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Hope Floats (PG-13, 1998)

common sense media says

Redemptive drama ready made for family viewing.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie 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.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Birdee grabs her daughter Bernice's arm during an argument. A classmate beats Bernice up after class.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Birdee works in a 1-hour photo lab.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: In one scene, Birdee gets drunk at the local bar and stays out all night.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Hope Floats

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about 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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
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 home, 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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
If HOPE FLOATS has any lesson at its core, it's that there's nothing like your hometown to humble you. For the most part, it's 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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Director: Forest Whitaker
Cast: Gena Rowlands, Harry Connick Jr., Sandra Bullock
Genre: Drama
Run time: 114 minutes
Theatrical release: May 29, 1998
DVD release: November 3, 1998
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: thematic elements
This review was written by Carly Kocurek
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

FutureCritic
teen, 15 years old
10
 
Waste of Time
This movie was just stupid. I hated all of the characters. There's really nothing left to say other than Sandra Bullock can't do a half decent southern accent.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
mjh
parent of 3 year old
13
 
hope floats
bhhvb
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
moviegeek
adult
 
I cried so hard....it was such a lovely movie
Get a box of tissues ready, because you'll need them when Birdee goes to visit her father's nursing home. This movie is at times funny, sad, and touching. I didn't find that there was anything that would be considered "bad" in it, although younger children might not understand some of the stuff about Alzheimers and why Birdee and her husband divorced.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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