yale graduate, is a fish out of water in some of the scenes with Stella's down home family and friends. Goldberg fares better. Her role is smaller but more fleshed out. I hope some juicy roles come her way. She needs something more compelling than playing center square on TV's Hollywood Squares game.

Terry McMillan's followup to "Waiting to Exhale," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," was dismissed by some critics as a fluffy beach romance novel. It definitely had its spunk, but suffered from an overall blah-ness that weighed it down. The movie version has similar problems. Our heroine, played by the fierce talent that is Angela Bassett, is a broker trying to balance her career and being a single mom. She, along with her best friend (Whoopi Goldberg), takes a vacation to Jamaica, where she falls for the striking Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs, whose Jamaican accent fades in and out throughout his otherwise solid performance). The problem? She's 40. And he's 20. You can pretty much imagine the issues these two have to face, as they decide whether or not to start a "serious" relationship. "How Stella..." is a pleasant movie, despite the often sappy touches that almost mar the film. The love story itself is fairly predictable, although the supporting roles from Suzzane Douglas and the always-dependable Regina King are pretty good. Don't go looking to get blown away by this movie. Like the novel on which it's based, it will pass your time nicely without requiring any deep thought.

I just saw this movie again this past weekend. Each time I do, I want to hop on the next plane to Jamaica. The shots of the island and Stella's room were wonderful! Angela Bassett's performance as Stella was refreshing. There aren't too many movies which showcase successful, intelligent, and independent African American women. And, of course, Stella's beauty and physique makes 40 worth looking forward to. I didn't think that the chemistry between Winston (Taye Diggs) and Stella was very magical, at least not like in the book, but I thought they made a nice pairing thanks to Bassett's performance. And Diggs' performance in the shower made him a worthwhile addition. The best chemistry was between Bassett and Goldberg. They remind me so much of me and my best friend! And the bickering between the sisters was hilarious. The women, in general, just stand out in this film. A great movie to watch especially when hanging out with the girls.

pI couldn't help but enjoy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, though it deals only in surface emotions. Many people prefer not to deal with issues anyway, and this is a perfect romantic comedy/drama for them. It is far superior to 1998's other tropical island movie, the clunky Six Days, Seven Nights.

It is always fun to see Angela Basset and Whoppi Goldberg, two of our greatest actresses, on the screen. Their careers are somewhat similar. Both have had difficulty in obtaining consistently good roles. Both have been nominated for Best Actress Oscars. Goldberg won for Best Supporting Actress in Ghost.

Stella [Bassett] is the forty year old working mother of a ten year old boy. A successful financial executive, she's become a workaholic. Her friends see that her life is unbalanced, and they urge her to liven it up. She resists, but, finally, reality hits home. On a whim, she calls her oldest friend, Delilah [Whoppi Goldberg], and suggests a week in Jamaica. She's due a vacation, and the son is going off to see his Dad. The two pals hop on a plane. Stella has no clue as to just how lively her life is about to become.

She meets a sexy, intelligent man named Winston [Taye Davis]. There is instant mutual attraction. The catch it that Winston is half her age. Encouraged by the spunky, outrageous Delilah, Stella decides to have a short affair. Catch number two arises when this odd couple realizes the relationship is much deeper than a casual island fling. Stella tries to force an arbitrary end to it and returns home.

This is the basis for the plot. Where will the relationship end? How can something so socially unacceptable ever work? I think many people enjoy stories about eccentric or unusual people and situations. A lot of us live conventionally out of fear or necessity, rather than out of a lifestyle preference. It pleases us to watch fictional characters who go beyond our relatively limited boundaries. Stella, Delilah and Winston are three of those characters.

As I said, the movie is short on substance. We never really know what motivates Stella or Winston. Issues come up, but are either quickly dropped or are given a simple solution, much like a TV sitcom. We enjoy the story, but at the conclusion, we realize we hardly know either Stella or Winston.

