(22 May 2012)

Incredible!

I was blown away by this tender and sensitive movie. From the very moment the movie started, I was captivated by both Mulroney's and Peet's incredible performances. Given the subject matter, what could have been a really sappy story was instead one that was presented with restraint and subtlety. This is one of my new all-time favorites.

David Nusair (21 May 2012)

...absurdly sentimental and melodramatic...

christyl (17 May 2012)

the love story that keeps you guessing

this movie made me laough and cry. it was so wonderful it was the sweetest love story ive seen in a very long time.

JoNurse11 (17 May 2012)

Amazing Movie

This movie about two workaholics is so worth seeing. If there was evera movie that made you think about how you are living your life - thisis it. In short: don't waste time, fall in love, be silly, doeverything you want to (within reason) today, because you may not havetomorrow. Kiss your children - love them until you annoy them. Theywill appreciate it later. Love your partner - never let a chance to sayI love you get away . . . you may not get that chance back. I reallyhope this film comes out on DVD . . . my tissues are ready. You willnever believe how much you can smile at the same time tears arestreaming down your face. A definite must see!

Autowest Honda Sucks (16 May 2012)

This was a great movie

I watched this movie, and it really touch my life. It really made me think about what is important in life... love, laughter, family friendship, to have fun, and over all to thank God for giving me life, and my health. Dont stress the small stuff. I cried throughout this movie. Great movie A+++++

Sanford (15 May 2012)

Worth the time for reflection...

Best way to say it is to make suggestions on where to find guidance to explain it.Two of my favorite books are "The Alchemist" by Coehelo and "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. This movie has the poignancy and humor found within "Tuesdays", but with a story of love that is strong, subtle, tender and worthy of note - even when presented on the screen.Amanda Peet is astounding in her portrayal - she is a character actress that is getting a chance to show her range once and for all. Mulroney is strong - better than his role in "Wedding Date".Worthy of note - worthy of conversation long after then movie.

(14 May 2012)

Wow - what a movie!!

If you feel like you need a good cry - then watch this movie! If you need to re-think what is TRULY important in life - watch this movie! Amanda Peet and Dermot Mulroney did an OUTSTANDING job!! I have been recommending this movie to all my female friends.

(14 May 2012)

true to life

This review is from: Griffin & Phoenix (DVD) not your avg love story, but a refreshing attempt at showing life does go on despite difficult circumstances. It was a touching portrayal of how coping with death doesn't diminish the need for love, meaning and connection in the rough times. Relationships are necessary in the worst of scenarios, and possibly less jaded. I found it delightful and real.

jukapl (04 May 2012)

compare both films this is a remake

I would like to comment on this film, but this is a remake of one,which starred Peter Falk and Jill Claybourne. I found that the firstone with Falk and Claybourne was much more intense and just a betterfilm. The plot is the same, for the most part, so, if you have seenthis version, go back and rent the original. I am not sure of thetitle, but I search for griffin and phoenix and found the Falk one.Once you watch both, I would appreciate some comparisons, which maybelike mine or entirely different. Guess I am a Peter Falk fan andappreciate the intensity of both characters. I found that the originalversion was a little more believable than this newer one.

(04 May 2012)

The End

I think that the ending was the best ending that could have been written for this movie.

(28 April 2012)

Love and Crying

I thought that this movie was one of the saddest romantic movie that I have seen in a long time. I could not even hold back my tears it was well written and I thought that the ending was written perfectly. The on compliant I do have is that is said comedy and that was the reason I got the movie I do admit there was a couple of funny things but this is no comedy it is a story of life, love and death. I am not disappointed in this movie and I have already told a number of people to watch it. I think this is a movie that everyone should have in there collection .

gradyharp (28 April 2012)

