29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love Never Goes Extinct, December 13, 2004
I had heard the story of Bill Porter before I knew his name. I knew the work of William Macy, and that is what pushed me over the edge to view this movie version of the tale of Bill Porter's life from "wanting to be a salesman" to "Salesman of the Year" to "Dinosaur" and finally, full circle, to being an Invisible Thread who wove love into individuals, into a neighborhood and finally into the hearts of viewers like me.
William Macy's performance is excellent, I forgot he was William Macy about 15 minutes into the movie. Helen Mirren was remarkable as his mother - a big inspiration whose presence is felt even after her death both by Bill and by us each time we see him remember her (which is regularly.)
Kyra Sedgwick is luminous as Shelly - early in the movie her character is quite young and she pulls it off beautifully - and we watch her develop into "just a job to keep me going through college" to being much, much more as she matures into an adult side by side, heart to heart with Bill.
The syncronicities - again, woven by the thread of Bill, might have been seen as "accidental" - until we know the heart of the man. Salespeople in all areas ought to watch this movie - it isn't about the products, its about honoring people and showing them how their lives can be impacted by those products.
Finally - this movie reminded me that Love will never go the way of the dinosaur.
Thank you - everyone involved in this film.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
OSCAR MATERIAL!! A STELLAR CAST AND PERFORMANCE!!, January 11, 2003
William H. Macy as Watkins salesman Bill Porter gives the performance of a lifetime in this drama that took me through a range of emotions in seconds. Kyra Sedgewick does an admirable job as Shelly, Porter's assistant and dear friend. Kathy Baker's role as his best customer, Gladys, was also quite moving. Helen Mirren plays Bill Porter's mother and deserves the highest praise for portraying a strong woman who gives never-ending encouragement to her son, proving that "patience and persistence" will overcome all things, including his cerebral palsey. All in all, this is one of the DON'T MISS movies of your life. This is a true story where each character was played with brilliance. Once you see it, you have to see it again and again. I paid a HIGH price for the VHS on eBay and have watched it six times thus far - I never tire of that warm fuzzy this movie provides. See it, Buy it, Share it, and visit ... to see the REAL Bill Porter and his story, which is also his Watkins website!
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Door to Door, February 4, 2003
William H Macy is the most underrated actor in the world today! This is a role for the ages. Macy brings his subtle nuances to the real-life character of Bill Porter, perhaps the most inspirational "salesman" on the planet. This is Bill Porter's story from beginning to end and what agreat story it is. The triumph of one man speaks to us all in a film that moves at a pace that allows the viewer the true enjoyment of knowing a character. At the end of this film, you may laugh or you may cry, but you will never forget Bill Porter and extrordinary story. The supporting cast, especially Helen Miren provide the perfect cast for this perfect story! For a memorable evening of true story-telling at its best, buy and watch Door to Door.
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