Cheap Hanging Up (Video) (Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow) (Diane Keaton) Price

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Customer Reviews of Hanging Up

The plot does seem aimless; yet it is put in focus at the ending of the film. I think what went wrong was the oldest sister, Georgia, (played by Diane Keaton, and the one of the two actors that made this film successful-the other one is Walter Matthau) contacting Eve, played by Meg Ryan, only through cell phones. And Maddy, played by Lisa Kudrow, being on-and-off throughout the movie. It all seemed too general and had no concrete point. But it is saved when Georgia arrives. From there, the movie's focus becomes clear. The catfight, the making up of Georgia and Eve, and the scene when the father dies, not to mention the opening credits-photographs of each main actor, adds much-needed flavor. The effect is intensified with Eve's flashbacks, soundtrack, and the warm, country tones in Eve's house, along with the three sisters. This movie really made a last-minute save, so I won't declare it a turkey. I consider myself an effective movie critic. Hell, I'm a teenager, and most teens my age consider "There's Something About Mary" and "Go" a must-see. That this movie has an esoteric concept can be clearly seen, and you have to analyze it again to ferret out the good points.

This movie has to be seen with open minds, and people have to be willing to search for the subtle but important parts.

Better than the critics would have you believe
It seems the critics really hated this movie, but I found the premise one that really deserved addressing. The issue of one child being left to care for an ailing parent, while the other selfish siblings are heard from only if things aren't going their way, is an issue with which I'm sure many people have to deal.

In this movie, Meg Ryan plays the one that gets all the work and none of the credit. She does just a wonderful job, as does Walter Matthau as the father suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Though I might question some of the casting, based on ages of the actors (17 years difference between the oldest and youngest children!), even Kudrow and Keaton play their parts well...as spoiled, self centered siblings.

I believe what may be a turn-off to some is the presence of TOO MANY obnoxious personalities. The movie would have been much better without the presence of Adam Arkin's or Jesse James's characters...and I probably would have felt more sympathy for Meg Ryan's character as well.

Though the movie was far from perfect, there were some emotional moments in the movie that made up for its shortcomings.

I think the biggest problem with the story line was the unrealistic unity of the sisters at the end of the movie. Self-centered individuals do not suddenly change their ways. Had Meg's character gone on her way, leaving the sisters to SEE the error of their ways, it would have been a much more effective ending.

As for the transfer....as usual, a fantastic anamorphic widescreen picture from Columbia. The special features are not great, but certainly more than one gets on most basic DVD's.

In the end, I would say this is an enjoyable...though not completely fulfilling movie. It could have been better, but it is definitely worth a rental...or if you can find it in the bargain bin as I did....a cheap purchase.

{As an added challenge....see if you can recognize the film error as the cars are racing to the hospital toward the end of the movie.)

Sometimes You Just Need to Hang Up
When I first saw this movie, I have to admit that I wasn't very impressed by it. You're going from sister to sister, scene to scene very quickly. I didn't have much time to understand what was even going on. So I decided to give the movie another chance, mostly because Diane Keaton is my favorite actress. So I did and as I watched, I became more aware of what was going on. Meg Ryan, Lisa Kudrow, and Diane Keaton all give stunning performances in this movie. Walter Matthau gave a great performance as the father. The sad part is, is that this was his final film before he passed away. Cloris Leachman has a very small part in the movie, but the parts that she is in are quite effective.

Many people view this movie as a comedy. It is definitely not a comedy. It is a drama. If you watch closely and really pay attention to what is going on, then you'll see the difference. Eve (Ryan) is trying to balance her son and husband and caring for her father. Something that Maddy (Kudrow), a soap star and Georgia (Keaton), the head of a magazine entitled 'Georgia' will not do. They are too wrapped up in their own lives to come and help care for their dying father. Yes, the ending is a little predictable, but it is also very touching. If you're looking for a movie that has everyone getting along all the time, don't rent this. But if you want to watch a movie that shows what true family can be, rent this. Granted, many families are not like this, but hey, you never know!