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Cast: Renee Zellwegger, Forest Whitaker, Nick Nolte, Madeline Zima
Years after a life-changing car accident that left her paralyzed, a wheelchair-bound woman (Renée Zellweger) embarks on a cross-country journey to reconnect with her long-lost son, accompanied by a friend (Forest Whitaker) who won't let her wallow in self-pity. She used to be a singer, but lately, she's lost her voice. Maybe facing her emotional demons will bring music back into her life.
Every so often a film comes along that touches you in ways you haven't been touched before by a film, "My Own Love Song" is one of those films, one that leaves a lasting impression on it's audience. This is one of those movies that the less you know the better off you are so I am going to give a few quick details and stay away from any spoilers here. The film is about two friends, Jane, who is in a wheelchair after a car accident left her paralyzed, but it seems the guilt of having to give up her only son 7 years ago is what she regrets the most and it has been so painful that she gave up her singing career as well. Then there is Joey, her schizophrenic friend who watched his entire family die in a house fire, Joey might be a bit insane but he is very loving and supportive of Jane and will not let her just give up. The road trip they take is full of twists and turns as they encounter different characters and situations.
"My Own Love Song" is one of those rare films that reminded me why I started loving cinema in the first place, it's a film about friendship, finding yourself and letting go of the past, a courageous and inspiring film that will have you laughing at times and crying at times as well but in the end it will leave you with a sense of hope and a smile on your face. Not only a well-written and superbly directed film but the cast is another reason it's special, Forest Whitaker gives another Oscar-worthy performance as Joey and Renée Zellweger displays an acting ability we haven't seen from her before, she is mesmerizing both in her acting and in her voice. The other two main characters in the film are played by Madeline Zima who decides to travel with Jane and Joey as she waits to hear back from her husband who some how disappeared and Nick Nolte, whose performance as a shaky musician they stumble upon is worth the price of admission itself. I hate to admit that the film might not be for everyone since I think it's a film that deserves to be seen but mainstream movie goers may find it a bit too artsy at times. Still this is gem waiting to be discovered and if you get the chance to see it I highly recommend checking it out, you will be glad you did. Available of DVD and Blu-ray now, you can order the DVD HERE and the Blu-ray HERE.
Released by Inception Media Group
**** Out Of *****