“You Can Count On Me” – R – New to Video/DVD
A look at the trials and tribulations in one woman’s life.
Samantha (Laura Linney) is a single Mom to an 8-year-old son. They live in a quiet town where she works at the local bank. The bank hires a new manager, Brian (Matthew Broderick), who is impossible to work for. He makes unreasonable demands of the employees and does not like the fact that Samantha’s son is her first priority.
Sammy gets word that her wayward brother, Terry (Mark Ruffalo), is coming to visit. She is thrilled because he has been drifting around for years and she has not seen much of him. Her troubles with her brother begin when he arrives and asks his sister for money. After some convincing Terry decides to stay with his sister for a while. He is a bad influence on her son and often gets himself into trouble.
The story continues when Sammy starts seeing her old boyfriend again. He wants to marry her, but she can’t be bothered. She takes the relationship safe route.
This film was written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. It was a brilliant look into a woman’s life as she sorts out her own priorities. If you are looking for a dramatic plot or the kind of movie filled with suspense then don’t rent this. This is the kind of movie, which gives you real people, real feelings and tells a simple yet fulfilling story. The cast was fantastic. Laura Linney received an Academy Award Nomination for her part as Samantha. Kenneth Lonergan also received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Mark Ruffalo was sensational as Terry, the troubled brother. He has not had any lead roles up until this one, but I expect this movie will change that.
If you want to watch a story about life, then I would recommend this film. The beginning of the movie was confusing, but it all straightened itself out. I really enjoyed this movie and hope you will too.
Enjoy!
©2001 KAC