Janae Milner Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

Jonah Abbott There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

Darin One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

cwg2005a This is a really nice, warm, well-paced, well-acted film. Lost in the jumble of action films, car-chasers, gun-blast movies, this little gem was somewhat lost in distribution, but if you take the time for it, you will be well-rewarded.The story is simple: recent divorcée tries to regain her footing in the maze of regret, anger, and new friendships. She enters two notable friendships: with Latifah and DeVito, both of whom play their characters with subtle charm, disdaining the scene-chewing other actors might have brought to the party.Hunter is perfectly quiet, allowing the situations and small daydreams speak volumes for who she is at each moment. The direction is never intrusive, meshing with the acting to allow respect for the script and characters to take center stage.All in all, a film deserving of repeated viewing.

LFRibeiro I absolutely adore this movie; in large measure for Holly Hunter and the rest for the writing that so perfectly captures the mess that can go on in middle-age. You are far from dead, but, often times, you're at a huge cross-roads. What matters? What should one commit to? What about one's wants? Hopes? Dreams? Is everything dead because you're old enough to know "know better?" These are questions this film tackles straight one in a funny, poignant fashion. In addition, this is a terrific slice-of-life of that mid-life transition: painful, funny, awkward, over-zealous, hopeful... Great acting from Hunter, DeVito and the great Queen Latifah. I usually abhore a soundtrack that directs audience response, but this one is just overt and yet subtle enough to work wonders. Brownstone and The Confessional/If You Love Me is a tremendous film moment. Enjoy!

Ed Uyeshima Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese was able to make something substantive from the hoary novella that was Robert James Waller's "The Bridges of Madison County" aided by Clint Eastwood's assured direction. In his own directorial debut, LaGravenese again shows dexterity with unexpected character development in this self-penned 1998 dramedy. On the surface, the plot is straightforward. Judith, a wealthy, middle-aged Manhattan woman, is reeling from a divorce from her smug doctor husband for whom she gave up her own promising medical career to become a nurse. Pat, the doorman in her building, is also suffering from a bad marriage, has increasing gambling debts, and just lost his daughter. After months of indifference, they finally speak to each other, and he becomes smitten even though she only wants to be friends. Providing sharp, unpredictable dialogue, LaGravenese does not rely on clichés to formulate the characters, and it's the quirky sense of revelation he provides to Judith and Pat that keeps the story consistently engaging. He also effectively inserts fantasy scenes to reflect Judith's wavering state of mind - a technique I haven't seen used as well since Irvin Kershner's "Up the Sandbox" a quarter century earlier.Casting helps considerably as Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito play Judith and Pat with consummate skill and poignancy. Looking taut, often apoplectic and sometimes quite sexy, Hunter makes Judith a refreshingly multi-dimensional figure, a wounded bird one minute and a cutting harpy the next. I particularly like her curt response to her ex-husband's conciliatory new wife, as well as the effortlessly seductive dance moves she exhibits at a lesbian nightclub. In a surprising display of warmth, DeVito makes Pat a sympathetic character without resorting to either self-pity or smarminess. Vocalizing in a confident, languorous manner, Queen Latifah gives a nicely assured performance as Liz, a nightclub jazz singer with whom Judith bonds. The 1999 DVD includes a thoughtful commentary track from LaGravenese, a strong extra in itself, though it seems a shame in hindsight that they were not able to secure the principal actors to participate. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, there are also five deleted scenes including Queen Latifah's full performance of the standard "Lush Life".

Edgar L. Davis Living Out Loud is a very complete film in its use of good telling, quirky casting and an dynamic use of music. Mr. LaGravenese has made a triumphant transition from screenwriter to director. Holly Hunter is brilliant in the role of Judith, one of the most emotionally complex woman that I've seen on the screen in ages. Hunter is a bundle of pent-up sexuality and rage that explodes as her safe upperclass NYC life begins to unravel. Danny Devito is a good actor who when given the right script becomes a great actor. He is perfect as the unlucky recently divorced elevator operator trying to catch a break. Queen Latifah is awesome. Her talent is natural and honest. She is the most interesting black female in film today(second only to Alfre Woodard or Angela Bassett). Martin Donovan is cinema's best kept secret. His talent is also very natural as can be seen in his other work(Insomnia, The Oppsite of Sex, etc). If you are looking for a film about 'self-discovery', this is the film for you.