Seize The Day..."Hello, My Name Is Doris"

Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015)

Rated R

Starring Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Tyne Daly, Stephen Root, Peter Gallagher,

Directed by Michael Showalter

The Story:

Doris (Field) attends a self-help seminar where Willy Williams (Gallagher) instills in her a confidence that she's never had before. Doris begins to make some changes in her life, all in an effort to possibly woo a new co-worker (Greenfield)  who is half..maybe...her age.

So far, it seems to be quirky romance week here at Review Central.

Following up on yesterday's Mr. Right, comes a triumphant tour de force for Sally Field as Doris, the best role she's had in ages.

It's funny, sad, heartwarming and heartbreaking, but it's never dull.

These are characters that may very well exist in the real world, yet have been given a tweak here and there to up their quirkiness.

Believable, but never overblown, Doris will suck you up right into her world, and you'll find yourself excited for her one moment, and cringing with (or for) her the next.

Never once do you expect the relationship to work, yet deep down, you're totally pulling for her to make it work.

It's a terrific cast and a genuinely heartfelt dramedy.

Final Grade: Solid B

Hopefully Santa Brought You Cool Stuff "While You Were Sleeping"

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Rated PG

Starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Jack Warden

Directed by Jon Turteltaub

The Story:

Lucy (Bullock) works for the subway and every day she pines for mysterious stranger Peter (Gallagher). When she saves his life on the subway, a case of mistaken identity occurs when the nurse introduces Lucy to the family as Peter's fiancee. They are thrilled, and all of them love Lucy, except Jack (Pullman) who is a bit suspicious.  When Peter awakens, it appears he has some very specific amnesia concerning Lucy, but is willing to ignore it since apparently they are in love and are to be married.

I bet you can see where this one is headed, right?

And the truth is, you won't care because it's a fun, sweet story with a marvelous cast from start to finish.

The final Christmas movie to be reviewed this holiday season, While You Were Sleeping takes place between Christmas and New Years, so it's a great way to end the holidays.

It's also a minor part of the story, so you can really watch it any time of year.

This one used to be watched at least once a year, but then sort of fell off the radar over the last decade or so, and that's a shame.

Next year marks the 20th anniversary of this film, and it's high time you revisit it if it's been some time since you last saw it.

Available to stream instantly on Netflix as of this writing.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Not sure if it will become an annual holiday tradition, but it's high time to watch it more often than every decade.