Big Eden

When openly gay Manhattan artist Henry Hart (Arye Gross) returns to his small hometown in Montana to care for his ailing grandfather, he finds himself pining for the high school one-that-got-away 20 years previous. Now divorced with two kids, this hunk is still ambivalent about his sexuality, a fence-sitting development that gives hope to the bashful Native American who runs the general store and carries a torch for Hart. Meanwhile, the busy-bodied local townsfolk--with nary a hint of homophobia among them (?!?)--do their collective best to play matchmaker and get their native son and favorite shopkeeper together. Louise Fletcher heads a fine cast of amiable actors in a fairytale setting with character traits and plot developments worthy of a classy sitcom. Implausible, but good-hearted, this is a strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)[Blu-ray Review—Nov. 3, 2015—Wolfe, 117 min., PG-13, Blu-ray: $24.95—Making its debut on Blu-ray, 2000's Big Eden features a nice transfer with 5.1 audio. Extras include audio commentary by director Thomas Bezucha, new “A Look Back” interviews with Bezucha and costars (21 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: this somewhat unbelievable but heartfelt favorite looks good on Blu-ray.]