Twice In A Lifetime

This is the kind of film that evokes a definite emotional response: love or hate. Gene Hackman stars as a disillusioned Seattle steelworker who abandons his marriage with Ellen Burstyn for the considerable charms of barmaid Ann-Margret. The crux of the film centers on the character of Hackman's daughter (played by Amy Madigan in an Oscar-nominated role) who fights tooth and nail to hold the family together. We felt it was a one note performance, and it played like a ragged fingernail across a long blackboard. The film, nevertheless, has stand out moments (the scene where Hackman actually leaves Burstyn is flatout gut- wrenching in its emotional power). But the few shining scenes are drowned out by whole stretches of mawkish, pretentious, manipulative drivel (strong language, but like we said, the film demands a strong response). In all fairness, we should point out that some critics placed this film on their ten best lists for the year. Others ranked it considerably lower. Recommended for larger libraries who will need to meet demand. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review--July 12, 2005--Warner, 111 min., R, $19.98--Making its first appearance on DVD, 1985's Twice in a Lifetime features an ugly full screen transfer with Dolby Digital 2.0 sound. DVD extras include audio commentary by director Bud Yorkin, and costars Ann-Margret and Amy Madigan. Bottom line: a disappointing DVD debut of a so-so film.]