Great Film overall

Fantastic!

As Good As It Gets

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I have to admit, I started with a prejudice against Ashton Kutcher. I should have learned from my initial unsubstantiated dislike of Brad Pitt. He is one of those handsome young men whose movie credentials haven't been impressive. I wonder if perhaps that stems from lack of opportunity. I see a film like this as a transitional one where we can see his acting ability. He does a nice job with the angst and anger brought about by the utter unfairness of life. Bad things happen and justice isn't done and we shouldn't pass judgment on a life if we don't have some real knowledge of that person. I liked the chemistry between the two leads. The relationship with the deaf son was a bit of a reach. There's no reason they communicated so badly. There is written speech, lip reading, and other forms of communication; even the most basic elements of sign language. It makes Kutcher's character seem rather shallow to think that he would spend so much time with this boy and still not literally understand him. Things do get a bit contrived at the end (I won't spoil it), but if you want to take away a single thing from this film. realize the pain that is life and the possibilities that those painful things can hand you.

Personal Effects feels longer than it runs. There's a lot of interlude cuts, music, and closeups of Kutcher and Pfieffer - some done well while others lagging. In short the movie meanders. The relationship is not believable really, however, the general story and themes of loss seem to hit it right with anger and sadness during dialog, exchanges, and especially court scenes. Sometimes the dialog between the leads is dull, and the supposed chemistry doesn't seem real, but the supporting cast did a good job, including Kathy Bates and Spencer Hudson. Do not have high opinion of Kutcher's acting ability, but he manages to suffice in this role. The music was hit and miss especially annoying with folksy back-playing here and there. OK drama.

The twenty-four years old wrestler Walter (Ashton Kutcher) leaves the national team in Iowa and returns to his hometown after the brutal murder of his twin sister Annie (Sarah Lind) to support his mother Gloria (Kathy Bates) and his niece. When he goes with his mother to the therapy, he meets the widow Linda (Michelle Pfeifer), whose alcoholic husband was murdered by his friend in a bar. Linda has a deaf and dumb son, Clay (Spencer Hudson), who misses his father and has a repressed anger against the killer, and works in the Southside Community Center organizing weddings for needy people. They befriend each other during the trials and Walter invites Clay to join the local wrestling training. While waiting for the jury verdict of their cases, Linda and Walter have a love affair and Linda falls in love for him. However, their relationship is deeply affected when the verdict of Annie's trial is that the accused is not-guilty. "Personal Effects" is a powerful drama and love story with a good development of the both lead characters. The beauty of Michelle Pfeifer is still astonishing and she does not seem to be fifty-one years old. Her chemistry with Ashton Kutcher is fantastic and I liked very much their performances. Kathy Bates has a minor participation and the unknown Spencer Hudson completes the great cast. Unfortunately, the last scene with Walter with a wounded leg spoils this great drama. It seems to be the typical interference of the producer to give a commercial end to please the average audiences that claim for a happy end. My vote is seven.Title (Brazil): "Por Amor" ("For Love")

I Don't Know Why This Movie Got Such Low Ranking Here.I Think The Story Was Interesting And Original. Rhe Plot Is A Bit Simple, But It Is More About People, And Relationships.The Acting Was Good, And It Was Nice To Sea That Michelle Pfeiffer Still Looking Great To Her Age, And I Also Liked Her Acting.I Think This Is Typically A Movie That Women Would Like To Watch, Probably Older Women, However Since It's Not The Typical Hollywood Romantic Comedy Silly Movie, And Has A Strong Male Character (Ashton Kutcher) Other People Will Find It Also Apealling.I Thought The Ending Was A Lirle Bit Predictable And Forced, But It Is Still Holiwood Movie.