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Product Description
Studio: Starz/sphe Release Date: 05/05/2009 Rating: Pg13
Anyone who’s seen the trailer for Last Chance Harvey can easily guess how it ends. In fact, the title alone is a clue. But the destination is hardly the point with movies like this; it’s the journey that counts, and this one is pretty entertaining. You could call director-writer Joel Hopkins’ film a romantic comedy, but it’s not especially robust in either of those departments. This is more of a character study, and veteran lead actors Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson are well up to the task of bringing theirs to life. Both are awkward, lonely, social misfits. Hoffman’s Harvey Shine is a bit of a schlub; his gig as a jingle composer in jeopardy, estranged from his ex-wife (Kathy Baker) and daughter (Liane Balaban), he flies to London for the latter’s wedding, only to have her tell him that she has chosen her step-father (James Brolin) rather than him to give her away. Meanwhile, Kate Walker (Thompson) spends her days trying to survey harried travelers at Heathrow Airport, answering her meddling mother’s constant stream of cell phone calls, and awaiting the all-to-inevitable onset of spinsterhood. Harvey has already brushed her off once when, having put in a humiliating appearance at the wedding and missed his return flight to America, he runs into her in an airport bar. What ensues--the initial repartee and sarcastic snarking, the gradual breaking of the ice, the burgeoning attraction, the complications and misunderstandings--is entirely predictable. But it’s also well done. These are people one might actually identify with; when Kate tells him, "I’m more comfortable with being disappointed. I’m angry with you for trying to take that away," one senses a real person in there, which helps raise Last Chance Harvey above its conventions. --Sam Graham Fennessy
Get to Know the Cast From Last Chance Harvey
Dustin Hoffman (Harvey)
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Emma Thompson (Kate)
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Kathy Baker (Jean)
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Beyond Last Chance Harvey on DVD 
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Stills from Last Chance Harvey (Click for larger image)
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Customer Reviews: - A Nice Little Film to Snuggle To
I love both Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson and was very happy to see them in a quirky romance together. It was a nice little film perfect for snuggling on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and relaxing with before bed. It had just enough romance and heartache to interest the girls and enough laughs to keep the guys awake.
It is as someone said previously very formulaic. I guessed what was going to happen in one scene before it did (read too many screenwriter books dear?) and completely astonished my spouse and son with my prescient announcement of the plot point that would impact the relationship of the charming couple.
Harvey is a jingle writer in New York who is so busy in the advertising business that he is anxious about leaving for London for his daughter's wedding. Kate is a lonely manager of a group of Marketers at Heathrow airport interviewing travelers as they arrive (I did this at Graceland once for a few extra bucks it isn't fun). The two meet incidentally as a harried Harvey arrives and Kate is rebuffed by him.
Harvey arrives and finds his ex wife has hidden him off far away for he is somewhat of a selfish boor. He meets his daughter and we can tell he loves her but seems to put business first. After a series of embarrassments he decides he will leave right after the wedding.
Kate lives alone and is constantly harassed by her mother who needs a lot of attention (there is a comic subplot between the mom and a neighbor) and is constantly fixed up with blind dates by her coworkers. She is very lonely but afraid of being hurt.
The two meet in the airport bar when Harvey misses his flight back to New York and will have to spend another day in the UK. They strike up a conversation and find a mutual respect for one another. Harvey too is lonely and depressed and decides to spend the day with her.
The rest of the story is fairly predictable yet I believe you will enjoy how Kate helps Harvey reconcile with his family and his dreams and how Harvey helps Kate overcome her loneliness and fears....more info - 3 ? Stars: First Loves,Second Chances, Everything In-Between
I still hate romantic comedies but occasionally, I would try to see one just to keep my objectivities grounded. It is a good way to not become jaded with the types of movies I see, after all there is only too much action, fantasy and horror one can see in an extended period before one gets burned out. Heck, I may have just done this for a woman, but you never know. Anyway, Joel Hopkins' "LAST CHANCE HARVEY" has one of the most likable actors in the person of Dustin Hoffman (Tootsie, the Graduate) so I decided to give it a chance. Written and directed by Hopkins, the film is an endearing story of just how things just tend to work out in manner truly unexpected, and that taking a chance may lead to our happiness.
Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman) is song writer who makes commercial jingles who lives in New York. He is having some work issues, as his boss is beginning to see him as the "old guard" in a new generation. Well, that's the least of his worries, as he flies to London to attend his daughter's wedding--he is informed that she will be asking her step father to give her away. To make things worst, Harvey missed his return flight and is on the verge of getting fired. Enter Kate Walker (Emma Thompson) a woman who works in the statistics department. Kate is a nice lady who is committed to taking care of her mother. Harvey spends the next few hours talking with Kate that the two end up enjoying each other's company immensely. Harvey has one last chance at love, will fate bring them together?
The film's main draw would have to be the performances between Thompson and Hoffman. They play off each other nicely, and I thought it was endearing that Hoffman is a lot shorter than Thompson, it gives their uneasy relationship a needed `character'. The two do appear like they're common folk that you would see walking by. The two do develop some chemistry as the film goes on, the `getting to know you' part of their relationship happens mostly off-camera, which is why some people may not really buy into their `one day' relationship and may say they lacked chemistry. Well, the movie is about taking chances and complications; director Joel Hopkins does manage to flesh out our two leads in a manner I thought was effective.
The first act of the film is more about Harvey, when he arrives in London. He attends a party, with his ex-wife and daughter, and he unavoidably feels very alienated. Anyone would be bummed out when the step-father would be giving his daughter away. Then, Hopkins switches the scenes to see Kate taking care of her mom, then on a blind date that would not work out. It was also quite clever, the way Hopkins tossed in two missed opportunities for the two the meet, one in the airport and one in a cab. The screenplay by Hopkins gave the viewer a good amount of groundwork in fleshing out our two lead characters and remembers to put in a dose of fate into the mix. Only after Harvey misses his flight, with nothing to lose that the two finally get to talk in a bar/restaurant in the airport.
As the title implies, this movie is about Harvey Shine. For a film like this to succeed, it has to have certain heartbreaking moments and Dustin Hoffman delivers quite a few. The scene where he does the toast in the reception is definitely touching, and when he elaborates his failure as a father and as a husband to Kate, just made Harvey one VERY sympathetic character. Emma Thompson's Kate Walker also has her share of baggage's to carry, she seemed to have been stuck in a situation that she feels obligated to follow through. Kate gives hints to her very disappointing past, in the park and also in the film's final act. It was quite sad to see one used to disappointment that it became a routine of life for her.
Now, despite the charm and manner as to how Hopkins manages to get the two together, the film does have its flaws. While the direction manages to flesh out Harvey and Kate, the film focuses more on Harvey, and it feels that Kate's complications aren't as important or significant as those of Harvey's issues. Yes, Harvey does have the more unfortunate path, but I thought there were missed opportunities in fleshing out Kate's issues. I rather thought that the subplot with her mother and the next neighbor was fun and clever, but I was more curious about Kate's background. Kate feels like a supporting character rather than a lead. Harvey's character was obviously better written than hers. Also, the film falls into the usual stereotypical nuances that complicate a relationship in the last act. I thought it was very clich¨¦d and feels a little long-winded. It would have been better to just have the `taking a chance' part take full circle; but then we see Harvey racing to the airport in pure stereotypical dramatic fashion.
"Last Chance Harvey" is a charming, endearing tale about adult romance. Despite some plot mistakes, it was admirable in its penchant for adult relationships. It has good intentions but it does come up a little short. There were parts that I wished that this movie had limited supporting interactions and instead relied more on our two characters talking, it may have focused more on the "taking a chance" angle. Still, the dramatic performances by Hoffman and Thompson provide the film its needed zest, and the film gets a recommended rating from me.
Recommended! [3 ? Stars]
Video/Audio: 2.35:1 ratio anamorphic widescreen. Nothing too flashy with the picture quality, some scenes lacked contrast but black levels were stronger on most. The 5.1 Dolby digital sound is quite powerful and clear, the soundtrack does sound perfectly endearing.
Extras: commentary by Hopkins and making of feature. Original theatrical trailer.
Disc 2: An unnecessary full frame version of the film.
