Lawrence
Kasdan has always been a favorite of mine. With a resume that includes Silverado,
The BIg Chill, The Accidental Tourist, Grand Canyon, and a co-writing credit for
Raiders of the Lost Ark, Kasdan excells in character studies.
Mumford
is his first film since the lightweight French Kiss and the heavy-handed Wyatt
Earp, and it marks a welcome return to quirky characters and offbeat charm. Loren
Dean plays beloved psychiatrist Dr. Mumford--a doctor with a huge client list
who happens to live in the town of Mumford.
The
film doesn't really have a plot; instead, it's more of a series of strange situations
that really seem to work thanks to great writing and sharp directing. The spectacular
cast includes Dean, Alfre Woodard (Grand Canyon), Mary McDonnell (Dances with
Wolves), Ted Danson (Cheers), Pruitt Taylor-Vince (Heavy), and David Paymer (City
Slickers). The standouts are Hope Davis as the patient that Dean finds himself
drawn to and Jason Lee (Chasing Amy) as a sweet-natured modern mogul.
Kasdan
has fashioned a charming, unpredictable slice of life about love, friendship,
and second chances. It's a great film.