Jamaica is photographed at its very best. I was tempted to call my travel agent. Bassett and Davis do a fine job, considering the script limitations. Bassett, a Yale graduate, is a fish out of water in some of the scenes with Stella's down home family and friends. Goldberg fares better. Her role is smaller but more fleshed out. I hope some juicy roles come her way. She needs something more compelling than playing center square on TV's Hollywood Squares game.

Terry McMillan's followup to "Waiting to Exhale," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," was dismissed by some critics as a fluffy beach romance novel. It definitely had its spunk, but suffered from an overall blah-ness that weighed it down. The movie version has similar problems. Our heroine, played by the fierce talent that is Angela Bassett, is a broker trying to balance her career and being a single mom. She, along with her best friend (Whoopi Goldberg), takes a vacation to Jamaica, where she falls for the striking Winston Shakespeare (Taye Diggs, whose Jamaican accent fades in and out throughout his otherwise solid performance). The problem? She's 40. And he's 20. You can pretty much imagine the issues these two have to face, as they decide whether or not to start a "serious" relationship. "How Stella..." is a pleasant movie, despite the often sappy touches that almost mar the film. The love story itself is fairly predictable, although the supporting roles from Suzzane Douglas and the always-dependable Regina King are pretty good. Don't go looking to get blown away by this movie. Like the novel on which it's based, it will pass your time nicely without requiring any deep thought.

I just saw this movie again this past weekend. Each time I do, I want to hop on the next plane to Jamaica. The shots of the island and Stella's room were wonderful! Angela Bassett's performance as Stella was refreshing. There aren't too many movies which showcase successful, intelligent, and independent African American women. And, of course, Stella's beauty and physique makes 40 worth looking forward to. I didn't think that the chemistry between Winston (Taye Diggs) and Stella was very magical, at least not like in the book, but I thought they made a nice pairing thanks to Bassett's performance. And Diggs' performance in the shower made him a worthwhile addition. The best chemistry was between Bassett and Goldberg. They remind me so much of me and my best friend! And the bickering between the sisters was hilarious. The women, in general, just stand out in this film. A great movie to watch especially when hanging out with the girls.

pI couldn't help but enjoy How Stella Got Her Groove Back, though it deals only in surface emotions. Many people prefer not to deal with issues anyway, and this is a perfect romantic comedy/drama for them. It is far superior to 1998's other tropical island movie, the clunky Six Days, Seven Nights.

It is always fun to see Angela Basset and Whoppi Goldberg, two of our greatest actresses, on the screen. Their careers are somewhat similar. Both have had difficulty in obtaining consistently good roles. Both have been nominated for Best Actress Oscars. Goldberg won for Best Supporting Actress in Ghost.

Stella [Bassett] is the forty year old working mother of a ten year old boy. A successful financial executive, she's become a workaholic. Her friends see that her life is unbalanced, and they urge her to liven it up. She resists, but, finally, reality hits home. On a whim, she calls her oldest friend, Delilah [Whoppi Goldberg], and suggests a week in Jamaica. She's due a vacation, and the son is going off to see his Dad. The two pals hop on a plane. Stella has no clue as to just how lively her life is about to become.

She meets a sexy, intelligent man named Winston [Taye Davis]. There is instant mutual attraction. The catch it that Winston is half her age. Encouraged by the spunky, outrageous Delilah, Stella decides to have a short affair. Catch number two arises when this odd couple realizes the relationship is much deeper than a casual island fling. Stella tries to force an arbitrary end to it and returns home.

This is the basis for the plot. Where will the relationship end? How can something so socially unacceptable ever work? I think many people enjoy stories about eccentric or unusual people and situations. A lot of us live conventionally out of fear or necessity, rather than out of a lifestyle preference. It pleases us to watch fictional characters who go beyond our relatively limited boundaries. Stella, Delilah and Winston are three of those characters.

As I said, the movie is short on substance. We never really know what motivates Stella or Winston. Issues come up, but are either quickly dropped or are given a simple solution, much like a TV sitcom. We enjoy the story, but at the conclusion, we realize we hardly know either Stella or Winston.

