Libramedi Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Reptileenbu Did you people see the same film I saw?

Konterr Brilliant and touching

Numerootno A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Python Hyena Living Out Loud (1998): Dir: Richard LaGravenese / Cast: Holly Hunter, Danny De Vito, Queen Latifah, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas: Silly yet refreshing view of people suffering from broken relationships. Holly Hunter is single and working at a hospital. Danny De Vito is divorced after twenty-five years of marriage. He owes a large debt in which his job as an elevator bellhop doesn't satisfy. His brother wishes to help him at his bar but De Vito holds out hoping to excel elsewhere. Recently his daughter passed away, which leads to his encounter with Hunter. She pays off his debt thus leading to interesting encounters yet an obvious conclusion. Directed by Richard LaGravenese who bypasses clichés with style, despite the predictable formula that drives the ending home. Hunter and De Vito flourish with humour in tact. Hunter is searching for something new and De Vito is hoping to bandage the old and move on. They have a unique chemistry despite the fact that the outcome is obvious. Supporting roles are played by an ambitious cast with little to do. Queen Latifah plays a nightclub singer who strikes up a friendship with Hunter but despite the energy put into the performance, the role is more or less a prop added when the leads are separated. Martin Donovan plays Hunter's ex in what is typical and predictable as he tries to reenter her life. Entertaining and provocative comedy. Score: 7 / 10

postmanwhoalwaysringstwice Writer turned writer-director Richard LaGravenese made 1998's "Living Out Loud", which follows the intersection of the lives of two people emotionally lost in the big city. Holly Hunter plays Judith, a feisty and freshly divorced woman in her early forties with an overactive imagination. Danny DeVito plays Pat, a depressed and proud elevator attendant with emotional baggage all his own. After they share words a friendship gingerly begins to form. The creative casting of the fabulous Holly Hunter and the frequently under-appreciated dramatic talents of Danny DeVito is only the beginning of the special qualities of "Living Out Loud". This is a mature study of adult relationships, especially of those that have tried, failed, and are left emotionally crippled. It's an intimate, quiet film about regular people made with so many genuine moments and with such winning results that one can only be reminded how infrequently a film like this comes along. It might not be that clever comedy the DVD suggests, but in a way the false advertising makes it that much more of a find.

KIDKODAK-2 I loved this movie...for all of its parts and for the whole of it. Holly is at her finest, Danny's magnificent and Latifah is, as always, gorgeous and honey-like. Whether you're straight or gay, male/female, young or old, frustratedly married or happily co-habitating, there's at least one scene where you're going to say, "Hey, that's me". How refreshing to see a coming of age, angst ridden plot featuring characters that are 40-somethings instead of the usual teen version of same. (Why should kids have all the fun of self-doubt, self-consciousness and self flagellation.) This movie is sensitive to the universal themes of the meaning of life, the need for love and the search for relevance. Try it, I guarantee you'll like it. (Just don't rent it for a boys night in....way too much emotion.)

jtur88 The down-side of this picture is that Judy is a totally unlikely character. And, that Danny deVito plays, well, Danny deVito. Same guy that sold Aluminum siding. But Holly Hunter is absolutely right on. Every nuance of body language, facial expression, line inflection, everything, just about perfect. If you love good acting--playing the part of a warm but imperfect human being (albeit unlikely one)---this is Holly at her best.