Customer Reviews

Where the Heart Is

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Where the heart is was an unexpected surprise when I saw it back in 1990 and it continues to catch my breath and stir my heart every time I see it. More than a story of poor little rich and spoiled kids or parents that just don't get their kids, this is a visually beautiful and fluid portrait of vastly different people. Some start out as family members and some join the family. The exploration and expressions of love and the true treasures of life are richly set in the artwork that flows across the screen and unites the story. A real treat for both the eye and the mind, it will delight the heart, wherever it is.

This is a wide screen edition with no extras on the disc. The regular network stations used to play this movie on weekends when I was a kid. It is a wonderful light hearted film about a group of spoiled rich kids getting kicked out and trying to make it on their own. It is in no way a serious, true to life film. More like a fanciful fairytale that naturally has a happy ending. The cast of characters and the range of artistic individuals is what makes this movie special to me. It seems to center around the creation and compilation of the groups artistic talents. The fashion designer prentending to be gay so he gets "taken seriously" is one colorful piece. And the crowning glory is the massive murals that one young artist creates and photographs for a calendar project. Her murals combine wall paintings, painting on the human body, and props to create an awesome finished product. I love just skipping to the murals in the movie....it is inspiring.

The beginning of this flick reminded me of the play "Lost In Yonkers" with the exception that these young people were all from an upper class (status wise) family and had exceptional, individualistic talents. Christopher Plummer, long a favorite of mine, was just plain silly as the old magician. But we won't dwell on that. If you find that something you thought you really, really wanted no longer seems to desirable, this is the day to admit that to yourself and let the old dream go. That was the whole premise of this story.

Many people paint illusions and live in unreality, but these beatnicks of rare abilities are strange being, lost souls. The father who knows best is a master at demolition of old buildings and finds one where he transplants his weirdly-talented offspring to fend for themselves. The sisters made risque films and accumulated tenants who lived there in the tenement free if they participated in the montage for a calender, one you would never believe or expect from such a high-class background as these two girls. The young man is a computer whiz who develops his own games online and helps out with the charade when needed.

On the dance floor, "I've forgotten the steps.' "Your head has, but your heart hasn't." We never forget the music we loved or which helped us to grow up alone or with a large family; music is what soothes the soul when it needs balm. Who stopped the music, one asked; the father declared, "I did." And he paid for it bigtime. Stewart (Dabney Coleman) had a breakdown of sorts and learned to speak in 'tongues.' And so he and his wealthy wife fit right in with the rest of this weird group. None were ordinary. They learned a new level of confidence there in their artsy atmosphere. It was all a surrealistic fantasy and the gold eye makeup on the lotus flower was extravagant.

It sometimes takes failure to appreciate your success. Watching Stewart bid farewell to his office staff was worth the whole film. The grown-up kids were what really made the movie, however. What's the point of life -- it's just a rehearsal. They learned that life really is just an adaptation, all a game to be played out. The eerie house had fulfilled the need and so it too hit the dust. If you have not seen this one, it will keep you wondering how they got away with some of it past the censors and the rest will keep you in stitches. Coleman was the original Steve Martin.

This really is a sweet film. Not the strongest plot mind you, if you're looking for something complex. But beautifully done. Anyone the least bit artistically inclined will enjoy the imagery. And I for one can relate to Uma's character trying to pound her way back into the house after Dad (Dabney) has struck a deal and moved the kids out. My parents had my bed apart 20 minutes BEFORE I left for college. Tee-hee... Eagerly awaiting the DVD release (hint hint)...

Now keep in mind I saw this movie when I was younger, but when I saw it I loved it I thought it was great and soon after became an Uma Thurman fan. I have been looking fo this movie for years now and I am very happy I found it. I plan to purchase it and watch it again and will write another review if my views have changed.

Family with everything loses everything, discover themselves and their own talents. Everyone falls in love with the right person and there is a party at the end.

I saw this film at Mann's Chinese in Hollywood during it's brief original run and told everyone I knew to see it (none did). I was and am surprised that no attempt was made to market the artwork created for the film.

It is a heart warming story about a successful man being pushed about by his children, so he moves them out hoping they'll grow up (they're all adults living at home). His business has gone south as one architecturally insignificant house is declared a landmark and so it cannot be demolished and holds up a high rise project into which he has sinks all his assets, and of course the bank calls them in. So, this wealthy man finds himself broke and broken and he turns to his children for shelter. They in turn discover self reliance.

The art work for this film is stunning and unfortunately for you it's no longer available on the big screen; however, on the small screen it is still stunning. When the film came out, the best video was on Laser Disk (remember those?) and despite not having a player I bought it in that format. I eventually had a friend transfer it to DVD.

This IS a classic comedy, the characters are well defined (although there is one character with few lines, yet is very present and turns out to be the sons love of loves (I think some of her scenes may have been cut)(inexplicably). It is deftly executed, well written and structured. It is one of my favorite movies.

This is one of Uma Thurman's first films. It's a heartwarming story story of familial relationships during good times and bad. The art is one of the things that make this interesting viewing, and the cast is excellent.

This movie is alot of fun. The trompe l'oeil paintings are just incredible. I hope it becomes available soon. I'm still looking to buy it.

I love this movie. The tale of a self made father who decides to teach his three children to stand on their own two feet. Dabney Coleman is excellent as the crusty father who boots out his indulged children to force them to get work. After a rocky start, the band of three grows as housemates are found to help pay the bills. Features a very young Uma Thurman. Loved the paintings. Very, very enjoyable.

This movie as a visually beautiful, fun, frolicking, over-the-top,intelligent movie with deep inspirational meaning for anyone who appreciates Manet's painting, "Le Dejeuner sur l'Herbe",or loved movies like "A Month at the Lake" or "Enchanted April" or "Tim". Analyze what happened when the Uma Thurman character comes out of a trance! It reminds me of the final scene of "A Single Man" (a much more erudite movie,beautifully and intelligently written, acted, and directed). Deep meaning can come in the pleasant form of comedy! Owning it makes sense as it can inspire and entertain you any time of day and your guests will likely enjoy it.