Director Steve Stockman takes the helm for this semi-autobiographical comedy drama about an estranged family that comes together for one last goodbye, and finds their assumedly brief farewell inexorably dragged out for two excruciating weeks. Aging matriarch Anita (Sally Field) is dying, but before she goes, she has requested that her four grown children travel back home to visit their ailing mother on her deathbed. Eager to gain a better understanding of the dying process, daughter Emily
purchases a variety of self-help books on the subject. Though brother Keith (Ben Chaplin) soon arrives determined to float through the process in typical L.A. Zen mode, Emily contends that the only way to be prepared for the future is to consider every detail that can go awry. When PR executive Barry arrives intent on getting some work done before death comes knocking, it appears as if he is more concerned with getting broadband Internet in the house than actually tending to his mother. Meanwhile, youngest brother Matthew sets at the sidelines biding his time as his unlikable wife, Katrina, callously speculates on which of the dying woman's luxurious jewels she will be inheriting. Now, as Anita begins to look back at her life while reflecting on the time spent with her family, the question of who will hold this family together once she is gone casts a melancholy shadow over her fond memories. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Field looks appropriately wiped out. Although given how brittle, awkward, and completely uninteresting her younger co stars are, she could just be exasperated -- she's doing all the lifting.
Attempts at black humor, although not unrealistic during such a trying time, fall flat. Far worse than not laughing at the jokes, you're unlikely to be moved to tears at sad moments.
Sally Field gives a brave and convincing portrayal of a woman facing death. It's a heartbreaking performance and Field attacks the mental and physical pain facing Anita with veracity.
TWO WEEKS offers some positive views on hospice care and tackles head-on a theme that few American features do, but it lacks the gravitas of something like the European drama THE DEATH OF MR. LAZARESCU.
The well-intentioned screenplay is all over the map, with many scenes too truncated to go anywhere dramatically or emotionally. Is a cancer movie that leaves you dry-eyed an oxymoron?
Sally Field's flawless performance as a mother whose imminent death reunites her four grown children elevates a fairly formulaic melodrama... into something considerably more memorable.
Although quite touching and stitched with black humor, little of what transpires feels like it's happening to particular people at a particular time in a particular place.
Sally Field, Julianne Nicolson, Ben Chaplin, Clea DuVall, Glenn Howerton
Four siblings rush home to say a last goodbye to their very sick mother. When she hangs on, they find themselves trapped together for two weeks. Through laughter and tears, they come to terms with the tragedies we all must face and rediscover
the joy we find in each other. The film chronicles the Bergmans' alternately heartbreaking and hilarious struggles, intercut with Anita's own reflections on her life and her family. What happens to a family when the one person who holds it together can't hold on anymore?
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Sally Field is amazing. She absolutely breaks my heart in this movie. Anyone who has had a close member pass away from cancer like myself just recently, can relate to this story. This movie takes you to where many of us have been when they are all coming together to say goodbye to a loved one. This movie will have you back and forth from tears to laughter. Sally field is one who never disappoints with another brilliant performance. A must see.
September 1, 2009
♥˩ƳИИ ƜѲѲƉƧ♥
Super Reviewer
Sally Field is formidable as the dying mother, and this bittersweet dramatic comedy movie's warm advocacy of hospice, with all the dignity such end-of-life care provides, does real, influential good.
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