OK for kids 14+
Midlife love story is sweet, but may not appeal to teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sweet romance about middle-aged lovers deals with some mature themes -- family dysfunction, for starters -- in a low-key way that likely won't lure too many younger viewers. But those who do see it, especially older teens, will be greeted with strong storytelling about a very realistic relationship. There's some strong language (mostly "s--t"), and few scenes involve drinking, primarily in a social setting (at pubs, for instance) -- though one character sits at a bar seemingly ready to drown his sorrows. It may feel like a downer at first, but it's ultimately a hopeful film.
- Families can talk about what makes this movie different from many Hollywood romances. Does the central relationship seem more or less realistic than in other romances you've seen? Why? How do most movies define "love"? How does that compare to real life? Also, what does the movie say about the power of forgiveness -- not only of others, but of yourself?
The good stuff
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Messages: A father tries to patch things up with his daughter, putting his already endangered job in more peril. A woman comes to a man's aid and not only befriends him but also helps him through a rough patch, as he does for her. A daughter grows increasingly exasperated with her needy mother but still stays patient and giving.
What to watch for
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Violence: Tense conversations, but no physical fights.
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Sex: A sweet kiss between two people falling in love.
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Language: Some brief outbursts of profanity, primarily "s--t."
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Consumerism: Some visible signage and product placement -- including but not limited to Johnnie Walker Black Label, Air Berliner, and Marriott -- but not an overwhelming amount.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some drinking, mostly social -- though one scene shows a man ready to drown out his sorrows in hard liquor.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Feel the Love by anothercanard
The performances in this movie are amazing. You can't go wrong with Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman together, really. Poignant, sweet, and heartbreakingly real, it's a must see even if they didn't win best actor/actress in a comedy.
5
Marvelous Film by Joe Critic
This is a well written, beautifully crafted, brilliantly acted adult romance with two pro's at the top of their game. If you like Dustin Hoffman or Emma Thompson, it's a must see.
5
take a chance on Last Chance by jrocmm
What a beautiful little film! It was a pleasure to see two actors of a certain age at the top of their form at a time when special effects seem the order of the day. You will be touched, you will laugh and like myself you will most certainly cry especially at the wedding scene and in the last moments of the film. Overall, you will feel uplifted in the end and not sorry that you spent 90 minutes of your life in a dark auditorium with complete strangers....three cheers for Dustin, Emma and the wonderful supporting cast!
4
Not bad, harvey by Ebatthemovies
Hoffman is his same old self. If you like his style of acting, you'll like this one because it's true-to-form, classic dusty. Thompson was the real acting genious of the film in my opinion. She is funny and absolutely charming. Saying something or saying nothing at all and still managing to make you feel something as the viewer is he major talent. Otherwise, the film mainly consists of these two getting to know each other so it's hard to critique much else. A nice enjoyable film for a Sunday afternoon.
4
Last Chance Harvey by saguaromo
What was the last movie you saw without the F* bomb in it? well, enjoy this one. It has a half dozen of the Sh* words -- with reason. Go to the movie ONLY if you enjoy character-driven, quiet, heart-pleasing stories. No car chases, no shootings, but great heart and soul. After you've lived a few years and lifetimes, it;s a pleasure to see two actors who can express themselves in words, in silence, in thought and in deed. Precise writing excellently photographed and portrayed.
4
Last Chance Harvey by SMPnyc
The acting in this movie is better than the script. That being said, it was a good movie. No surprises. no bizarre plot twists, no car chases or bombs exploding, just a nice character-driven plot.
5
Wow, a refreshing change for Hollywood! by nyca411
"Last Chance Harvey" is an achingly sweet, simple, and poignant movie played with perfecton by Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. While the situation/events are predictable, the movie approaches the heartbreak of divorce, single life, and rejection with honesty and humility. Hoffman's character would have every reason to put on the bravado and boast about himself to woo Thompson -- as men tend to do -- but instead, he openly admits his faiiures as a husband, father, and career pianist. It was delightful to watch the two characters blossom under the kindness of each other -- something they had both found lacking in every other relationship they'd tried. No profanity, sex, or violence to distract from the timeless reality of two people just needing to be loved. Thompson's line at the end is probably the best and most honest, accurate summation I've heard of why many people fail in relationships and are afraid of marriage. I won't spoil it for you -- go see the movie!
5
Last Chance Harvey by vaughnsherman
My husband, my daughter and I went to see this movie Friday night. We all agreed it was one of the best movies we had ever seen with amazing acting - certainly Academy Award level. The script was excellent. Why did it not receive any awards?
5
Last Chance Harvey by artkasper
Excellent--in all ways.
If you liked Dustin in THE GRADUATE, his latest flick will be nostalgic. i think he's like wine, gets better with age. I kept looking for Mrs. Robinson to show up at any moment. Especially pay close attention to the last few minutes that if I told you it would spoil the experience for you. A must see. I give it two toes up..
4
Last Chance Harvey by boomerbabe_ surreel
All I could think about was Dustin Hoffman in the Graduate.. There is something here that reminds me of that movie and his alienation and his honesty.
The best scene in the movie is the wedding toast. For all you boomers.. there is something here for us.