| Then She Found Me |
| Written by Philippa Wherrett | |
| Tuesday, 06 May 2008 | |
 Director: Helen HuntStarring: Helen Hunt, Bette Midler, Colin Firth, Matthew Broderick April Epner (Hunt) is a 39-year-old teacher desperate to get pregnant. An adopted child herself, she is determined to have her own child. April’s world is turned upside down when her husband leaves her and her adoptive mother dies. But replacements are waiting in the wings in the shape of Frank (Firth) and April’s biological mother, Bernice (Midler). Frank is the parent of one of her students whose wife has abandoned him. Bernice is a successful talk show host with a habit of lying. As April adjusts to all that life throws at her and her family shifts and changes, she discovers love is a choice and families can take many forms. Then She Found Me is based on the book of the same name by Elinor Lipman. Hunt co-wrote the script, produced, directed and stars in this dramatic comedy romance. They say wearing so many hats is generally a big no no in Hollywood, let alone with your directorial debut, but Hunt pulls it off with finesse and style. The Divine Miss M tones down her usual narcissistic tendencies to deliver a mostly dramatic performance with a sprinkle of Midler humour. The relationship between Bernice and April is totally believable. Midler and Hunt deliver some really great warm and fuzzy moments as the mismatched mother and daughter. There is a delicious chemistry between Firth and Hunt as the pair who stumble into love. Firth’s character has a marvellously enigmatic and dry sense of humour, which provides a good share of the comedy. Broderick is great as the immature ex-husband who can’t commit. The trials and travails of getting an independent film made are written all over Hunt. She’s gaunt and tired looking. Perhaps it’s intentional, but it’s very distracting when the film’s star looks older than the woman who’s playing her mother. Then She Found Me is an assured directing debut from Hunt. The film is a timely reminder that people who love you will hurt you – sometimes accidentally and sometimes on purpose – but that doesn’t mean they don’t love you. April’s journey is a struggle and at times she has so much on her shoulders you wonder how she’ll pull through. But the humour and some genuinely heartfelt moments take the edge off the drama to make it a thoroughly rewarding cinematic experience. WHEN: In cinemas 15 May MORE: hopscotchfilms.com.au |
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