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Better Late Then Never

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Very disappointing. I expected much more from a film that brings this much star power. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with it. Robert Redford was the usual Robert Redford, which is good. Lots of very good actors in supporting roles, like Stockard Channing, Kate Nelligan, Joe Mantegna, Miguel Sandoval, and Noble Willingham. Michelle Pfeiffer just never rang true in her role. And I am a big fan of hers, and think that she is a phenomenal actress. I just never could believe in her in this one. I suppose that the writing must be at fault somehow, although I cannot say exactly how, But by the middle of the film I found it boring.

This is an updated review, having just watched this film for the second time.In reading up on the film, I learned it was supposed to be based on the life of Jessica Savitch, a newscaster I remember quite well, although I forgot how she died. I have a feeling the producers/director were in a damned if we do, and damned if we don't situation here. They were inspired by Savitch's life story, but wanted to make a love story, instead. If they just told the love story, and weren't open about the Savitch angle, they'd be criticized. If they made it clear the story came from the Savitch bio, but didn't make it a documentary/fiction story, they'd be criticized as well. They should have just shut up about where the inspiration for the story came from.I really liked the first third of this film and the last third of this film. The first third was great because it told the story of a wannabe reporter coming up through the ranks to become a respected reporter...led by her mentor (Robert Redford)...and throw in a bit of romance. The last third of the film was great because it was more about what hard-hitting journalism can be. The problem is the middle third where the couple (Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer) seem to fart around in terms of getting a relationship going. I found that middle third to be rather boring. Were they going to go forward as a couple? Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no. Jeez! Hence the "66%".Now there are a lot of people who dislike the ending -- if it's a romantic film, why kill of a main character? If its a hard hitting story about the news, why lean so heavily into romance?Perhaps the problem with the film is that when you begin watching it you think it's one thing -- a romance story with some humor...but then it turns deadly serious.Another thing that would have helped would have been some timelines, particularly in Tally's time in Miami. It was difficult to get a sense of how long it took her to go from desk work, to weather, to reporter, etc.Redford's acting here is superb. Redford, who was pretty much always at the top of his game, was here, also. Michelle Pfeiffer is very good, and the problem with her character seemed to be a petty attitude...but after all, she didn't write the script or direct the film. This is very much Redford's and Pfeiffer's film. Sure there are supporting actors, but none that have memorable roles, although their performances are all very good.It seems as if this film suffered from a bit of an identity confusion. But I still liked it. I just didn't love it.

It goes on, and on, and on, the same thread repeated ad nauseum: will he (Robert Redford) get her (Michelle Pfeiffer)? Does Santa's lady still darn socks? Mr Redford seems to have run out of gas. He's the one who mentors the pretty news girl, but where's their personal situation going,up or down? Before long, this viewer didn't care--their characters weren't strong enough to build or deserve any empathy with the audience. Ms Pfeiffer, as all know,rose to prominence as a model, and it has been her stronger suite; she reached modest heights as an actress, and now in her 50s, still has a very busy movie schedule. Mr Redford plays much the same role in each of his (fewer and fewer) movies, that of the movie actor Robert Redford. This viewer went from disinterested to bored and then sleep before exiting. It's the worst response you can give any film, save burning down the cinema or local DVD outlet.

Technically this is a well done movie. The scenes are constructed well, the cinematography is excellent, the acting is fine. At the end of the day what one is left with is a LifeTime Movie Network movie. A pretty LMN film that is better than most of the material the network runs...but it is LMN fare.**SPOILER** The end says it all: Cat Woman is at an office farewell party. She is the glory of the party. Everyone hangs on her every word describing the events that have just been witnessed. The TV is turned on and the dramatic build of the death of Jeremiah Johnson occurs where at first Mrs. Montana is the only person to realize who's sole of who's shoe laying on the ground. The dramatic build is heightened by...by...a glass of champagne falling at hitting the ground!!!!! WOW!!!!!!! Then comes the obligatory shameless acting cry and wail. Can't you just feel the tears jerking out of the audience!!!! Play it as it Lays, Michelle, Play it hard. Play it like Susan Lucci! If you think that this is life you need to get one. If you like this soapy teary weepy waily incredibly constructed climax then this is a 10 max film for you.