This is the seventh and final story in a series from the 2008 Starz Denver Film Festival, where 215 films were shown from November 13-23. This film was billed as the “Closing Night” gala and shown November 22, 2008, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
The Denver Film Festival didn’t save its best for last ... as in Last Chance Harvey. And it didn’t take much of a chance with its grand finale, either, despite the presence of dignitaries including Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and actor Bill Pullman, the festival's annual John Cassavetes Award winner.
Harvey is a production of Overture Films, which comes under the wing of Starz, which was the primary sponsor of the festival, which picked a pleasant but conventional way to go out.
This middle-of-the-road film for the middle ages could have been a snoozer of a loser if not for the two Academy Award-winning actors who performed together in 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction.
Leading Roles
Dustin Hoffman (Harvey Shine); Emma Thompson (Kate Walker).
Also Appearing
Kathy Baker (Jean); James Brolin (Brian); Liane Balaban (Susan); Eileen Atkins (Maggie Walker).
Director/Screenwriter
Joel Hopkins (Jump Tomorrow).
Make the Connection
Harvey Shine (Hoffman) wanted to be jazz pianist but instead is on the verge of losing his job in New York as a composer of commercial jingles.
He’s in London to attend his daughter’s wedding, where his ex-wife (Baker) rents a house for everyone in the family to stay but him. He attends the rehearsal dinner in a rumpled suit that still includes the security tag. After many uncomfortable moments, his daughter Susan (Balaban) breaks the news that her dashing stepfather (Brolin) will be walking her down the aisle.
Article comments
1 - carmen
Agree with you on this one. If it wasn't for Hoffman or Thompson this would have been a yawner. Really enjoyed all of your reviews so keep it up. Looking to more in the future.