- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
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2 out of 5
Kathy Bates directs and stars in this offbeat comedy drama based on the memoir of Jane Stern - an American food critic who overcame clinical depression by becoming a Connecticut paramedic. But though Bates delivers a customarily warm and proficient lead performance, she's not quite as adept behind the camera. Too many visual techniques hinder the narrative, while the jarring mix of solemnity and near-slapstick gives the project an unpolished air that betrays its made-for-TV status. Nonetheless, Bates's genial presence ensures the film remains solidly engaging, even if its stylistic indecision dilutes the impact and believability of Stern's life-changing actions.
Plot Summary
Comedy drama based on a true story, directed by and starring Kathy Bates. When successful food writer Jane Stern begins to suffer from depression, she decides to get her life back on track by training to become an emergency medical technician. But Jane's career switch puts her marriage under strain.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Jane Stern
- Kathy Bates
- Michael Stern
- Robin Thomas
- Walter
- Sean McCann
- Pete
- Gordon Pinsent
- Ed
- Wayne Best
- Audrey
- Kristina Nicoll
- Vince Milnik
- John Dunsworth
- Dot
- Nathalie Toriel
Crew
- Director
- Kathy Bates
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