The Magic of Belle Isle is a heartwarming film available on Netflix that captures the essence of hope, love, and the power of imagination. Directed by Rob Reiner, the movie stars Morgan Freeman as Monte Wildhorn, a famous writer who has lost his passion for life and writing due to his personal struggles. He moves to a rural town called Belle Isle for the summer, hoping to find solace and inspiration. In Belle Isle, Monte befriends the charming Charlotte O'Neil, a single mother who lives next door, played by Virginia Madsen. Charlotte's three daughters, Willow, Finnegan, and Flora, soon become enamored by Monte's witty and creative personality. They are fascinated by his ability to transport them to imaginary worlds through his storytelling.
They are fascinated by his ability to transport them to imaginary worlds through his storytelling. The film beautifully explores the theme of embracing the power of imagination. Monte, who initially isolates himself from society, rediscovers the joy of storytelling and begins to inspire others through his tales.
The magic of belle idle on netflix
"The Magic of Belle Isle" (109 minutes) is available via iTunes, Amazon, Comcast, DirecTV, VUDU and other outlets. A limited theatrical release begins July 1.
Rob Reiner's "The Magic of Belle Isle" is an Easy Button of a film, as generic and conventional as its title. If you ever wondered what a Hallmark Channel original movie would be like if you threw some A-list talent at it -- namely Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen instead of, say, Jeffrey Nordling and Kristy Swanson -- here's your answer.
AdvertisementFreeman stars as Monte Wildhorn, an alcoholic in a wheelchair and "writer (of westerns) nobody reads." His books, once popular, are now out of print. Monte's nephew (Keenan Thompson) deposits him in the idyllic lakeside town of Belle Isle to housesit. Nephew's ulterior motive, of course, is that he will be inspired to stop drinking and start writing again, but the embittered Monte is a hard case. "Toss it in the garbage," he says of his typewriter. "She's a black-hearted whore, and I'm done with her."
So what will it take to turn this curmudgeon into a softie? Guy Thomas' simplistic script leaves nothing to chance. How about saddling Monte with a lazy old dog named Ringo (yes, Ringo) that has a penchant for licking itself? No? Well then, how about introducing a single mother (Madsen) who is going through a divorce with three -- count 'em -- daughters: one adorable, one precocious, and one sullen? Still not enough? Well then how about adding to the mix a mentally challenged boy who hops around the neighborhood and whom Monte takes under his wing as his "sidekick?"
Monte's transformation does not exactly require a spoiler alert (especially if you see the trailer), but Freeman, the consummate character actor, can wring the bathos out of such dialogue as "That lady has a way of making me sit taller in the saddle."
W. C. Fields is credited with the quote that adult actors should never work with children or dogs. "The Magic of Belle Isle" puts these scene-stealers on notice: They should think twice about working with Morgan Freeman. But Reiner has always worked wonders with child actors, and Emma Fuhrmann, especially, as middle daughter Finnegan (yes, Finnegan), admirably holds her own in her pivotal scenes in which she asks Monte teach her how to write stories.
AdvertisementScreenwriter Thomas' lone big-screen credit was the excruciating 1980 comedy "Wholly Moses!" To have Reiner agree to direct this modest addition to the "summer that changed our lives" genre, must have been the answer to a prayer. Reiner, like Garry Marshall, but without the one-liner gag reflex, is an old-school crowd-pleaser who knows how to get the laugh and jerk the tear, sometimes shamelessly. At one point, Monte, being kissed in a dream, awakens to that dog licking his face.
Reiner gets a little help from friends and former collaborators. In addition to Freeman ("The Bucket List") and Madsen ("Ghosts of Mississippi"), the cast includes Madeline Carroll (the underseen "Flipped") as Madsen's oldest daughter, Willow (yes, Willow). Kevin Pollack ("A Few Good Men," the short-lived TV series, "Morton & Hayes") as Monte's agent, who arrives in the third act with a proposal that could rescue Monty from obscurity, and Fred Willard as a glad-handing neighbor who is a fan of Monte's books.
