Griffin & Phoenix (2006)

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

I registered on IMDb because of this because I think it deserve good review and rating. First of all I am not fan of Amanda Peet. Maybe because of movies she usually play in but I decided to watch this movie based on IMDb reviews and rating. I just found out this movie is remake http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074592/ and I will try to watch the original too. Story might seem too unbelievable to happen in real live and that it is used just to make movie makers the money. But quite contrary movies shows the good and bad times of life in perfect way and reminds how life and time is precious. Acting is really great and scenario is perfect. I wish I could described it better in English.

I am surprised at the low number of votes for this movie as it is really good movie and should have more exposure. Granted it was a little contrived sometimes but there are also many times where it doesn't fall into clichés.Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney have done an amazing job. They have brought the characters to life. Everybody else has a small role as movie belongs to the two leads.There are some obvious faults in the movie. It is not very realistic and a little contrived. But at the same time it also breaks some norms associated with these type of movies. While it may be unpalatable to some people, I liked this movie because of those parts. The part I am referring to is when Griffin who is portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, goes to meet his kids after coming to know that he has one year to live(It is not really a spoiler as we come to know about it just when the film starts). Instead of sharing a bonding moment, his efforts are rebuked by his kids. We see in him a realization that it is a little late to make up for the time he has ignored them in the past. He knows that he can get their affection if he tells them that he is going to die, but he chooses not to, treating it as his comeuppance.

For a storyline that supposed to discuss the most sensitive topics in the world (which are life and death) the movie failed to convey the proper emotions or the certain level of connection that is expected between the actors and the viewers. On screen, the actors did not display the kind of chemistry that a "reel love team" should evoke, which was surprising when both have played commendable roles in romantic films and shows (i.e. Mulroney in "My Bestfriend's Wedding" and "The Wedding Date" and Peet in "Jack and Jill"). Needless to say, the movie can easily bore or annoy someone. I honestly believe that the way the movie presented the life of two people destined to fall in love with each other and eventually experience death, has been an utter insult to the viewers' intellect and emotions. It was an absolute waste of money, time and effort going to the cinema just to see this movie. It was very disappointing indeed.

First, I want a DVD or the chance to tape this movie. Two actors that are not "super" stars but both very capable and respected. It's a story about life, not death. Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney will make you laugh and break your heart. Have the big box of tissue ready, but you'll be a better person for having watched it. The movie hooked me in the first five minutes. I couldn't stop watching, the chemistry just felt so real between the two of them. When I was in high school I read a short story written by a student, "How High the Moon". I know no one knows it but this story is like that. You think no one else in this world understands what you are thinking right at this moment or what you are going through and you couldn't be more wrong. I only saw it this afternoon and here I am writing my thoughts on it. If you haven't seen it make every effort to. If you're the type that doesn't cry at a movie guess what, there is a first time for everything.