The Accidental Tourist: Amazon.ca: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Geena Davis, Bill Pullman, Lawrence Kasdan: DVD

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Amazon.com Essential Video

Lawrence Kasdan adapted Anne Tyler's novel into this mopey comedy which, oddly enough, took the New York Film Critics Circle's best picture award (a case of strategic voting getting out of hand). William Hurt plays a depressed travel writer struggling to come to terms with his son's death. He buys a dog for companionship, then hires an eccentric dog trainer (Geena Davis, who won an Oscar for her role) to teach it to behave. She, in turn, teaches him to reconnect to life. But as he is beginning to admit his feelings for her to himself, he is blindsided by the return of his estranged wife (Kathleen Turner), who attempts to rekindle their marriage. A muffled, low-key affair--so low-key that it sometimes seems positively stationary. --Marshall Fine

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Customer Reviews

37 Reviews

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

Average Customer Review

4.2 out of 5 stars (37 customer reviews)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Movie With Intense Character Studies Throughout..., May 24 2004

By

Sheila Chilcote-Collins "Sheila Renee Chilcot... (Collinswood, Van Wert, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Accidental Tourist (DVD)

"The Accidental Tourist" Hmmm... even the title of the film has many meanings. Unhappily married couple, Macon Leary,(William Hurt)a travel guide author and Sarah Leary (Kathleen Turner) have just lost their young son Ethan to an accident. Each of them goes through the grief process alone and thus, the marriage is quite dead. They separate, with Sarah leaving Macon in the big, old empty Victorian house alone, save for Ethan's badly behaved dog, a Welsh corgie named Edward. When Edward misbehaves, Macon just can't get rid of the dog because it reminds him of the good times that Ethan had with Edward. So, Macon takes the dog to obedience school and meets a very ecentric young woman named Muriel Pritchett. Muriel is a young divorcee with a very sickly little boy, named Alexander (Robert Hy Gorman in a very nice portrayal for a little guy). Muriel pursues Macon, a sexual relationship ensues and Macon opens up for the first time about his sorrow for Ethan. There comes a time when macon has to decide what he wants as Sarah returns to the homeplace and wants to try again.

Amy Wright, David Ogden Stiers, and Ed Begley Jr. all turn in WONDERFUL performances as Macon's odd siblings who live together in the family home that they grew up in. Bill Pullman also turns in a great performance as Julian, Macon's publisher.

This is a wonderful character study of families, their hurt, disappointment and finally, reconciliation. The film is strongly written and well acted. If you are looking for a funny romance like, "When Harry Met Sally", a spooky romance like "Ghost" or a treacly, sappy sweet romance like "Sabrina", then you are looking in the wrong place. If you like to see characters that pluck at your heart strings and seem "oh so real" then this is a movie for YOU! Highly recommended!

Happy Watching!

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars HURT IS HURTING, July 25 2009

By

Guy Charlebois (NB, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Accidental Tourist (DVD)

William Hurt is such a consummate actor that the viewer
can't help but feel his pain. Geena Davis is a great talent.
The clucking that she does with Edward works. Trust me, I tried
it. Kathleen Turner is her usual competent self. I was drawn
into every moment of the movie, thanks to the undeniable professionalism
of the actors. A great movie.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rarity: Real Character Development, May 19 2004

By

David W. Allen Jr. "Management Consultant" (Bloomington, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Accidental Tourist (DVD)

This is one of my favorite all time films. If you're looking for action, this is not the film for you (there isn't any). If you're looking for suspense, look elsewhere (there's not much). But if you're looking for engaging characters in a plot that makes you think and is both touching and humorous, this is the movie for you.

It's rare that Hollywood produces a movie that respects its audience enough to let them think. This is a movie with so many interesting characters that they could have made several movies. After you watch it, you'll find yourself wondering about the characters' lives before the movie -- and what will happen to them later.

When you're in the mood for something serious, funny and intellectual, this is a good movie to choose.

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Most recent customer reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Use your time more wisely--watch grass grow!
The story sounds promising, but the whole package is unbelievably, mind-numbingly boring! I am amazed at the number of positive reviews here--is it the emperor's new clothes... Read more

Published 3 months ago by Rare Review

5.0 out of 5 stars A DVD that does justice to a great film
In When Harry Met Sally, or Groundhog Day we follow the characters on a journey of exploration as their relationship develops. Read more