I didn't read the book; I hope the plot, as in the movie, isn't the same as the author had it. Otherwise, this author is just another skimmer. The movie is more than less convincible. It just doesn't make much sense how it happened. OK, Winslet is a reclusive mother, perhaps because of very low self-esteem. The son was less than convincing also. Brolin? Reitman just wanted to present him as an all-good convict. He is the most desirable convict for a husband, so Reitman, or the author, said. His peach pie helped make the son a legend when he later opened up his own bakery. WOW! That was sweet. But, the movie? Just another one forgettable for sure. Walking out afterwards, just felt - taken again! Sometimes, one wonders, Hollywood spends big bucks to make a flick, and later just blame their bad luck for losing their shirt. Well..... This is another loser! If they want to make brainless movies, stick to cartoons because we know cartoons are cartoons.

First off I was excited for this movie, since it is a chick flick. It is defiantly that. It had it's slow moments where I didn't know where it will go and was getting a little wary but it then picked up in the story and it did not disappoint! It was fun, heart warming, so incredibly sad. A few scenes were way Intense and don't recommend children seeing it because the content gets kind of heavy at times but the overall movie was pretty incredible! I will defiantly be buying this on DVD.

To give a full review I would need to issue a spoiler alert. But since I am a true cinephile, I would not even consider revealing one iota of the plot. Suffice it to say this richly textured piece of art restores my faith in American cinema. In addition, the cinematography allows us to see the world through the character's eyes, so vivid you can almost touch and smell the New England humidity. Brolin and Winslet deliver Oscar-worthy performances. There is beauty in the details, however joyful or painful. Jason Reitman, who brought us Juno and Up In the Air, thank goodness serves us a slice of cinematic pie which respects our collective intelligence.

Just saw this movie after warning my wife it looks terrible. But being a dutiful husband I went anyway. When we walked out, she uttered those three important words, "You were right." I told her I'd give it a fair chance (and did so), and hoped she would like it even if I didnt' because she was so excited about it. Alas, no such luck. This movie has got to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The plot is so incredibly stupid- ex-con murderer, who also happens to be a renaissance man, meets up with neurotic divorcee and hopeless son for Labor Day weekend. After abducting them and forcing his way into their lives, said divorcee falls hopelessly in love with him. Really? THIS was given the green light for production. God help the poor fools who think this is good cinema. To be fair, Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet to a fair job in the movie- but no good acting could save this mess. Save your money or go to the dentist- you'll enjoy it more.