Writer: Lai Swee Wei

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Effects: NA
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Watch this if you liked: “Julie & Julia”, “New in Town”

Inspired by the life of actor and Hollywood icon George Hamilton (who is not in this movie, not even a cameo), this story however is heavily based on the life of his mother Anne Deveraux, played by the ever poutful Renee Zellweger. Set in the 1950's, it kicks off to a story of what happened when George Hamilton's parents divorced. Anne, a beautiful woman of such grace and class, takes her two boys, older son Robbie (Mark Rendall), who strives to be at the centre of attention on stage, and the cynical yet observant aspiring writer George (Logan Lerman), on a road trip to find someone to take care of her and her two sons. As the miles roll by, their journey veers from eccentric, to hair rising, to poignant, to comic.

Soon as the trio departs from New York, Anne comes across former beaus and old male mates, and it's apparent that playboys and losers outnumber the eligible bachelors. A strong, enthusiastic woman, Anne never gives up and continues to search for the "perfect husband and father". Her misadventures are as fascinating as watch as she gets into awkward situations with many male suitors, ranging from financially problematic to psychologically disturbed. The brutes she meets give the film its energy and give her a journey worth making for the audience. What more with the help of the outstanding performances of the boys, one as a flamboyant homosexual and the other as a mature gentleman.

The relationship between George and his mother is tense throughout, but as Anne begins to try her best at being a good providing mother, you'll appreciate their relationship a bit more. Renee Zellweger makes one heck of a poised and ladylike creature of the mid-1900s and although her wrinkles are beginning to show, she still maintains her glorious Zellweger charms. The only critique is actor Kevin Bacon, who plays Anne's ex-husband Dan Devereaux. Casted in a different light as an absentee father, his role was unfortunately weak and unmemorable.

Overall, a good tribute to George Hamilton's mother and oh boy, she's one heck of a lady!

Cinema Online, 21 January 2010