Take a chance on Emma Thompson in Harvey
Dustin Hoffman and especially Emma Thompson shine in the low-key 'Last Chance Harvey,' which resembles a middle-aged version of 'Before Sunrise.'
In Last Chance Harvey’s most winning moment, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson make faces at each other. Hoffman plays Harvey Shine, a jazz musician turned frustrated composer of commercial jingles. Thompson’s Kate Walker, a book-loving airline employee, explains to him the origin of the expression “stiff upper lip” with exaggerated mouth movements.
It may be the most charming scene of any romantic comedy of the past year, but that’s less an endorsement of the well-acted but disposable Last Chance Harvey than a reflection of the shrill, sorry state of rom-coms in general. Lately, movie love stories hit their jokes so hard and rely on such predictable romantic ups and downs, human moments seldom have the chance to emerge. Last Chance Harvey director Joel Hopkins’ best talent is an instinct to give plenty of breathing room to his leads, who happen to be two of the best actors of their respective generations.