The Magic of Belle Isle

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Cast & Crew

Morgan Freeman
Monte Wildhorn

Virginia Madsen
Mrs. O'Neil

Madeline Carroll
Willow

Emma Fuhrmann
Finnegan

Nicolette Pierini
Flora

Kenan Thompson
Henry

Fred Willard
Al Kaiser

Ash Christian
Carl

Kevin Pollak
Joe Viola

Jessica Hecht
Karen Loop

Boyd Holbrook
Luke

Rob Reiner
Director

Guy Thomas
Screenwriter

Rob Reiner
Producer

Alan Greisman
Producer

Lori McCreary
Producer

Salli Newman
Producer

David Valdes
Producer

Martin Shafer
Executive Producer

Liz Glotzer
Executive Producer

Jared Goldman
Executive Producer

Reed Morano
Cinematographer

Dorian Harris
Film Editor

Marc Shaiman
Original Music

Tom Lisowski
Production Design

Kevin Bird
Art Director

Sara Parks
Set Decoration

Shawn Holly Cookson
Costume Designer

Susan Shopmaker
Casting

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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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