《如此这般》

    Oren Little (Michael Douglas) is a cynical* realtor* who is sad over his wife’s death. He is not close to his only son. While trying to sell his family home, Little moves into an apartment complex that he owns where he runs into Leah (Diane Keaton), a widow* who is hoping to build a career* as a lounge* singer.

    These two dislike each other, but they are forced to be friends when Little’s ex-junkie* son, who is going to prison, drops his daughter on Little’s doorstep. The old man never even knew he had a granddaughter, and he is horrified* at the prospect* of taking responsibility for her. So he asks Leah to act as guardian* while he tries to make other plans for the child.

    Despite the predictability* of the plot, the film wins you over. It starts off clumsily* but grows more interesting as it continues. This is partly because the film has some very funny scenes (like when Little is forced to deliver* a neighbor’s baby), and also because of the good acting by a team of pros*.

    Douglas has never been afraid to play dislikable* characters. Keaton is also experienced at playing a little ditzy* but good-hearted women. The two stars click*. Sterling Jerins, who plays the granddaughter, also gives the movie a lift. Jerins (who played Brad Pitt’s daughter in “World War Z”) is great because she never begs for the audience’s tears.

    Director Rob Reiner has also gathered a fine supporting cast. Veteran Frances Sternhagen is very funny as Little’s no-nonsense* real estate partner. Jersey boy Frankie Valli has a neat cameo as a club owner who takes a chance on Keaton’s Leah. And Reiner has even given himself a role as a piano player with a bad toupee*.

    The movie was filmed in some scenic parts of Connecticut, though the imagery never rises above picture-postcard prettiness. Reiner and his team have come up with a sharp selection of songs for Keaton to perform. The film doesn’t break any new ground, but similar to comfort food, it goes down easily.(SD-Agencies)