The Magic of Belle Isle Photos

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Cast

Morgan Freeman
as Monte Wildhorn

Virginia Madsen
as Charlotte O'Neil

Madeleine Carroll
as Willow O'Neil

Emma Fuhrmann
as Finnegan O'Neil

Fred Willard
as Al Kaiser

Kenan Thompson
as Henry

Nicolette Pierini
as Flora O'Neil

C.J. Wilson
as Fire Captain

Ash Christian
as Carl Loop

Debargo Sanyal
as Mahmoud

Jessica Hecht
as Karen Loop

Christopher McCann
as Bookstore Owner

Kevin Pollak
as Joe Viola

Boyd Holbrook
as Luke Ford

Lucas Caleb Rooney
as Clown

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Critic Reviews for The Magic of Belle Isle

Audience Reviews for The Magic of Belle Isle

• Sep 25, 2015

  This is a hidden gem from director Rob Reiner, reconnecting him with Morgan Freeman from The Bucket List. If you enjoyed that film, you'll probably like this one as well. This concerns a journey through life's turmoil, although without the presence of Nicholson-much less acerbic. Belle Isle is a beautiful, tender story about characters you really care about. Like Bucket List, this movie is about second chances in life, making the best of what time you have left. I appreciated that it had a theme for every stage of life, although it centered on Monte Wildhorn (Freeman). The intersection of his life with the newly-divorced mother and children of varying ages next door was the perfect complement and foil for Wildhorn. The film does venture into schmaltzy, Hallmark territory, but just go with it. Allowing yourself simply to be inspired and entertained won't hurt. One criticism: The sort-of romantic angle between Monte Wildhorn and Charlotte O'Neil (Virginia Madsen) seemed forced, not plausible or realistic to me. Madsen was quoted as saying that her on-screen relationship with Freeman (albeit brief) was the first on-screen romance in his long, storied career. Kudos to Reiner, then for thinking outside the box.
  Clintus M Super Reviewer
• Feb 05, 2013

  Comic drama that can best be described as nice, Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen make it seem better than it is.
  jay n Super Reviewer
• Jul 11, 2012

  Rob Reiner is a good at taking adult themes, and turning them into good family orientated films. "Stand By Me" is my favorite Reiner movie, as I grew up watching that with my mom. Here, Morgan Freeman plays Monte, a alcoholic, paralyzed writer, who has lost the will to to write. Monte movies to Belle Isle and befriends a single mom(Virginia Madsen) and her three young daughters, whom help him find his inspiration again. It's a good, sweet natured, borderline sappy PG movie. The performances are all good, especially Freeman. It's good to see him in an actual leading role again instead of a supporting player or voice over. The rest of the cast is very good, as all three daughters do a terrific job, as does the usually great Madsen. It may be too boring for kids, and honestly it does drag a little during the middle, but it's still very entertaining and a good watch. Good watch.
  

  Everett J Super Reviewer
• Jul 10, 2012

  Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen's performances are the best reason to watch this film. They shine in the film and have a great on screen chemistry. Keenan Thompson also does a good job with his supporting role. All 3 daughters in the film are great too. My problem with the film was the tone of the film. It felt too much like an after school TV movie than a regular theatrical release. Also the pacing was off. Some scenes are too slow. Still, despite the flaws, I do recommend the film, especially for Freeman and Madsen's performances.
  Sol C Super Reviewer

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