Jamaica is photographed at its very best. I was tempted to call my travel agent. Bassett and Davis do a fine job, considering the script limitations. Bassett, a Yale graduate, is a fish out of water in some of the scenes with Stella's down home family and friends. Goldberg fares better. Her role is smaller but more fleshed out. I hope some juicy roles come her way. She needs something more compelling than playing center square on TV's Hollywood Squares game.

This remake of the classic Little Rascals leaves something to be desired. How could it not? The original Little Rascals provided some of the most entertaining moments ever filmed. There is no way this one would be able to live up to the original. That having been said, this movie was very good. It is a great family movie, with many reworked classic moments (like the He-Man Woman Haters Club) as well as some new material. The casting for this movie was great, and the celebrity cameos add to the fun. It is hard to find a good, enjoyable family movie, but the new Little Rascals certainly deserves a place amongst family favorites.

This movie is a great family film. The kids were absoulutely spectacular. I first saw this movie when I was about the same age as most of the kids in the movie when it came out, and I must tell you, I'm fourteen years old and I'm lost without it. (our movie was lent to someone and never came back)even when I'm twenty, I'll still love it. Porky and Buckwheat had some great moments:"We Got A Dollar", "I've Got Two Pickles," or when they tell Darla the "love" poem from Alfalfa. (I still remember it: Dear Darla, I hate your stinkin' guts. You make me vomit. Your scum between my toes. Love, Alfalfa.) It's a great movie!

This is just the best movie! IT has a lot of spots that I just could not stop laughing it was that good!=S If you have ever seen the old ones, this is just as sweet. This is just one of the movie that I would tell ANYONE to see, its not a PG-13 movie but that dose not mean that its bad! Its a family movie for all ages. I can't tell you about it because it would make the movie not as good but you have got to see it!

This remake of the classic Little Rascals leaves something to be desired. How could it not? The original Little Rascals provided some of the most entertaining moments ever filmed. There is no way this one would be able to live up to the original. That having been said, this movie was very good. It is a great family movie, with many reworked classic moments (like the He-Man Woman Haters Club) as well as some new material. The casting for this movie was great, and the celebrity cameos add to the fun. It is hard to find a good, enjoyable family movie, but the new Little Rascals certainly deserves a place amongst family favorites.

This movie is a great family film. The kids were absoulutely spectacular. I first saw this movie when I was about the same age as most of the kids in the movie when it came out, and I must tell you, I'm fourteen years old and I'm lost without it. (our movie was lent to someone and never came back)even when I'm twenty, I'll still love it. Porky and Buckwheat had some great moments:"We Got A Dollar", "I've Got Two Pickles," or when they tell Darla the "love" poem from Alfalfa. (I still remember it: Dear Darla, I hate your stinkin' guts. You make me vomit. Your scum between my toes. Love, Alfalfa.) It's a great movie!

This is just the best movie! IT has a lot of spots that I just could not stop laughing it was that good!=S If you have ever seen the old ones, this is just as sweet. This is just one of the movie that I would tell ANYONE to see, its not a PG-13 movie but that dose not mean that its bad! Its a family movie for all ages. I can't tell you about it because it would make the movie not as good but you have got to see it!

This was honestly one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The plot was boring if not non-existent. The only redeeming quality was the fact that the scenes with Jon Bon Jovi were cute and not depressing.

I originally rented this just so see a glimpse of Jeremy Sisto, who I adore in all of his films, but i was surprised to find myself completely swept up by this soft, quiet story of a woman who lost her husband. So true to life, the way she grieves over him. Can't imagine losing my husband so suddenly and swiftly that you feel like all the air's been knocked out of your lungs. Elizabeth Perkins, Whoopi Goldberg and Gwynyth Paltrow all do well in their roles of family/friends who laugh and bicker and live life as best they can while helping each other along the way. Whoopi's marriage is crumbling and Gwynyth is afraid of falling in love, even with Jeremy, who is completely captivating in this movie and only gives me another reason to love it. A really good film to watch alone so you can get immersed in it and enjoy it.

