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Dustin Hoffman stars as Harvey Shine in the new film "Last Chance Harvey." His career writing jingles is on the bubble, and job demands are conflicting with his estranged daughter's wedding. While trying to juggle all of this, Harvey flies off to London for the nuptials only to find that he is stuffed off in a hotel while the rest of the wedding guests are tucked away in a rented home.
The final straw comes when his daughter informs him that she would like her step father -- played by James Brolin -- to give her away at the wedding.
After the vows are said, Harvey, having decided he can't attend the evening reception, heads for the airport, hoping to get home in time to rescue a big project. But of course he misses the plane, hears he's been fired and retreats to the airport lounge.
Ah, this is where the fates intervene as he spies Kate. He recognizes this woman because he blew past her on his arrival as she asked if he would be interested in participating in a survey. He apologizes, strikes up a conversation, and one thing leads to another. Eventually Kate -- played by Emma Thompson --convinces Harvey that he needs to attend the reception. He agrees, but only if she'll be his date. Have the wheels been set in motion for romance and redemption?
"Last Chance Harvey" fosters an unlikely chemistry between Hoffman and Thompson that is strangely endearing. While delivering moments that range from heartbreaking to uplifting, the too frequent cliffhangers make it hard not to feel manipulated and positioned for specific reaction. Still, I like "Last Chance Harvey," and you could do worse for a date movie this weekend.
Three and a half stars for "Last Chance Harvey," and it's rated PG-13.
Another movie out this weekend is "Hotel for Dogs."
This family flick follows the story of two orphans living with horrible foster parents, played by Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon. When their pet dog strays and flees into an abandoned hotel, the kids somehow collect a score of other strays and use a hotel for a huge playpen.
"Hotel For Dogs" is what one critic calls adorable yet predictable. It's rated PG.