...more info - A breath of fresh air...
This movie is wonderful. I have to comment on some of the criticisms I have seen here--if you are looking for belly laughs and lousy computer generated effects,take your short attention span back to your x-box. This movie is a beautiful exercise in real story telling. These two seasoned actors bring incredible meaning and depth to a movie about real things that happen to people in real life. I was touched by the obvious and not so obvious messages in this story and feel it was, for me, a much awaited change from the fast-paced, meaningless bumblers Hollywood keeps ralphing out. Very well done--and thanks to Hoffman and Thompson for taking me along for the stroll. I needed the fresh air......more info - Charming, Sweet, Slow and, Well, Sweet...
A slow moving character study that asks and answers some of life's big questions. Emma Thompson, as always, shines as a real-life, slightly neurotic and charming soul. Dustin Hoffman plays the driven underdog who discovers that his drive, once diverted may lead to a rich life.
Those movie lovers who want break neck pace will likely yawn at best during this film. But those hungry for movies that inspire and challenge and feed the need for peaceful introspection should find whetted, if not satisfied, appetites upon tasting this sweet and simple film.
Refreshingly clean, other than a few sexual comments and a burst of sh---ys it's almost family friendly and should appeal the Hallmark-type- movie lover's palate. Character collectors should like the subtle and layered realistic humans in the capable hands of Thompson and Hoffman. Humor, sadness and life are plentiful in this film.
...more info - A pleasant, though not spectacular, rom-com and character study
I seem to be on a bit of a romantic comedy streak lately, with another recent film viewing (and review) being the somewhat more silly and definitely younger (compared to this film) skewing film New In Town having been watched only a few days before watching this film. Other than both being romantic comedies, there's really not much in common between that title and this one.
Last Chance Harvey was clearly aimed at providing a vehicle for a couple of actors a bit more long in the tooth, with the still somewhat boyishly looking Dustin Hoffman pairing up with Emma Thompson. I note somewhat boyishly because if you research Hoffman's real age you may find it somewhat unbelievable that the young fellow that starred in The Graduate so long ago is as old as he really is (born in 1937). Emma Thompson could easily be Hoffman's daughter given the differences in their ages (she was born in 1959), but that would be a different movie entirely (like say the movie Rumor Has It with Jennifer Aniston) and in reality Thompson stands well enough above Hoffman that you'd have to wonder a bit just who her mother would have had to be.
Despite those age differences, both work well enough for their roles here, as does a snow white haired James Brolin in a small part as the second husband of Harvey's (Hoffman) ex-wife. Brolin is supposed to be an older gentleman compared to the younger Hoffman, even though Brolin is actually approx. 3 years younger than Hoffman. With the white hair, Brolin certainly looks the part.
The basic premise of the story is that Harvey Shine is at a bit of a crossroads in his life. He composes and plays music for commercial jingles. His daughter (an American) is about to marry another American citizen, but the marriage is to take place in London (where both happen to be) so Harvey must travel even as he has a big deal in the works, perhaps a career breaking deal. His boss tries to push Harvey to take plenty of time to attend the wedding signaling to Harvey that he's being pushed out of his job, even though he's sure he can still do it and still make the deal. So, off Harvey goes to attend his estranged daughter's wedding, where he'll wind up (thanks to the writers and perhaps the alignment of the stars) crossing paths with Kate Walker (Thompson) a government employee (survey taker) in London.
In many ways this story is somewhat reminiscent of Lost in Translation, and honestly, in some ways I think the role of Harvey could easily have been filled by Bill Murray (who is a good bit closer to Thompson's age). That said, I can't complain about Hoffman's performance here, though I wonder if I'd be more 'shocked' by the difference in the actors ages if I were to have seen this on high definition (Blu-ray) as opposed to standard definition DVD. Regardless, the comparison to Lost in Translation is probably a pretty good one as both are pretty decent examples of character studies.
Honestly, this isn't really a traditional romantic comedy. It's more serious, more mature, and realistically is a character study that happens to include some comedic elements than it is anything close to a romantic comedy. There's not much silliness, and if one can overlook the contrivance of having both of the stars cross paths and form a strong bond in a short period of time, it doesn't really contain enough contrivances to qualify in the rom-com category.
