While en route to London for his daughter’s wedding, New York music-jingle composer Harvey Shine (Dustin Hoffman) learns that he’s about to be phased out of his ad agency. Already depressed, Harvey soon discovers that his daughter (Liane Balaban) has asked stepdad Brian (James Brolin) to walk her down the aisle. Ouch! Deciding to skip the post-nuptial reception and make a quick getaway after the ceremony, Harvey makes the acquaintance of fortysomething singleton Kate Walker (Emma Thompson at her most deliciously imperious) at an airport lounge. Although Kate has no patience at first for the gregarious, supremely needy American tourist, Harvey ultimately wins her over during an impromptu lunch. So slight and winsome that it’s liable to be dismissed by hard-hearted cynics, Last Chance Harvey is as refreshing as a tart lemon soufflé served after a groaning board of overcooked holiday leftovers. HHH 1/2
This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2009.