I loved this movie even tho I went thru a box of kleenex watching it! A very good enactment of the grieving process one
goes thru when losing a loved one so unexpectedly. I wanted to
give Elizabeth Perkins a hug and tell her to "hang in there" that things would get better but Gwyneth Paltrow, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathleen Turner, did it for me! And I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that John Bon Jovi could act! He should do more films, he's good! Not to mention very pleasant to look at! I loved the soundtrack too.

A great movie with a plot that flounders a bit in the middle. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

It starts as a very tense tightly-wound story about a small kid getting lost. We follow the family (and especially the mother) through its tremendous grieving process.

After an unexpected event that turns the story upside down on its head, we are invited to follow another story-within-story, which is really the ultimate headliner of the movie: What is a family?

The middle-class couple in question finds out that a family is, yes, the physical presence of its members. It is important to share the same house, genes and the same kitchen table.

But to their great surprise they find out that that is not enough. A family is also about shared experiences, memories, about the collection of all the little things that we hate and like about our parents, siblings, children and relatives. Take away those memories and what's left behind?

The film ends with a good twist that ties up all the loose ends nicely.

This is the sort of film experience that makes you think a lot about your own family as you're watching it. It makes you smile for the all positive experiences that you recall from your own childhood. And it also makes you cry for all the things that you've missed while you were a child and wish the fate had dealt you a better hand.

A roller-coaster of an emotional movie. Great acting by everyone in it. When it's over you feel a little tired from trying to control your own gut wrenching emotions. Recommended.

: Beth (Pfeiffer) and Patrick (Williams) Cappadora are a happy, ordinary family, with 2 young sons, until one day, in a busy hotel lobby, every parent's worse nightmare happens, one of them, Ben, the youngest, disappears. The loss of their 3-year-old shatters Beth and Patrick, and so they move away to another town to separate themselves from their grief. Nine years later, they finally move back, only to discover their son, now 12, living in the town with the people who kidnapped him all those years ago. The film follows the intricate family drama that ensues when the Cappadora re-unites.

"Deep End of the Ocean" is one of the most effective and emotionally heartwrenching films I have ever seen. It really shows how it only takes a minute for a child to be kidnapped and his family to be permanently affected because of it. Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as Beth Cappadora, the loving but somewhat ditzy young mother who takes her two small sons and her infant daughter with her to a high school reunion at a hotel. There, Beth makes perhaps the biggest mistake of her life when she leaves the two boys alone right smack in the middle of a very crowded lobby while she pays at the front desk. As can only be expected when two young children are left unsupervised, something happens. The younger son--3-year-old Ben--disappears and is not found. After a series of breakdowns and withdrawals, Beth is finally able to start putting her life back together with the help of Pat, her extremely loving and supportive husband. Just when things are finally getting better for Beth and her family, a 12-year-old Ben randomly shows up at the Cappadoras' doorstep, so beginning another long period of confusion, fear, discomfort, and pain for everyone involved. It really is a very moving film; much like "The Face on the Milk Carton," but with a very different conclusion. "The Deep End of The Ocean" really grasps the issues of child abduction, the effects that it has on the other children in the family, and everything a mother goes through when she realizes that her child is lost and may never be seen again. I was personally touched by Jonathan Jackson's character--Vincent, the oldest Cappadora son. Only seven years old at the beginning of the movie, he ends up holding his family together when Ben disappears, and he is clearly overlooked throughout it all. Obviously, this plays a big part in the behavioral issues and problems that Vincent develops as he grows older. The character he plays is very realistic, and you come to understand how much he truly was overshadowed when Ben disappeared and how much he needs to know that his parents still love him and have forgiven him for what happened. (I won't say what he needs forgiveness for, but it all ties together in the movie.) Treat Williams was masterful as the loving husband. To me, he was the strongest part of the movie. He loved his wife unconditionally, he was a very caring father, and all he wanted was to help make his family whole again. Although he is sometimes a little unrealistic through his opinion that everything will fall right into place, it is very nice to know that there is a character in the movie with a very optimistic viewpoint and a belief that things will be all right in the end.
This is a movie that may move you to tears and may disturb you at some parts, but it is definitely worth seeing. The plot and the characters are presented in such a way that you can really see, know, and understand the ordinary life that they are forced to leave behind and the family issues which they don't choose but must take. Recommended viewing...very effective and poignant with a very strong message.

