“The Magic of Belle Isle,” Rob Reiner’s heartfelt tribute to
the imagination and the restorative powers of love, relies on old-fashioned
storytelling. Although the setting is in the present, the small-town setting
evokes stories from the 50s. The three daughters of Charlotte O’Neil (Virginia
Madsen), a single mother in the process of divorcing her husband, may act up on
occasion, but not very much. Willow (Madeline Carroll), an occasionally petulant
but mostly good-humored teen; the tomboyish 9-year-old Finnegan (Emma
Fuhrmann); and the baby sister, Flora (Nicolette Pierini), are a likable bunch
and Charlotte is full of common sense, wisdom and compassion. Into this idyllic
lakeside town comes Monte Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman), a bitter, grumpy,
once-celebrated writer of western novels and a former minor league baseball
player. Monte, who’s been in a wheelchair since a freak accident, moves in next
door to the O’Neils for the summer. Monte plans to spend the summer drinking
instead of writing. But as the season wears on and Monte becomes involved in
the lives of his neighbors, he mellows.
Director Rob Reiner takes his time to develop his story in a
way movies today hardly ever do. And the script appreciates a well-turned
phrase. I especially enjoyed Monte’s conversations with Spot. (Ringo is the
dog’s name, but Monte decides that since he’s dog sitting, he’s going to change
the name to Spot.) Monte and Charlotte, who fall half in love, interact with a
courtly dignity. Only at the end do they abandon the quaint formality of
addressing each other as Mr. Wildhorn and Mrs. O’Neil. The magic of this movie
emanates from the beautiful performances of its stars. Freeman’s Monte is given
time to ruminate about writing and the powers of imagination, which he imparts
of Finnegan, who becomes his eager protégée. He is also a mentor of sorts to a
sweet, mentally disabled teenager from the neighborhood. Virginia Madsen,
radiantly beautiful, conveys maternal devotion, undaunted courage and a
serene sensuality. “The Magic of Belle Isle” never acknowledges race, age,
class, or disabilities, but they’re there, lending a subtle flavor to this enjoyable
story. 7/5/12
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