Tony-winner and Oscar-nominated composer Marc Shaiman, in his ninth film with Reiner, wrote the banal score which features the requisite tinkling piano that signals life sea-changes in the offing. For the boomers ("Belle Island's" likeliest visitors), he includes a gratuitous Beach Boys classic, "Don't Worry Baby."
"The Magic of Belle Isle" is getting an on-demand video release before a limited theatrical run in July, reflecting a belief that a small scale film like this -- driven by character and actual conversation -- has a better chance of finding its audience in the comfort of home than in theatres during the sound and fury and 3D of the summer movie season. "Belle Isle" is all about the comforts of home and its simplest of pleasures may be best appreciated within the confines of a smaller screen.
Freeman, as ever, only makes it look simple. His sage voice is this film's sole special effect, as witness his oration at a neighbor's funeral, his mentoring of Finnegan to use her imagination to "see what isn't there," and his description of how Madsen's character walks into a room. In a summer of superheroes, he emerges as a true wizard. His performance is the real magic of "Belle Isle."
Donald Liebenson
Donald Liebenson is a Chicago-based film critic, entertainment writer and DVD reviewer. He has been published in The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Printer's Row Journal, Los Angeles Times, Movieline and Entertainment Weekly.
When his aging mob boss is whacked, Charlie Swift, a loyal friend and hired gun, will stop at nothing to bring down the new crew coming up that took him out.
He shares with the O'Neil girls the magic of creativity, teaching them to see beauty and wonder in the simplest things. As the story unfolds, Monte helps Charlotte regain her own passion for life and love. Their relationship grows, and they find solace and companionship in one another. Through their bond, they learn to heal from their pasts and stay optimistic about the future. The Magic of Belle Isle reminds us of the transformative power of human connection and the importance of nurturing our imagination. It teaches us that even in the face of darkness and difficulties, there is always room for hope and the possibility of new beginnings. The performances in the film are outstanding, with Morgan Freeman delivering a powerful portrayal of a man struggling to find his purpose. The chemistry between Freeman and Madsen is palpable, adding depth and authenticity to their characters' relationship. The young actresses playing the O'Neil daughters, Emma Fuhrmann, Madeline Carroll, and Nicolette Pierini, breathe life into their roles with their innocence and charm. Rob Reiner's direction allows the story to unfold organically, balancing moments of heartfelt emotion with light-hearted humor. The cinematography captures the beauty of Belle Isle, showcasing its tranquility and simplicity, further enhancing the film's message of finding beauty in the little things. Overall, The Magic of Belle Isle is an enchanting film that reminds us of the magic that lies within ourselves. It encourages us to tap into our imagination, reconnect with our passions, and embrace the power of love and human connection. It is a must-watch for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting story that will leave a lasting impact..
Reviews for "Magical Transformations: The Characters of 'Belle Idle' on Netflix"
1. Sarah - Rating: 2/5
I had high hopes for "The Magic of Belle Isle" on Netflix, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The storyline seemed promising, with an author finding inspiration in a small town, but the execution was lacking. The pacing was slow, and the character development felt shallow. Additionally, the performances of the actors, especially Morgan Freeman, seemed phoned in and lacking the depth needed to make the story engaging. Overall, I was disappointed and wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - Rating: 1/5
"The Magic of Belle Isle" on Netflix was a complete waste of time for me. The plot was predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional. The attempt at capturing the magic of small-town life fell short, and I found myself bored throughout the entire film. Morgan Freeman's portrayal of the grumpy writer lacked any real depth, and the supporting cast didn't add much to the story either. I had hoped for a heartwarming and inspiring experience, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
3. Emily - Rating: 2/5
I was excited to watch "The Magic of Belle Isle" on Netflix, but it failed to meet my expectations. The story felt overly sentimental and cliché, with little originality. The chemistry between the characters, particularly between Morgan Freeman and the young girl, felt forced and lacked authenticity. The film relied heavily on predictable plot twists and didn't offer anything new or thought-provoking. While it may appeal to fans of light-hearted dramas, it ultimately left me feeling underwhelmed.