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Editorial Reviews
Morgan Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a famous Western novelist whose passion for writing hits an impasse. He takes a lakeside cabin for the summer in picturesque Belle Isle, befriending the family next door an attractive single mom (Virginia Madsen) and her young daughters who help him find inspiration again.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
99 of 104 people found the following review helpful
Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase
"I respect consistency". Author Monte Wildhorn (Morgan Freeman) says it best if I were to refer it toward the apt direction of Rob Reiner, in this lyrical and poetic spin on this movie.
Rob Reiner weaves a story throughout a story, while Freeman and Virginia Madsen (Charlotte O'Neil) dance triumphantly within it's web. The movie is candidly real, hopelessly romantic, and overwhelmingly personal. I laughed out loud and was just as moved to tears all through.
Just a simple plot, with a burnt-out, disgruntled author (alcohol swilling and unflinchingly sarcastic) and a struggling mother (positive and beautiful although lonely) next door. In this setting there is nothing new. There is, although, so much depth to the main characters, the people of the town riddled throughout and in Wildhorn's life.
It is in this that makes this particular movie so worth your time; The ride from point A to point B.
What first may appear to be predictable may not end in the way it will seem at the outset. This is a movie of the heart; one that has the power to tug tightly on the emotions of those who are prone to love these types of films.
Monte possesses the most foul attitude because of life's mis dealt cards that he's holding. As he moves into a new town for the summer, he begins to meet people (usually on his terms) and slowly begins to see people for how they really are. He may be in a deep grip of emotional pain in the beginning of the movie, although so are so many others in their own lives.
Charlotte, living next to Monte, begins a guarded then easy friendship with him. Her three daughters are interacting, with a first uncomfortable Monte, soon after as the author side of him begins to appeal to all of them in different ways.
The dialogue in this interactive movie is stellar, quick-witted and lovely. Reiner uses visual stills that are able to pull as much emotion as any compelling conversation. Of this, I so enjoyed the careful framing of faces and objects as basic as Monte's typewriter.
I found also that the music in the movie is as inspiring as any of the delightful characters. Of definite noting is the Soundtrack, with a featured solo piano by Marc Shaiman. The high standard of the music is worth the while to listen to through the end credits.
This is storytelling at it's pinnacle. You will laugh, cry, ebb and flow through this piece of cinematic Magic.
Rob Reiner weaves a story throughout a story, while Freeman and Virginia Madsen (Charlotte O'Neil) dance triumphantly within it's web. The movie is candidly real, hopelessly romantic, and overwhelmingly personal. I laughed out loud and was just as moved to tears all through.
Just a simple plot, with a burnt-out, disgruntled author (alcohol swilling and unflinchingly sarcastic) and a struggling mother (positive and beautiful although lonely) next door. In this setting there is nothing new. There is, although, so much depth to the main characters, the people of the town riddled throughout and in Wildhorn's life.
It is in this that makes this particular movie so worth your time; The ride from point A to point B.
What first may appear to be predictable may not end in the way it will seem at the outset. This is a movie of the heart; one that has the power to tug tightly on the emotions of those who are prone to love these types of films.
Monte possesses the most foul attitude because of life's mis dealt cards that he's holding. As he moves into a new town for the summer, he begins to meet people (usually on his terms) and slowly begins to see people for how they really are. He may be in a deep grip of emotional pain in the beginning of the movie, although so are so many others in their own lives.
Charlotte, living next to Monte, begins a guarded then easy friendship with him. Her three daughters are interacting, with a first uncomfortable Monte, soon after as the author side of him begins to appeal to all of them in different ways.
The dialogue in this interactive movie is stellar, quick-witted and lovely. Reiner uses visual stills that are able to pull as much emotion as any compelling conversation. Of this, I so enjoyed the careful framing of faces and objects as basic as Monte's typewriter.
