Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
I tend to find the best things about movies and talk about those, so do be aware that unless a movie is completely terrible, my review will probably not be that harsh. This is part of the reason that I do not aspire to be a movie reviewer for a living. That said, Under the Tuscan Sun would review well even by someone who was looking for flaws.
Whatever problems were there stemmed from a weak script, a classic sign of a movie adapted from a book. However, the leading lady had amazing acting skills (there is more than one time in the movie where she reacts to something offscreen, and you can see a clear and natural run of emotions across her face … almost Tom Hanks-like), and when you combine her with some good supporting characters (like her gay friend), and the Tuscan countryside, the combination is winning. That is, you believe the message the movie has about life: live it, love it, push through your pain. The movie, to me, was heartfelt without being kitchy.
True, with all the uncertainty about life that being mid-way through college brings, I am searching for things that address the confusion of life and decision in it, but I think this movie would speak to even those who were older and had lived more life.