Last Chance Harvey - A Movie Review

You don’t know me, and I don’t know you.

Released in 2008, Last Chance Harvey is about a man who is an outcast from his family. Flying to his daughter's wedding, Harvey meets a woman. Each finding their spirits lifted, Kate and Harvey continue their conversations for the rest of the trip.

Last Chance Harvey is a love story. Only, it’s a different type of love story. Though it copies most romantic tropes, the film notes that we can improve relationships and ourselves. We just need to think in a positive light.

Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson worked well together. The pair share a lot of intricate conversations during their day. They build a good connection. Despite this supposed romantic flair, I didn’t feel any romance between them. Kate is right when she says they know nothing about each other.

Harvey was trying to push the relationship. He always figures out solutions to track Kate’s whereabouts. He waits for Kate for an hour while she is teaching a writing class. Based on how his family treats him, Harvey was a bit desperate to make this relationship work.

We should give relationships a chance as long as they make sense. Hoffman delivered a genuine speech in the wedding scene.

It was great seeing an appearance from Eileen Atkins, whom Doc Martin fans will recognize as Aunt Ruth. She was a riot in her dry humor. Thompson and Atkins were fun to watch in their scenes.

Last Chance Harvey has a great cast of actors. Last Chance Harvey presents your typical dysfunctional family. Some credits include Kathy Baker, James Brolin, Liane Balaban, and Daniel Lapaine. The storyline with Harvey’s family is handled well.

History is evident in the family, but thankfully problems are never addressed. It’s not what the film is about. Relationships are more subtle, but the tension is evident.

Harvey’s family is vicious or mean to him. He is left out, but admittedly, Harvey does it to himself. When he should be enjoying himself with his family, he gets up to take work calls.

Thankfully, the film avoids a family brawl. We have seen families fighting in several movies. It’s nice to witness peace. It’s not clear if Harvey finds closure, but at least he finds peace at the moment.

Joel Hopkins handled the dynamics of the film in two different ways. The love story between Harvey and Kate and the rekindling of the family. The wedding sequence is my favorite. It’s a sweet scene with everyone dancing and having a good time. The film is sentimental but doesn’t get carried away with anything.

Taking place in London, viewers are treated to several eye-worthy locations. That’s another aspect that drew me into the film. Harvey and Kate walk for miles sightseeing. Sometimes, conversations are muted so we can just enjoy the moment. My favorite location was when they visited the dress shop.

Last Chance Harvey is not original. We’ve seen this romantic storyline in multiple films. The storyline is reminiscent of the Before Sunrise franchise. Just like the characters in that film, Harvey and Kate have a lot of conversations. Dialogue is honest and quick. Last Chance Harvey works as its own film.

However, it works because of Hoffman and Thompson’s interactions. The storyline is not forced. The film is bittersweet mixed with humor. The music carries a somber style. Gradually, the music changes to a more hopeful tone. It’s a sentimental film.

Last Chance Harvey is a good film with some laughs. It has a good message. Find the film on Amazon Prime.