I found also that the music in the movie is as inspiring as any of the delightful characters. Of definite noting is the Soundtrack, with a featured solo piano by Marc Shaiman. The high standard of the music is worth the while to listen to through the end credits.
This is storytelling at it's pinnacle. You will laugh, cry, ebb and flow through this piece of cinematic Magic.
33 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By Russ Farmer
Format:Amazon Instant Video|Amazon Verified Purchase
Just watched this movie, I thought it was wonderful! Very refreshing content and character. Love Morgan Freeman as an actor and Rob Reiner as a Director!
Plan to watch again before rental expires, definately a must for the collection.
A must see movie!
Plan to watch again before rental expires, definately a must for the collection.
A must see movie!
72 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
MAGIC OF BELLE ISLE (Dir. Rob Reiner, 2012, 110 minutes) is a nice, quiet family film that is also a Morgan Freeman extravaganza (comparatively speaking). I just loved it, but it may not be to everyone's liking in this hyperkinetic, wire-fu-violence-driven cinema atmosphere.
Freeman plays grumpy, washed-up alcoholic Western writer Monte Wildhorn (great imagination with the character's name, but don't let that put you off). He decides to summer-sit a house at a location I understand is Greenwood Lake, NY - but is called Belle Island Village according to the town limit's sign. This confused me since they are clearly not on an island but at the lakeshore (someone refers to the lake), with some weird rocklike forested island (clearly CGI) off the coast, an island also called Belle Isle (or Belle Island, take your pick).
By the way, Mr. Helper, "belle île" is the correct term for "beautiful island" in French. Some cultures spell it "ille" and my great-great grandmother, who was Belgian, might have said "île jolie". So I do suppose "belle isle" is the acceptable Anglicization; I was certainly not questioning that nor does my review even address that.
Another helping hand informs me: 'As Monty and Henry ride into town, a sign is seen which says "Welcome to Belle Isle".' That is very good to know, I was certain I'd seen the sign in the movie but could not recall what it said. So ... welcome to Belle Isle VILLAGE, everyone! Because that is exactly what that sign says, even though the denizens call it Belle Isle.
Anyway, Wildhorn has long since abandoned writing and devotes himself to guzzling booze. That is, until a fine lady and her three young daughters enter his life and cheer him right up, the end. I have to say it is a miracle and a marvel to see Freeman giving such a performance with his sadly acquired handicaps - and elements of his wheelchair-bound character reflect that loudly here.
There is no swearing, no ugliness of situation and no awkward stupidity in the storyline. I see all that as major in this day and age. One bit of language is "Jesus H. Christ" which is so hilariously surprising I hit the ceiling laughing when I heard the lines. Fred Willard as a local eccentric certainly spices the thing nicely.
Virginia Madsen hands in a worthy performance as the divorced mother of three girls, and the girls themselves are charming (with the exception of the unfortunate Madeline Carroll as Willoe Tree; Carroll is always cast as a nasty little teen witch and incidentally is some sort of cousin of my wife's).
Saying which, my wife caught a gander at some of this film and sourly asked me what was so special about it. Well, I have reviewed it, it has a happy ending in spite of the wacky characters, and is fully a Morgan Freeman movie. If that doesn't tell you what is special about it, then you are a lost cause indeed.
Perhaps in that instance you'd prefer a zombie-killing video game instead.
Freeman plays grumpy, washed-up alcoholic Western writer Monte Wildhorn (great imagination with the character's name, but don't let that put you off). He decides to summer-sit a house at a location I understand is Greenwood Lake, NY - but is called Belle Island Village according to the town limit's sign. This confused me since they are clearly not on an island but at the lakeshore (someone refers to the lake), with some weird rocklike forested island (clearly CGI) off the coast, an island also called Belle Isle (or Belle Island, take your pick).
By the way, Mr. Helper, "belle île" is the correct term for "beautiful island" in French. Some cultures spell it "ille" and my great-great grandmother, who was Belgian, might have said "île jolie". So I do suppose "belle isle" is the acceptable Anglicization; I was certainly not questioning that nor does my review even address that.
