Huievest Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

Frances Chung Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Francene Odetta It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Jan Messali Set in the 70's, a family of 4 moves from their home in Brooklyn to New Orleans to begin a new life. By all appearances this is a happy, thriving family... but, they have a secret. The father, Joe Fine, played by Chazz Palminteri, has anger issues. His wife, Stella, played by Andie McDowell, is an enabler. The daughters, "Maddy" and "Natalie" suffer the consequences of their father's unpredictable mood swings. Joe Fine is the king of his castle, who feels that his self worth is determined by his wealth. He enjoys a lavish lifestyle until overseas competition takes a tole on his business. The prospect of failure puts Joe in a tailspin that nearly causes the destruction of his family. Stella has been abused for so long that the abuse seems normal and she makes excuses for her husband's behavior, rather than confronting him about it. Maddie, the 16 year old daughter, constantly butts heads with her dad and the more demanding he becomes the more she fights back. The youngest daughter, Natalie, is somewhat more forgiving. The movie is told from the vantage point of a grown up Natalie, looking back on her childhood. The narration is provided by Janeane Garofolo. It's been said that a good movie lingers with you long after you've seen it. This is definitely the type of movie that you'll think about, and probably talk about, for quite a while. It's not easy to watch. In fact, there are scenes that will have you holding your breath. During the chat with the author, Debbie Goodstein, and actors, I learned that Joe Fine wanted to be Super Dad, he loved his family and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. This is not at all how I viewed Joe in the movie. When he 'treats' his family to an Elvis Presley concert, an elaborate house, a new car, and jewelry I felt he was trying to make up for the abuses he'd put his family through...like a man who hits his wife and and later brings her flowers and begs for forgiveness. I could not be sympathetic to Joe. In fact, like his daughter, Maddy, the more Joe gave his family, the more I disliked Joe. Without giving away the ending, I'll just say there is hope for this family.

lynnm-thom We saw "Mighty Fine" today, and at the risk of sounding cliché – we laughed, we cried. Writer/director Debbie Goodstein touched on societal problems such as racism, sexism, the recession and outsourcing and the impact they have in impeding a family's ability to heal and break dysfunctional habits. Yet Ms. Goodstein focused primarily on emotional abuse, keeping the plot from being overly ambitious. We loved the casting, the use of photos and super 8 family films, the narration, the music, the '70s costumes and the acting. Chazz Palminteri was amazing and we loved that the ending wasn't a typical Hollywood ending. Rainey Qualle, Andie Mac Dowell's daughter definitely exceeded our expectations in her debut. One of the most heartfelt scenes was her interaction with her dad (Palminteri) after he humiliated her in front of the new friends she was forced to make after he abruptly uprooted the family. We ranged in age from 13 to 70 and the film appealed to all ages. We're mighty glad we saw this film.

HilLesha Mighty Fine tells the story of a 1970's family, who move from Brooklyn to New Orleans in search of a better, more prosperous life. The movie paints the picture of Joe Fine's (Chazz Palminteri) love for his wife (Andie MacDowell) and daughters (Jodelle Ferland and Rainey Qualley, Andie MacDowell's daughter in real life) in the beginning of the movie. Joe comes off as being articulate, free-hearted, charismatic, and funny to onlookers - classic signs of a potential abuser. However, a different story gradually and painfully unfolds behind closed doors, especially when it seems like Mighty Fine Fabrics, his business, is about to go under. The oldest daughter refuses to be oblivious, provoking her to rebel against her dad. The mother, on the other hand, tries to pacify her husband, not being aware that she's causing more emotional distress for her daughters. This poignant independent film is based on writer and director, Debbie Goodstein's childhood experiences. It gracefully touches a controversial, yet important subject that regards an abusive parent. It will hit close to home for those who have experienced this traumatizing and enigmatic behavior from someone in the past, especially if it is a family member. Also, this film makes the connection between economic uncertainty and its impact on people whose mental health is already precarious. I enjoyed watching this film, but it was a little disheartening to watch the dad have his family endure an emotionally exhausting and excruciating journey. Each person played their role superbly, bringing their character to life. The only thing I didn't like about the film is that it has verbal (with a small portion of visual) obscenities strewn throughout it. Therefore, I wouldn't consider or advise watching a movie like this with young children.

Anjanette Young I recently watched an earlier premiere of Mighty Fine courtesy of Mom Central Consulting. Many of us were able to enjoy a chat while watching the movie as well as a Q&A with the film's actors after wards.Mighty Fine follows a family on the move from Brooklyn to their new home in New Orleans. Joe Fine, played by Chazz Palminteri, is eager to impress his uprooted family with a fine home and extravagant gifts, but when a his business venture and subsequent financial choices take a turn for the worse.Will Joe's wife, played by Andie MacDowell, find the courage do what is needed? Who was my favorite character? I'd have to say Maddie Fine, played by Rainey Qualley. Why? Because she was strong as best as she could be and doesn't back down easily.Mighty Fine premieres in theaters on May 25th. Since it is only showing in select theaters, please check to see if there is a theater near you.***I participated in a campaign via my site Momma Young at Home on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating.***Like any truthful film it is a hard pill to swallow, but still a great story.