This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

The acting in this movie is really good.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

I saw this movie shortly after it came out back in '97 I think, and loved it! I just got out my DVD and watched again last night. You probably have seen this already, but if not, it's a real gem! Robert DeNiro produced this, and has a supporting role, but the two principle leads in this are the ladies- Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Streep plays the blue-collar mom to a pyromaniac son (Leonardo DiCaprio), who takes the family from their home in Ohio down to see their cancer-inflicted sister/aunt (Keaton), who needs a bone-marrow transplant, and one of her two sons may be a match. The late (I think- ??) Hume Cronyn plays her dying father- the titular character, who doesn't have much in the way of dialogue in the film due to him being pretty out of it. And that kid actor from "The Indian in the Cupboard" is the younger brother.What I remember about this movie most are so many little scenes here and there that just grab you and make you take a second look at life's little moments, and also continue to prove that Meryl Streep is the best there is- wow! The scene with the hair brush (if you've seen it already, you know what I'm talking about). On a side-note- you may recall this movie before it's release as the Disney World movie Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton and Leo DiCaprio were all filming, maybe due to it being a small film still within the Miramax division of the overall Disney conglomerate-??

I came across this movie on Netflix and thought I would give it a go! Surely a movie with Meryl Streep and Dianne Keaton wouldn't disappoint! It sure didn't! While the story has been done before in various formats it's the screenplay that makes this movie a real gem. The main three actors really do a great job. But with Streep, Keaton and DiCaprio one would expect nothing less. For me the the late Gwen Verdon steals the show. she really shows how comedy should be done. The scene with the orange is one that stands out. A mixture of comedy and heart wrenching reality showcases how underrated she has been. This for me should have definitely gained a nod in any supporting actress awards. This movie certainly won't change your life but it really does provide you with food for though about love, family and the importance of life! Give it a go. It won't disappoint.

"Marvin's Room" is a 1996 film that stars Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Hume Cronyn, Gwen Verdon, Robert DeNiro and Dan Hedaya. Just goes to show you the kind of cast a good script can attract, even for a little film.Little film, big emotions. "Marvin's Room" is about two sisters who haven't been in touch for 20 years. Diane Keaton is Bessie, the sister who stayed home and took care of her elderly relatives - her father, Marvin (Cronyn), who is bedridden and non-verbal, and her dizzy but sweet Aunt Ruth (Verdon). Meryl Streep is Lee, the sister who got out of Dodge (Dodge being Florida), got married, had kids, got divorced, and is about to get her cosmetology license. When Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia and is told she needs a relative's bone marrow, she calls Lee. Lee packs up the kids and drives to Florida so they can all be tested.The film begins with Lee's son Hank (DiCaprio) burning down the family dwelling and getting arrested. It's an understatement to say he's angry with his mother, blaming her for the divorce. He forms a bond with his Aunt Bessie, and doesn't want to leave. His mother vehemently doesn't want to stay. In their big confrontation, Bessie accuses Lee of being selfish in not staying and sharing the burden of taking care of their family. "I took care of my family," Lee reminds her. "I had a husband and children, and I never heard from any of you people." This is one of those family dramas that hits home, and with the boomers now in the position of taking care of their parents, it's even more relevant than it was 13 years ago. Each member of the cast gives an honest and realistic performance. As the smoking, no-nonsense, nothing can touch me Lee, Meryl Streep is marvelous. I have to admit that I am not always a fan of hers, only because I can sometimes see her making acting choices. Lee is one role where she just IS the character. Keaton is excellent as the softer, warmer, more nurturing Bessie, who sublimated many of her own dreams. As the rebellious teen, Leonardo DiCaprio gives a wonderful performance as the confused Hank, who discovers family he knew nothing about.There are two sisters, and there are also two brothers - Robert DeNiro, who plays Bessie's doctor, Dr. Wally, and Dan Hedaya, the doctor's slow brother Bob who works in Wally's office. Bob isn't much help, but Wally seems to tolerate him with no problem. He's family, and Wally's responsibility.One scene that really cracked me up - Aunt Ruth loves soap operas, and when we first see her, she's watching a soap opera scene with veteran soap star John Callahan (All My Children) and Kelly Ripa. It's hilarious. I mention it because later on, it comes into play.Jerry Zaks' directing is excellent. Just have a box of tissues nearby. It's a story about a family, with lots of love underneath the problems.

I was recently in a production of the stage production of Marvin's Room (yes, there was a play. It came before the movie). I was cast as Hank. I found it a challenging role to portray, but I feel I came out in the end with a good representation. I'll be the first to tell you - I don't have the stunning looks of Leo, but the looks are just a superfluous bonus. Anyway, back onto my comments. I think the movie really captured the deep meaning of the play. The connections family makes, and how such great distances can be crossed emotionally by showing love for someone. I really enjoyed watching the movie, it brought back all the memories of the experience in acting this show.Bravo to them all!