Another helping hand informs me: 'As Monty and Henry ride into town, a sign is seen which says "Welcome to Belle Isle".' That is very good to know, I was certain I'd seen the sign in the movie but could not recall what it said. So ... welcome to Belle Isle VILLAGE, everyone! Because that is exactly what that sign says, even though the denizens call it Belle Isle.
Anyway, Wildhorn has long since abandoned writing and devotes himself to guzzling booze. That is, until a fine lady and her three young daughters enter his life and cheer him right up, the end. I have to say it is a miracle and a marvel to see Freeman giving such a performance with his sadly acquired handicaps - and elements of his wheelchair-bound character reflect that loudly here.
There is no swearing, no ugliness of situation and no awkward stupidity in the storyline. I see all that as major in this day and age. One bit of language is "Jesus H. Christ" which is so hilariously surprising I hit the ceiling laughing when I heard the lines. Fred Willard as a local eccentric certainly spices the thing nicely.
Virginia Madsen hands in a worthy performance as the divorced mother of three girls, and the girls themselves are charming (with the exception of the unfortunate Madeline Carroll as Willoe Tree; Carroll is always cast as a nasty little teen witch and incidentally is some sort of cousin of my wife's).
Saying which, my wife caught a gander at some of this film and sourly asked me what was so special about it. Well, I have reviewed it, it has a happy ending in spite of the wacky characters, and is fully a Morgan Freeman movie. If that doesn't tell you what is special about it, then you are a lost cause indeed.
Perhaps in that instance you'd prefer a zombie-killing video game instead.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
No fears, no tears
A genuine 'feel good' movie often so typical of Morgan Freeman. Good for the whole family! Not Academy Award quality, but then sometimes we just want to be entertained without... Read more
Published 18 hours ago by Cheryl Sederquist
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uplifting!
I really liked this movie. It takes life's challenges and shows the sweet silver linings. The location reminded me of many times spent at the river.
Published 19 hours ago by 123beme
5.0 out of 5 stars
OH WHAT A GOOD MOVIE, FINE FOR ALL AGES
IT IS SO DIFICULT TO FIND FAMILY FRIENDLY MOVIES THAT DO NOT HAVE SEX, OR VIOLANCE OR BAD WORDS IN THEM, BUT THIS WAS A FEEL GOOD MOVIE, ALL AGES WOULD LIKE IT IF THEY GIVE IT A... Read more
Published 1 day ago by M. Ordway
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring movie
It's a beautiful and inspiring story,I love it. This is the kind of movies that should be available for families to watch
Published 1 day ago by Milca A. Renta
3.0 out of 5 stars
Slow but pleasing
Starts slow but gets better. The story is sweet and old fashioned .no sex or horrible language. Morgan Freeman is good as usual
Published 2 days ago by SALLY MCCARTHY
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Family Picture.
Its hard to find a good family picture to watch these day, but "The Magic of Belle Isle" is Awesome!
Morgan Freeman plays a will tailored part.
Morgan Freeman plays a will tailored part.
Published 2 days ago by DWPennell
5.0 out of 5 stars
great performances, moving and delightful story
Although the plot line is not anything particularly new, the acting and character study of this handful of people on a lovely island quickly pulls you into this very satisfying... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Christine M Durkin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Times
We enjoyed this story. You can't go wrong with Morgan Freeman. It was well worth the time spent. Rent It!
Published 3 days ago by Ernest Armstrong
5.0 out of 5 stars
A warm feel good movie
Always love Morgan Freeman. He portrayed a man of great insight who, although was running from life, understood the role we all play in each others development. Read more
Published 3 days ago by laurie brazman
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real good, feel good flick!
Just an all 'round good movie. Witty and introspective with Morgan Freeman emerging from a guy with a big chip on his shoulder to a person who learns about the things that really... Read more
Published 3 days ago by Deborah M. Rising