I mention Blu-ray above and noted that I viewed this one on DVD (and not Blu-ray). That's somewhat unusual for me, but in this case I had the DVD available, so that's what I viewed. Surprisingly the DVD picture quality was pretty nice, while there were background images that weren't as sharp as I'd expect the Blu-ray would offer, the shots of the actors looked very nice. That said, I wonder if perhaps those same shots would have shown more of Hoffman's age if viewed in high definition.
One thing that my wife and I did notice and which nagged at us a bit, as the film progresses along and Harvey and Kate begin to bond they take a bit of a journey around London that would seem to have occupied a considerable amount of time, yet, somehow, as if by magic they are able to arrive at another event at a key time. How the day wasn't already fairly well exhausted and how they could get across town in time seems to be a point that we aren't supposed to notice or question. Other than that though, the film seemed to just fine.
Last Chance Harvey was a decent film, and I might peg it at the 3-1/2 star level if offered the choice of using half stars here. There's really nothing objectionable about it, and honestly it's somewhat difficult to give any real reason why I couldn't give the film 4 or even 5 stars other than just the feeling that while it's a good film it's not a great film and because of that falls back into the mid-range for me.
Is this one a purchase rather than rental material? I'd have to say it's borderline. For some it would make a great purchase, for others, probably not so much. If possible rent first and then buy yourself a copy after you determine it's something you'd like to watch repeatedly, or perhaps buy a copy for friends and family that you think would enjoy it....more info - Romance and revival in London
My wife and I often disagree about movies --I am a long-time romantic and she is more cynical and practical.
But in this movie, we both agreed that these two actors---Hoffman and Thompson ---were doing fine work and bringing spark and originality to what other reviewers have called a traditional romantic comedy.
Both these stars hit it just right, and director-writer Joel Hopkins lets them add just the right touch of realism ---like Thompson slowly getting ignored out on a blind date, and Hoffman getting insecure and lonely by himself --with initial loss of his bride-daughter to her step father, and sudden loss of his job.
By themselves they are not faring well, but together, they are like an army of 10. I really admired Thomson's Kate, who quickly helps Hoffman's Harvey reunite with his daughter, and the rest of the family.
Early on, I was pulling for these two people to make it ---in romantic London. And worried that they might not, given the details that had to fall in place.
My wife was more realistic, but she too was in their corner.
So be sure to take this movie in, especially with someone close to you. It will be a fine evening, and you will wind up enriched and ready for the frustrations and surprises we all encounter almost every day.
Earl...more info - Very sweet and emotional drama, not a comedy
This is a very simple love story. This movie is an honest portrayal of two lonely, middle-aged people who meet and fall in love.
I think it was very well written and acted out with great emotion. The soundtrack, setting, camera work all blend together.
I don't know why or how this movie got labeled as a romantic-comedy. Even the trailers (theatrical and tv spots) clearly represent the movie as a drama. There is a smattering of humor, but most of the movie is lovely drama....more info - Hoffman shines ...
Dustin Hoffman just shines in this film. He captures the collapsing middle aged man, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. The man who presses on, understanding his shortcomings and failures, still hoping for the best. When Hoffman looks back on his long, illustrious career someday, I think this will be one of the roles he may recall most fondly....more info - It's Never Too Late For A Chance At Happiness
"Last Chance Harvey" is the type of film that makes you stand back and re-evaluate your life. "Am I truly happy?" "If not, what can I do to make myself happy?" "Is it too late for me to have another chance at happiness?" "Last Chance Harvey" is a bittersweet romantic drama where two mismatched people fall in love and discover that it's never too late to find happiness in life.
Dustin Hoffman ("Rain Man") gives a radiant performance as Harvey Shine who use to be a lot of fun according to his ex-wife. Now he is an aging, workaholic musician who has one last chance to sell an advertisement jingle or else it's the unemployment line for him. He travels to London to attend the wedding of his daughter Susan whom he neglected as a child. Soon after landing, he learns that he's lost his job, Susan wants her stepfather to give her away at the wedding, and he has just missed his last flight back to the states. As he reflects on his ruined life, he encounters the reserved Kate Walker (adorably played by Emma Thompson of "Remains of the Day"); she is a government statistician working at the Heathrow Airport. Kate would rather be alone, and constantly harangued by her bored mom, than risk the heartache of dating. Somehow, the two lonesome birds develop a friendship that blossoms into trust and love.
