Get Low (2009)

If you enjoy Depression era backwoods humor, you will most likely love this movie. If you appreciate good storytelling, I'm sure you will include this among your recent favorites. It is actually a movie about storytelling, sort of.

Robert Duvall and Bill Murray are prefect in their roles; a Tennesee hermit with 40-year-old secrets and a recently relocated Chicago hustler. They each have what the other wants and must bend a little to meet in the middle.

Sissy Spacek is dear as a quiet widow who returns to the old home town. Bill Cobbs knows more about Duvall's flawed character than most but is not about selling redemption. Lucas Black is the one who works to bring them all together.

Somewhere along the lines of Oh Brother Where Art Thou, this is a story of forgiveness. Everyone wants it, and everyone has some to give. No spoilers here, but we have to forgive ourselves somewhere down the line.

Watch this with someone who thinks the know all about that crazy old neighbor down the road.

The Ultimate Gift

Based on Jim Stovall's book of the same name this movie is a classic moralistic work. If you are anything like the main character here you will NOT like this movie. For the rest of us, this piece can be quite moving and educational.

Drew Fuller does a very nice job here portraying the evolution of fairly nasty character. James Garner and Bill Cobbs are his educators and benefactors. Abigail Breslin and Ali Hillis are the recipients of the lessons learned. All-in-all the cast is worthy of the Christmas Eve showing on the Hallmark channel. Enough said?

There are plenty of stereotypes to enjoy, and more than enough tear-jerking scenes. But, that is the point. This story plays on our emotions and our sentiments to teach us a lesson.

Watch this movie with someone who will not mind if you cry a bit during the show.