True love builds something good

As they say in the classics, true love will conquer all. This love story overcomes all cynicism as it goes down to the wire.

Still Mine

MOVIE REVIEW: As they say in the classics, true love will conquer all.

In the particular case of Still Mine - hardly a classic movie - a true love story overcomes all cynicism. Though it does take a while, and the result goes right down to the wire.

As manipulative and unashamedly heart-tugging as Still Mine often becomes, the fact this sincerely inspirational tale actually happened saves the film from a sickly outcome.

James Cromwell stars as Craig Morrison, a Canadian man of the land who, at age 87, defied local law makers to build a dream home for his ailing wife.

Irene (Genevieve Bujold) has been diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's, and her connection to the real world is becoming looser by the day.

The homestead Irene and Craig have shared is simply making her condition more pronounced. Perhaps it is even fast-tracking her debilitation.

So Craig must move fast, and marks out the perfect spot on his large property to construct a small cottage. It is here he and Irene will be able to comfortably see out their twilight years together.

An experienced carpenter - he even has his own sawmill - Craig immediately sets to work bringing his plans to reality. Though his rustic design is largely improvised because of time constraints, his mastery of his craft and a deep affection for Irene keeps the passion project on the right track.

Unfortunately, local building officials take a dim view of Craig's unsanctioned construction work.

The two parties are soon at war, each refusing to compromise as the argument escalates from the council chambers to the courtroom.

The screenplay of Still Mine does not allow any fence-sitting on the part of the audience. Old Craig has his heart in the right place.

Them rules-and-regulations types have their heads lodged elsewhere.

The melodramatic smackdown between common sense and council by-laws barely resonates in Still Mine. However, the unspoken feelings of tenderness and intimacy that the ever-dignified pairing of Cromwell and Bujold bring to their performances cannot help but soften the hardest-hearted of viewers.

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Still Mine [PG]

Rating: 3/5

Director: Michael McGowan (Score: A Hockey Musical)

Starring: James Cromwell, Genevieve Bujold, Campbell Scott, Rick Roberts, Julie Stewart

"He won't cop this. So house that"