Writer/director Shainee Gabel, adapting Ronald Everett Capps's novel Off East Magazine Street, has given us a genuinely poignant film, full of the celebratory spirit of family, even if the impromptu family here is riddled with personality clashes (that invariably evolve into grudging affection, followed by real love). But it's the central cast triangle that makes the film so enjoyable. John Travolta as Bobby Long--a former professor of literature turned professional sot--serves up one of his best performances since Pulp Fiction. Gabriel Macht, as Lawson--a would-be novelist, and Bobby's former student and hanger-on--proves here that he's more than just a handsome face. But it's Scarlett Johansson, as Pursy--estranged daughter of a recently deceased friend of Bobby's--who steals the show, imbuing a half-grown child with a luminous, mature depth that even the character herself may be too young to see. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Shainee Gabel and cinematographer Elliot Davis, a behind-the-scenes featurette (28 min.), eight deleted scenes (11 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a fine character-driven film.] (M. Johanson)
A Love Song for Bobby Long
Sony, 119 min., R, VHS: $50.99, DVD: $26.98, Apr. 19 Volume 20, Issue 2
A Love Song for Bobby Long
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As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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