Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that HOPE FLOATS deals with the separation of Birdee Pruitt and her husband Bill after Birdee learns that he has been having an affair with her best friend on a national talk show. The separation is traumatic to the couple's daughter, Bernice, and the film may be difficult for children who have had to deal with their parents' separation or divorce. Characters drink and argue. Sexual activity is referenced, but neither shown nor discussed in detail. The film also deals frankly with death.
Families who watch this movie can discuss the difficulty Birdee has moving home. Birdee calls her mother "the town joke" and says she was embarrassed of her mother as a child. Do other characters in the film seem to see Ramona Calvert as a joke? How does moving home humble Birdie? Families may also want to discuss Ramona Calvert's death, as it may be troubling to young viewers.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Carly Kocurek
If HOPE FLOATS has any lesson at its core, it's that there's nothing like your hometown to humble you. When Birdie Pruitt (Sandra Bullock) finds out about her husband's affair on a national talk show, she packs up her daughter Bernice (Mae Whitman) and heads back to Smithville, TX to live with her mother Ramona (Gena Rowlands).
Back in her hometown, Birdie must confront the folks who have known her and her ex-husband their whole lives. As the town wonders out loud what might have gone wrong between the star quarterback and the beauty queen, Birdie tries to make peace with her mother and find a job. Of course, this being a romantic comedy, Birdie has to fall in love. The lucky man in this particular story is Justin Matisse (Harry Connick Jr.), who has moved back to Smithville from California and is working as a handyman.
For the most part, HOPE FLOATS is easy, unchallenging entertainment. Nothing's really wrong with the film, but it lacks distinction. Forest Whitaker's direction manages to avoid any serious pitfalls. The greatest attraction the film has to offer is the inimitable Gena Rowlands as Birdie's eccentric, quick-witted mother.
Families that enjoy HOPE FLOATS may enjoy other films featuring Gena Rowlands, like A Woman Under the Influence (1974), or other films about mother-daughter relationships like Postcards from the Edge (1990) and Steel Magnolias (1989).
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Sexual Content |
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ViolenceBirdee grabs her daughter Bernice's arm during an argument. A classmate beats Bernice up after class. |
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Social Behavior |
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CommercialismBirdee works in a 1-hour photo lab. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoIn one scene, Birdee gets drunk at the local bar and stays out all night. |
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