WillSushyMedia
This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.
Sharkflei
Your blood may run cold, but you now find yourself pinioned to the story.
Seraherrera
The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity
John Brooks
This is a very strong film, no doubt.You can tell it's an adaptation of a novel because of how well structured it is. Just like all of those Forest Gumps, Shawshanks, Big Fish... there's a quality in the pace of the story that's superior to the more basic and linear development you'll get with mainstream Hollywood films.Anyhow, there is purpose and meaning to the development of the narrative here, and as mentioned in the title, there is a modern fairytale quality to this film that always brings a charm to the silver screen viewing.Steve Martin, Gabriel Byrne, his wife in the film Laura Linney or Catherine O'Hara (Martin's close friend) all do a great job but it really is Alana Austin, the final grownup version of Martin's adopted daughter, Mathilda, who steals the show. She was just 12 during this film and has all the precocious smarts and surprising maturity young girls often have at that early age.Well written, with an interesting philosophical almost existential question at the center of it, realistic and challenging... and just the right marriage of comedy and drama, and one of these films that grows on the viewer, with a real atmosphere and simpleness at its core.Perhaps too sensitive and subtle, hence the relatively low average by the fans.8/10.
Mr-Fusion
Strangely, not one of the Steve Martin movies that spring to mind often, "A Simple Twist of Fate" seems to hit all the right notes. Tragic circumstances leave Martin embittered and reclusive until an orphaned child walks into his life. Cue the rehumanization process. Sure, it's a Hollywood movie, so the kid's gotta be adorable, but it's effective storytelling nonetheless. The movie grinds to a halt when the second half becomes a custody battle; I've never read Silas Marner, but you just know with that sentimental score, everything will somehow turn out right. The courtroom drama just feels drawn out.But at its heart, this is about a man and his little girl, and that hits me where I live.7/10
dragon_grl_19
This movie is what I like to call a sleeper. The cable descriptions are usually terrible and uninteresting but this a wonderful heartwarming movie about love and family. When I played it for my sister one day she argued that she didn't want to watch it but after it was over she fell in love with the sometimes sad, often times humorous story of a man with nothing left to lose and the baby that saves him! Steve Martin flexes his acting talent showing that he isn't always funny/stupid. And the young actress playing Mathilda at age 10 is amazing and really reminds me of Amy Smart. Even though this movie is a little bit older it still applies to life today and it is highly recommended by me!
GoldenOldie
I missed the first two or three minutes that would have included the credits and so did not realize that I would be watching George Eliot's moving novel. Although the movie was thoroughly modernized it took very little time for me to realize what I was watching. -- Much to my surprise and delight. I felt that George Eliot would have loved this movie. I give it a strong recommendation if you have read "Silas Marner". Those who have not, though, may find it contrived.