A Different Kind of Love Story: Balance in Life

GRIFFIN & PHOENIX is a quiet little made for television film thattouches the vulnerable heart. Originally written in 1976 as atelevision film by John Hill, this thirty-years-later version holds upwell, and the fact that audiences will still opt for sensitive storiesthat treat difficult topics in a mature manner, adding warmly humoroustouches to a potentially maudlin idea, speaks well for our continuingtastes.From the opening frames of the film we learn that Griffin (DermotMulroney) has inoperable cancer: his frank and compassionate physician(Lois Smith) aligns him with reality. Griffin is a divorced father oftwo boys and his first attempt to find meaning in his limited time isto spend time with them, an attempt partially thwarted by his ex-wife.Once a workaholic, Griffin attends a class on death and dying at theuniversity and there he meets the rather strange and isolated Phoenix(Amanda Peet). Griffin's new take on life encourages him to go afterthe seemingly impenetrable Phoenix and through a series of wildlyfrivolous escapades he courts her and they gradually fall in love -something neither felt they could do. They cope with issues of intimacyand finally Phoenix shares her secret with Griffin, a secret thatplunges them headlong into a fully blossomed romance. How the two copewith the inevitable is well handled, rarely bordering on sappy, andalways holding our compassion.Director Ed Stone paces the film well, inserting moments of extendedsilence to match the emotional atmosphere, allowing breathing space.Both Peet and Mulroney create believable three-dimensional charactersand are well supported by such solid actors as Lois Smith, SarahPaulson, and Novella Nelson. The story may have sad aspects, but thecast always allows the humor inherent in any life event to comethrough. And that is one of the several reasons the film works well.Grady Harp

Nooshin Navidi (28 April 2012)

Worth the tears and sinus throbs

I had no idea what the movie was about since i had queued it ages ago.Well...this was no light-hearted comedy, to put it lightly! I ended upsobbing through the entire second half and kept crying for an hourafterward. I just decided to let myself go with it and embraceit--forgetting what that can do to you the next day--and woke up with avicious headache.But it was very good. Amanda Peet was flawless in this role. I love howshe never overacts in her films and this was no exception. Mulroney wasalso very good & I don't usually care for him. Some may call this filmtoo sentimental. To which i say: So what? Be sure to grab a big roll ofpaper-towels. And make it Bounty (the quicker dryer-upper.) And take 2Advil ahead of time or you'll pay for it later. I sure did. This is notone of those gratuitously depressing films.~NN

Donnamarie (28 April 2012)

Made from the heart

Another well made movie. Thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt story line. Well directed, with wonderful acting. You're right there with the character.

Ali (25 April 2012)

Change the way you think (if only for one hour)

I'm not a huge fan of Lifetime movies, but I am a huge fan of Amanda Peet, and this is one of her best movies yet. I've caught it both times it has aired on TV, and both times I cried. Not the type of cry where you feel sappy, but more uplifted. I'd watch it 10 times over if I could.

(25 April 2012)

I rarely give films a 10

But this is one film deserving the full marks. I loved the charactersand how they came to terms with their situation and how in love theyfound their strength to accept it and use that time to enjoy life.I love how they took the risk to fall in love and how they becamestronger and not let the darkness and depression overcome them.All I can say is that it's simply a beautiful film that leaves you sadyet nothing but pride and love for the characters Griffin and Phoenix.It one of the reasons why I think Amanda Peet is also a very talentedbut understated actress. Its a shame that gems like this film neverreally get the exposure that it truly deserves.

(20 April 2012)

This is a scene for scene remake of a 1976 superior film.

Watch the Peter Falk/Jill Clayburgh one as this 2007 remake is a complete waste of film besides being a scene for scene remake except that they changed & made a lame worthless ending to this one compared to the original. Should have remastered the 1976 one & never remade it with this piece of junk. I suppose if the producers remade Duel they would change the ending to where Dennis Weaver buys the truck driver lunch before he runs off the cliff.

(19 April 2012)

Better than I thought it would be

This review is from: Griffin & Phoenix (DVD) I thought this would be sad and about death. It has some of that but it is really full of life. This movie has a warm glow that you will enjoy as well.

(19 April 2012)

Love Life While You Live It

It is ironic that a film about 'death' is so 'life' affirming..Without being corney it is a sentimental masterpiece..A real film about real people...people growing in understanding and appreciation while slowly getting rid of all of the garbage that had been poured into their lives before they met...Someday, Hollywood get tired of explosions and obsenties and return to films such as these that enrich the viewer...

(19 April 2012)

love amanda

i have a crush on amanda. this movie deals with death but life too. Two people with something in common the end of there lives. both have different ways of dealing with a terminal illness but find time for each other. I guess a man shouldn't have emotions about a movie that makes you laugh and cry. cancer has a way of sneaking up on you. she is such a doll.