This story reminded me of old films like The Bells of St. Mary's and On the Waterfront, in many ways.
In the opening, it was hard to believe in characters or plot premise for awhile. A few more explanations were needed - like how could these people gather so much money from the street without trying to figure out where it came from? And why would everyone go along with the Sister's idea to raise the money and return it, if no one knew where it came from? (assuming they would hop on a plane to see what she wanted without knowing why - some said they thought she was dying, but wouldn't you want to know more?) These unanswered questions were rather harmless but made me uncomfortable. And the daughter of one couple and the son of another showing up and getting together was too much - as was the turnaround at the convent. Still, the story was very interesting, unusual and creative. I especially liked the casino dealer and Cloris Leachman characters, and the Shirley Jones character and her husband were funny in their peculiarities and tensions. In the last third, the story really touched me about possibilities, giving up dreams for the sake of others and hope in God. The ending was an interesting, thought-provoking surprise. In spite of the excess of quirky characters, motivation questions and saccharine... for an indie pic, this was excellent.
In the opening, it was hard to believe in characters or plot premise for awhile. A few more explanations were needed - like how could these people gather so much money from the street without trying to figure out where it came from? And why would everyone go along with the Sister's idea to raise the money and return it, if no one knew where it came from? (assuming they would hop on a plane to see what she wanted without knowing why - some said they thought she was dying, but wouldn't you want to know more?) These unanswered questions were rather harmless but made me uncomfortable. And the daughter of one couple and the son of another showing up and getting together was too much - as was the turnaround at the convent. Still, the story was very interesting, unusual and creative. I especially liked the casino dealer and Cloris Leachman characters, and the Shirley Jones character and her husband were funny in their peculiarities and tensions. In the last third, the story really touched me about possibilities, giving up dreams for the sake of others and hope in God. The ending was an interesting, thought-provoking surprise. In spite of the excess of quirky characters, motivation questions and saccharine... for an indie pic, this was excellent.