The film starts out promisingly. Grace Beasley (Kathy Bates) is told by her husband of thirty years (Dan Ackroyd) that he no longer wants to be married to her and needs to find excitement in his life. A few days later Grace's favorite singer, Victor Fox, is murdered by a serial killer. About to fall off the deep end, Grace decides to live life herself and impulsively travels to England for the funeral of Mr. Fox. There she meets Dirk Simpson (Rupert Everett), Mr. Fox's long time "valet," and the two form an unusual friendship that benefits them both.
P.J. Hogan, who directed such films as Muriel's Wedding and My Best Friend's Wedding, also wrote and directed this film. Like Muriel, Grace Beasley is an overweight under-appreciated woman who is scared to live life, but ultimately decides to make changes. Kathy Bates does a splendid job in making the audience feel for this character as we slowly watch the transformation. Performances are strong by the whole cast. I would recommend it alone for the hilarious performance by Grace's dwarf daughter in law who steals every scene she's in.
In the last half hour, Grace and Dirk, decide to avenge Victor's death and find the "Crossbow Killer." At this point the characters lose credibility and the film goes way over the top. Director P.J. Hogan seems to enjoy adding scenes in his films where the characters break into song. Remember the funny "Say a Little Prayer" scene at the restaurant in My Best Friend's Wedding? Here the idea is used three times. Twice in unnecessary cameos by Julie Andrews and once in a scene on the Sally Jesse Raphael show. These musical numbers are really not that funny or necessary and detract from the film.
Despite the flaws, "Unconditional Love" ultimately wins you over with its heart. I guarantee you'll leave this film in a better mood.
P.J. Hogan, who directed such films as Muriel's Wedding and My Best Friend's Wedding, also wrote and directed this film. Like Muriel, Grace Beasley is an overweight under-appreciated woman who is scared to live life, but ultimately decides to make changes. Kathy Bates does a splendid job in making the audience feel for this character as we slowly watch the transformation. Performances are strong by the whole cast. I would recommend it alone for the hilarious performance by Grace's dwarf daughter in law who steals every scene she's in.
In the last half hour, Grace and Dirk, decide to avenge Victor's death and find the "Crossbow Killer." At this point the characters lose credibility and the film goes way over the top. Director P.J. Hogan seems to enjoy adding scenes in his films where the characters break into song. Remember the funny "Say a Little Prayer" scene at the restaurant in My Best Friend's Wedding? Here the idea is used three times. Twice in unnecessary cameos by Julie Andrews and once in a scene on the Sally Jesse Raphael show. These musical numbers are really not that funny or necessary and detract from the film.
Despite the flaws, "Unconditional Love" ultimately wins you over with its heart. I guarantee you'll leave this film in a better mood.