Highly Overrated But Still Good

As Good As It Gets

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

I lost my IMDb sign in and can not seem to find my review for this movie! So, having watched it again now I just have to say what a wonderful movie this is! Betty White is superb! Also, Jennifer Love Hewitt gives a wonderful performance! I love Hallmark movies because they just seem to have such enjoyable stories and terrific actors that bring them to life! Having said this, sometimes they can be a little over the top and maybe pour on the sentiment too strongly where I catch myself rolling my eyes. But, I am most often moved to tears or find myself laughing out loud. This film is one of the more touching ones. It really got me the first time and after watching again I felt moved enough to sign on here again to write this review.

I saw The Lost Valentine a few months ago on you tube it was the kind of movie that pulls at the heartstrings and makes you believe that when it comes to true love anything is possible. Betty White is a fantastic woman and actress having seen her comedic performance as Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls and other television shows as well as films.This is a movie that touched my heart not just because of it's content but also due to the wonderful performances of it's talented cast featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sean Faris, Bill Magnussen & Meghann Fahy. There were a few scenes that brought tears to my eyes such as when White's character learns the tale about her husband's fate and when his body is brought back home and given a proper service, seeing her finally get to say goodbye was emotional.On Valentine's Day 1944, it's Neil Thomas's (Magnussen's) first wedding anniversary and his pregnant wife Caroline (Fahy) has gone to the train station to say farewell as he goes to fight in World War II. He makes a promise that he might not be able to keep and that is he'll return home safe by the next anniversary, 66 years later a now elderly Caroline (White) accompanied by her grandson Lucas (Faris) has come to the train station every year on valentine's day in the hopes that she will finally welcome her husband home.The story is brought to cynical reporter Susan Allison (Hewitt) who at first refers to it as a fluff piece rather than the true tale that it is, she apologizes and the interview begins. As it progresses Caroline talks about how she & Neil met, to their wedding day and the house they fixed up that she still resides in and how for all these years she's been unable to get any information from the navy about her husband. Also Susan & Lucas appear to be falling for each other, as the film gets close to it's conclusion she hears about what Neil sacrificed in order for others to live and with help from Susan's ex boyfriend Andrew(Chase) they locate a Filipino man named Morang (Zano) who via teleconference tells the truth about what happened to Lieutenant Thomas he was killed by a Japanese sniper and then buried. Seeing her reaction to the news was heartbreaking, I mean her love for him was what kept her going all those years and never did she give up hope that somehow he would return.The final scene shows Caroline dancing in her garden reminiscing about happy times she shared with Neil and a vision of him appears with his arms around her while they dance. The Lost Valentine is a wonderful story not just for 2011 but for all times and anyone who believes in true love.

I have never cried and smiled so much during a movie before! Juxtaposition right? Well, this movie made me cry like a little baby. I kid you not, I went through the tissue box. The story line is good, the actors are amazing. The whole thing was so believable and Betty White.. Ohhhh Betty White... I am speechless. I wanted to go and hug her. I literally just finished watching it and my eyes are all red and watery, but I can't get over how good it was! Honestly, one of the best movies I've seen. Hallmark almost never ceases to disappoint. Most Hallmark movies, though, are very light and fluffy, and your typical rom-coms with happily ever afters, but this one goes the extra mile. It's happy, it's sad. It's the real deal.I also loved the message is sent out throughout and at the end, with the rose (which is not a spoiler at all). The ending seemed a bit scripted, but it was good. It's already 2 AM. I told myself I'd finish the movie tomorrow, but I couldn't stop watching! If I left it for tomorrow, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight and would be analyzing the different outcomes of the movie.Sean Farris and Jennifer Love Hewitt :: loved it! Absolutely wonderful! The cast was chosen so well, I don't think they could've done a better job with it!Altogether, I give this a 10/10 because it truly exceeded my expectations and made me laugh, and cry, and love, and hate. Stories like this make you believe in everlasting love. It does exist. And after watching this movie, I hope to someday find it.

Here is a story that so could have easily gotten out of hand, but it didn't. It stayed quite believable from beginning to end, with solid direction, writing, cinematography, and production from music to costumes. All the actors gave solid performances, but Betty White is in her glory here. Capping a life time before the cameras playing every part from bubble-head wife, to game show staple, to man-chasing TV "Home Maker" to senior Nordic-American widow, we now have a consummate pro, the caliber of Tracey or Heburn in their latter days giving a performance that is total "Emmy" caliber all the way. If you some how missed this, catch a rebroadcast, or put it on your purchase or rental list when it appears on DVD or Blu-Ray disc. You will not be disappointed. One caveat: Have the box of tissue handy because Betty's gonna get you!