The Magic of Belle Isle (2012)

Directed by: Rob Reiner | 109 minutes | comedy, drama | Actors: Morgan Freeman, Kenan Thompson, Virginia Madsen, Emma Fuhrmann, Madeline Carroll, Nicolette Pierini, CJ Wilson, Ash Christian, Debargo Sanyal, Fred Willard, Jessica Hecht, Christopher McCann, Lucas Rooney, Kevin Pollak, Boyd Holbrook

After ‘The Bucket List’ (2007), director Rob Reiner (known for ‘Stand By Me’, ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Misery’ and the Oscar-nominated ‘A Few Good Men’) and top actor Morgan Freeman reunites in ‘The Magic of Belle Isle’. In this gem of a ‘feel good movie’ we see the convincing Freeman as the surly, gruff writer Monte Wildhorn. His cousin Henry persuades him to spend the summer in picturesque Belle Isle. Monte, who hasn’t written anything for years and struggles with an alcohol addiction, can stay there for free from owner Dog Dave, provided he looks after the dog of the house, Ringo. Just to be safe, Henry also brought the old typewriter with him, because you never know.

The embittered Monte answers his nephew in no uncertain terms: “Write? Drinking is a demanding profession. You can hardly do anything besides that.” And that’s right. The first weeks we see Monte doing nothing but drinking. In between, he tries to fetch Ringo, whom he gives the ‘real’ dog name Spot. But due to the visits of Finnegan, one of the three daughters of the graceful neighbor Charlotte O’Neil (Virginia Madsen), we see Monte slowly thawing. He teaches her the power of imagination. Through the mentor role that Monte plays for the young girl, he slowly but surely regains his inspiration. In the stories he writes for Flora, the youngest daughter, he introduces elephant Tony as an alter ego. The previously unlucky Monte gets more and more meaning in life and in writing. Not least influenced by his beautiful, temporary neighbour. Even the cynical Monte eventually has to admit that ‘the magic’ of Belle Isle has enchanted him.

Morgan Freeman stars in this movie. He captivates everyone with his charming, calm way of acting. And with the mischievous look that is so characteristic of him, he still manages to make many a woman’s heart go wild. Especially the two conversations (?) between Monte and the quirky dog ​​Spot are a joy to watch. Emma Fuhrmann, in the role of Finnegan, is also a talent to keep an eye on. Okay, the danger of ‘silly sweet’ lurks every now and then, but director Reiner manages to avoid this cliff neatly throughout the film. A golden retriever, three cute girls, a local eccentric and Morgan Freeman. Who could ask for anything more? Highly digestible film for all ages. With a message, but yes: you can send Rob Reiner for a message…