Tuesdays with Morrie
By Common Sense Media,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Oprah Winfrey presents a three-hanky weepfest.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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What's the Story?
TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is a TV movie adaptation of Oprah Book Club pick, Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man and Life's Greatest Lesson, penned by workaholic Detroit sports columnist, Mitch Albom. It's the true story of the author's weekly meetings with Morrie Schwartz (Jack Lemmon), a retired college professor who suffers from Lou Gehrig 's disease. The film focuses on Mitch's (Hank Azaria) struggle to find the meaning of life, while his former mentor succumbs slowly to death.
Is It Any Good?
Jack Lemmon, who won an Emmy for his performance as Morrie, delivers a touching, if not significant, portrayal of a man dealing thoughtfully with his disease. Hank Azaria's performance however, seems forced, due mostly to dialogue that does not transition well to the screen. The movie might not offer much for kids, but adults searching for an answer to the age-old question "What is the meaning of life?" may find something soulful in Tuesdays with Morrie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the effects and conditions of Lou Gehrig's Disease. They may also want to venture deeper into talks about death and the "after life." What is Morrie trying to tell Mitch using his story about the little wave? What might the food Mitch continually brings Morrie symbolize? The media in this film is often portrayed in an unfavorable manner. This might be a good opportunity to discuss viewing television through a critical lens.
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 5, 1999
- On DVD or streaming: May 3, 2005
- Cast: Hank Azaria, Jack Lemmon, Wendy Moniz
- Director: Mike Jackson
- Studio: Buena Vista
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
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