Living Out Loud (1998): Dir: Richard LaGravenese / Cast: Holly Hunter, Danny De Vito, Queen Latifah, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas: Silly yet refreshing view of people suffering from broken relationships. Holly Hunter is single and working at a hospital. Danny De Vito is divorced after twenty-five years of marriage. He owes a large debt in which his job as an elevator bellhop doesn't satisfy. His brother wishes to help him at his bar but De Vito holds out hoping to excel elsewhere. Recently his daughter passed away, which leads to his encounter with Hunter. She pays off his debt thus leading to interesting encounters yet an obvious conclusion. Directed by Richard LaGravenese who bypasses clichés with style, despite the predictable formula that drives the ending home. Hunter and De Vito flourish with humour in tact. Hunter is searching for something new and De Vito is hoping to bandage the old and move on. They have a unique chemistry despite the fact that the outcome is obvious. Supporting roles are played by an ambitious cast with little to do. Queen Latifah plays a nightclub singer who strikes up a friendship with Hunter but despite the energy put into the performance, the role is more or less a prop added when the leads are separated. Martin Donovan plays Hunter's ex in what is typical and predictable as he tries to reenter her life. Entertaining and provocative comedy. Score: 7 / 10
Review of Living Out Loud
