The Pursuit of Happiness

The trailer for Feast of Love would have you believe Robert Benton’s film is nothing but a sentimental comedy of errors, yet nothing could be further from the truth.

It is in fact a welcome relief from the bombastic excesses of summer blockbusters – a film that boasts the greatest special effect of all: the cinematic restoration of a belief in love in these over-stimulated, exhausted, cynical times in which we live.

Yes, the film’s all about love and cute meets, but no, not everyone lives happily ever after.

Feast of Love, with is whims about romance, is a film that is fairly grounded in the harsh realities that, say, the Greek gods would have chosen to throw the characters’ ways.

Morgan Freeman stars as Harry Stevenson, a wise professor in a tightly knit Oregon community who dispenses advice when asked (and on occasion when he isn’t), and Greg Kinnear as die-hard romantic Bradley, the unlucky in love owner of a local coffee shop.

Both Harry and Bradley are grieving; Harry the death of his son, Bradley the end of his marriage. But Harry can see that life goes on – he just needs to catch up.

He sees Bradley pick a second wife whom he knows isn’t right for him. He sees a young couple defy fate in the name of love. And he sees his wife, Esther (Jane Alexander), and he struggles to reconnect with her.

As their stories intertwine, these people become broken, befuddled, and delighted by love. It is in the air, after all, and they can’t escape it, so enjoy this rarest treat of the season.

And keep an eye on Alexa Davalos (TV’s Angel and Reunion), who plays Chloe, one half of the young couple. She’s the breakout star of this Feast of Love.

My Rating ***

Photo: MGM.