The Magic of Belle Isle
{4.5/5} “Most times real life doesn’t measure up to what’s in our heads, but every now and then it comes pretty close.”
Monte used to write western novels, and now he drinks. He’s staying at his brother’s house in Belle Isle for the summer. Charlotte and her three daughters live next door. The first thing Monte does is open a bottle of booze. The second thing he does is rename the dog from Ringo to Spot. When Finnegan, the middle child from next door, asks him for lessons on how to write he can’t say no.
The Magic of Belle Isle was released in 2012.
The general direction of the story might be predictable, but the details and the acting will keep you interested. In particular, Morgan Freeman is always worth watching.
It’s a story of love, friendship, and inspiration.
The romantic music is by Marc Shaiman (The Addams Family).
Morgan Freeman (Oblivion) plays Monte and Virginia Madsen (Sideways) plays Charlotte. Fred Willard (WALL-E) and Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects) have smaller parts.
The movie was directed by Rob Reiner (Stand By Me).