"Last Chance Harvey" taught me that we all make mistakes that we live to regret later on in life. Fortunately, there is forgiveness. We must forgive ourselves and move on. If we don't give ourselves another chance, no one else will. Whether you are young, middle aged or living in your twilight years, you deserve a second chance and a third chance and so on until you find true love. And "Last Chance Harvey" is filled with love. The love shared by daughter and mother, the love shared by two newlyweds, and the love shared by friends who only want the best for each other.
I've always heard that the weather is gloomy in London. Not so in "Last Chance Harvey." The sun always shined on beautiful London locales such as the Thames River, which seemed to play an important backdrop in this film. Other London locations included Belsize Park, Maida Vale, Somerset House and Grosvenor House Hotel. Lovely music is heard throughout the film, such as the song played during the closing credits, "Where Do We Go," written and performed by Sandrine Daniels.
"Last Chance Harvey" is highly recommended for those who enjoy romantic drama with substance, style and class. Other poignant, emotionally charged films that fall into this category are "Henry Poole is Here" and "The Visitor." All of these have been given the royal treatment by Anchor Bay Entertainment.
...more info - Disappointed by two great actors
For two such great stars and talents to appear in such an inane, poorly conceived picture is another very sad commentary on Hollywood in general, and especially the writers, screenplay creators, and producers who shell out money thinking this would appeal to moviegoers. What a tremendous insult to us as the audience. The material is out there from many, many novels, true life stories, etc., that to make a movie like this seems like such a waste of actors talents and producers money. What more can I say? There are so MANY great stories out there just waiting to be made, and this drivel is what is produced. ...more info - Harvey and Kate do London...
I expected lots more cleverness but instead got cliches, albeit done nicely by the two leads who seem to enjoy each other. Otherwise, this makes a nice older-date-movie and/or cheap rental.
There were times when all I thought about was how to remove a clothes sensor at home which, unfortunately, shows just how 'riveting' the plot was. ...more info - A Competently Made Romantic Comedy sans Spring Chickens
"Last Chance Harvey" is a Romantic Comedy, but different from its brethren because:
1. The man and woman in question are not glamorous-looking twenty-somethings.
2. They are in fact played by Academy Award winning performers.
Other than that "Harvey" has much in common.
1. There is a "meet cute". All romantic comedies must have the "boy-meets-girl" scene, and since the leads are played by Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, this scene is a little better than most. This if followed by one of those genre montages where our couple walks blissfully around London getting to know each other, except that we hear the soundtrack and see their smiling faces rather than listen to their dialogue. (If your movie stars Hoffman and Thompson, wouldn't you WANT them to be talking and smiling instead of just smiling?)
2. There is a scene where Harvey and Kate are supposed to meet for a "second date", and one of them is unable to make it for a reason that the other person would instantly understand if they only knew, but they don't know, leading the other person to think that they've been stood up.
3. There is a variation on my least favorite Romantic Comedy clich¨¦ - the scene near the end when it looks like they're not going to be together, but the male character realizes he's making a Big Mistake and rushes to the airport to catch his destiny. Most of the variation in THIS rendition of the clich¨¦ comes because Kate WORKS at the airport, so Harvey has to meet her there.
Several romantic comedies have featured "lovable losers", but I suppose that the "twist" in this story is that Harvey has "hit bottom". He wanted to be a jazz pianist, but his ability is only good enough to write music to accompany television commercials. Even in this dreams-not-achieved world he is barely hanging onto his job as he flies to London for the wedding of his estranged daughter. The daughter is completely assimilated into the world of the ex-wife and the step-father. Harvey is an uncomfortable fish out of water. Kate seems at least secure in her job as an airport poll-taker, although her social life's highlight is her mother, who phones about once an hour to describe the strange goings-on of her neighbor.
"Last Chance Harvey" is well-done fluff, the film equivalent of cotton candy.
...more info
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