A film that is so sweet and good natured with such a big heart that at times you really don't mind it's flaws - the length (two hours), ambling narrative, the fact it really should have played greater attention to subplots and been made in England. That country seems to suit these stories more, with its animal love and abundance of character actors and great experience in ensemble drama, than Hollywood, with it's emphasis on heroes journeys. There's also the fact that Matt Damon isn't really that terrific in ordinary guy parts - there's nothing wrong with his acting, you just wish they'd found a young Tom Hanks or gotten Tom Cruise to do it - a star who can coast on their personality more.
But it is sweet, full of emotion, stuff like "all you need are 20 seconds of pure courage" really work, the love of a man for his dead wife is well conveyed (although it must be easier when Scarlett Johansson is there as a replacement). Cute kids and animals and young teen romance. Impossible to dislike.
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