R E V I E W S

Return To Me (2000)

Starring: David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, Carroll O'Connor, Robert Loggia, Bonnie Hunt.
Director: Bonnie Hunt
Rating: PG

Studio: MGM

Review Posted: Unknown

Rating: 8/10

By Sheila Danzig.

I didn’t see Return to Me earlier because I had heard it was "just OK" from most people I know. I am so sorry I waited an extra day. I loved it. Neither brilliant nor inventive, Return to Me was totally enjoyable as a wonderful balance romantic comedy that gets dramatic.

The chemistry between the stars, Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) and Grace (Minnie Driver), is extraordinary. They connect magically. They are clearly, made for each other.

I have always loved Minnie Driver and in this film she is as lovable as a person can be. Duchovny, who is not one of my favorites was great in Return to Me as a romantic lead.

I found the film enchanting from the start as we watched two stories taking place in Chicago. Bob and Liz Rueland a happily married couple in one story and Grace, lying sick in a hospital awaiting a heart transplant. What followed was quite emotional as we see one young woman die while her heart saves another young woman’s life. Grace goes onto live a full life. Bob cannot get himself back into the world as he aches for Liz.

As fate would have it the two meet. There is an immediate attraction. They think they know each other. Could it have anything to do with Liz’s wife living in Grace? I know people who find that ridiculous. I don’t. I am aware of and fascinated by the cardiology studies showing that 15% of heart transplant recipients have memories that belong to the donor. Something is going on in our hearts that we can’t yet define or fully understand. But don’t forget, I believe in magic. And the magic of the film grows and grows.

Adding to the comedy and the magic are a wonderful crew of supporting actors and actresses, including Carroll O’Conner, Bonnie Hunt (who also directs the movie), and James Belushi.

There is more to this movie and I promise that I have not told you too much. I give it an 8, I looked at my watch once and I might see it again on cable.

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