Aurora Borealis (2005)

Sadly Over-hyped

Captivating movie !

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

I enjoyed the characters in this movie tremendously.Donald Sutherland is riveting as an 82-year old man with Parkinson's disease and rapidly advancing Alzheimers. I would recommend the movie for that reason alone. Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher brings great feeling and warmth to her role as his wife. The death-cloud that hangs over these two brave characters is contrasted by the vivacious love of Jason Jackson and Juliete Lewis. They are warm and playful and believable, and there's no way a viewer can not root for their happiness. The setting, Minneapolis, is a wonderful change of pace from the usual NY/LA scenes. Supporting characters seem natural - neither more nor less than you would expect of them.I would've rated this move higher, but the ending is too pat. I won't give it away, but the story has three mysteries and 10 minutes from the end it seems like everyone realized "Oops, only ten minutes left to finish the movie." In quick succession, each of the three mysteries is resolved, exactly like you'd imagine they'd be. It's a shame, because a movie that makes us think & feel for 113 minutes ends up with 10 minutes of "yup, of course." See it anyway.

The opening scene was filmed on one of the coldest days on record, and vividly illustrates the harsh cold of Minneapolis in winter. The climate and surroundings fit the family's story well, since even in the coldest, harshest reality there is a glimmer of warmth and love.One little annoying detail...they were too cheap to film in San Diego! The San Diego scene was filmed somewhere in LA...we don't have neighborhoods or freeways that look like that...it's only a 2 hour drive...come on.Other than that it was a great film. Donald Sutherland was amazing, he really found the character.

I saw a screening of this movie last night and absolutely loved it. I went in with little to no expectations, and the film definitely delivered. The performances were subtle yet perfectly spot on, with the standouts being Joshua Jackson and Donald Sutherland. This is a true leading man role for Jackson, and takes him beyond just being "Pacey" into being a great, adult actor. Donald Sutherland is also a revelation, and their acting chemistry is fantastic.The film isn't manipulative or preachy, it just tells a story and tells it well and manages to make you care about every single character, which is quite an accomplishment. This is James Burke's first film, and I hope he makes many more because he is a talent. He has quite a way with actors (he got a great performance out of everyone, even the smallest characters) and a great sense of tone and control. He also was able to balance the humor of the script with the pathos, and never make it feel forced.If you like films about real characters and real emotions, you should see this movie -- you won't be disappointed.

This is a great film, very moving as well as funny. I got a chance to see it at its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, 2005. Donald Sutherland and Louise Fletcher are extraordinary as the grandparents. I didn't realize how much I had missed seeing them act. Personally I think it's the best thing I've seen Josh Jackson do, and I plan to buy the soundtrack if it gets released. The director is James Burke - I've not seen any of the other movies he directed but he's really good. The pacing seemed just right, he did a great job casting the major parts and I felt he got a lot out of the secondary actors as well. I think it's miscast as a family picture by Tribeca - it's much better and edgier than the standard family fare and there's language use and sexuality not always appropriate for the under 13 crowd. Please note that my 12 year old son saw it with me and loved it. I just had the urge to cover his eyes twice but I resisted. :-)