Movie Review: Simpatico

I can usually wait for a few days after a Nick Nolte movie opens, but when I realized that Jeff Starman Bridges and Albert Finney (been crazy about him since 1963 when I he starred in Tom Jones) were also starring in it, I had to run (with a dear friend who I think just enjoys me watching a Nick Nolte movie) to the first show on opening day.

Story: Adapted from a Sam Shepard play, with direction and screenplay by English stage director Matthew Warchus, what we get is very Sam Shepard - i.e., obvious heavy symbolism, both loud and clear. It is a film about guilt, regret, an old horse racing scam, blackmail, friendship and betrayal, opposites, role reversals and closure. If you enjoy good acting, handsome men, some pretty Kentucky landscapes and don't mind being short changed on the story, you will enjoy this film.

Acting: What can I say about Nick Nolte that I haven't said already? I know that I write with extreme prejudice but so what? This is my review. Nolte (who will be 60 this month) goes from the Down and Out in Beverly Hills look to the Prince of Tides (be still my heart) look in this film. A very fine presence indeed. Jeff Bridges also does some morphing. He goes from the Fabulous Baker Boys look to the Big Lebowski (on my Top 10 list for 98) look and is definitely some pleasant eye candy. Albert Finney (not quite as puffy as he has been looking recently) gives a fine understated performance throughout. Sharon Stone is thankfully not in the film for long and is adequate (enough said about her). The 3 flashback characters, Shawn Hatosy, Kimberly Williams and Lian Waite are all fine. And Catherine Keener (who was just wonderful in Being John Malkevich) is good, but under utilized.

Pets: One black cat and some beautiful horses.

Visual Art: Some posters about horses.

Soundtrack: Forgettable

Length: A perfect 106 minutes (way under the 2 hour Lobo rule).

LOBO HOWLS: 7