A quietly old fashioned “Unfinished Life”
You might be surprised to learn that Jennifer Lopez holds her own against strong performances by Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman, as well as show-stealing newcomer 15-year-old Becca Gardner. (She looks amazingly like a young Ally Sheedy) The narrative recalls “On Golden Pond,” as Redford’s grizzly rancher father-in-law learns to forgive his daughter-in-law (Lopez) for the accidental death of his son with the help of his philosophic compadre (Freeman, naturally) and charming granddaughter (Gardner). Familiar territory, but subtly and effectively covered.
Grade: B