A great movie with a plot that flounders a bit in the middle. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

It starts as a very tense tightly-wound story about a small kid getting lost. We follow the family (and especially the mother) through its tremendous grieving process.

After an unexpected event that turns the story upside down on its head, we are invited to follow another story-within-story, which is really the ultimate headliner of the movie: What is a family?

The middle-class couple in question finds out that a family is, yes, the physical presence of its members. It is important to share the same house, genes and the same kitchen table.

But to their great surprise they find out that that is not enough. A family is also about shared experiences, memories, about the collection of all the little things that we hate and like about our parents, siblings, children and relatives. Take away those memories and what's left behind?

The film ends with a good twist that ties up all the loose ends nicely.

This is the sort of film experience that makes you think a lot about your own family as you're watching it. It makes you smile for the all positive experiences that you recall from your own childhood. And it also makes you cry for all the things that you've missed while you were a child and wish the fate had dealt you a better hand.

A roller-coaster of an emotional movie. Great acting by everyone in it. When it's over you feel a little tired from trying to control your own gut wrenching emotions. Recommended.

: Beth (Pfeiffer) and Patrick (Williams) Cappadora are a happy, ordinary family, with 2 young sons, until one day, in a busy hotel lobby, every parent's worse nightmare happens, one of them, Ben, the youngest, disappears. The loss of their 3-year-old shatters Beth and Patrick, and so they move away to another town to separate themselves from their grief. Nine years later, they finally move back, only to discover their son, now 12, living in the town with the people who kidnapped him all those years ago. The film follows the intricate family drama that ensues when the Cappadora re-unites.

"Deep End of the Ocean" is one of the most effective and emotionally heartwrenching films I have ever seen. It really shows how it only takes a minute for a child to be kidnapped and his family to be permanently affected because of it. Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as Beth Cappadora, the loving but somewhat ditzy young mother who takes her two small sons and her infant daughter with her to a high school reunion at a hotel. There, Beth makes perhaps the biggest mistake of her life when she leaves the two boys alone right smack in the middle of a very crowded lobby while she pays at the front desk. As can only be expected when two young children are left unsupervised, something happens. The younger son--3-year-old Ben--disappears and is not found. After a series of breakdowns and withdrawals, Beth is finally able to start putting her life back together with the help of Pat, her extremely loving and supportive husband. Just when things are finally getting better for Beth and her family, a 12-year-old Ben randomly shows up at the Cappadoras' doorstep, so beginning another long period of confusion, fear, discomfort, and pain for everyone involved. It really is a very moving film; much like "The Face on the Milk Carton," but with a very different conclusion. "The Deep End of The Ocean" really grasps the issues of child abduction, the effects that it has on the other children in the family, and everything a mother goes through when she realizes that her child is lost and may never be seen again. I was personally touched by Jonathan Jackson's character--Vincent, the oldest Cappadora son. Only seven years old at the beginning of the movie, he ends up holding his family together when Ben disappears, and he is clearly overlooked throughout it all. Obviously, this plays a big part in the behavioral issues and problems that Vincent develops as he grows older. The character he plays is very realistic, and you come to understand how much he truly was overshadowed when Ben disappeared and how much he needs to know that his parents still love him and have forgiven him for what happened. (I won't say what he needs forgiveness for, but it all ties together in the movie.) Treat Williams was masterful as the loving husband. To me, he was the strongest part of the movie. He loved his wife unconditionally, he was a very caring father, and all he wanted was to help make his family whole again. Although he is sometimes a little unrealistic through his opinion that everything will fall right into place, it is very nice to know that there is a character in the movie with a very optimistic viewpoint and a belief that things will be all right in the end.
This is a movie that may move you to tears and may disturb you at some parts, but it is definitely worth seeing. The plot and the characters are presented in such a way that you can really see, know, and understand the ordinary life that they are forced to leave behind and the family issues which they don't choose but must take. Recommended viewing...very effective and poignant with a very strong message.