Marvin's Room (1996)

Excellent, smart action film.

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

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Yes, absolutely, there is fun to be had, as well as many, many things to go boom, all amid an atmospheric urban jungle.

Marvin's room turned out to be a brilliant movie assisted well by a great performance by some veteran actors like Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro ( although he wasn't the center of attraction as he was the doctor ).Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton are two sisters who have estranged each other for 20 years and Diane calls upon her sister to take care of their father as she herself realized that she was suffering from Leukemia. Leonardo portrays the character of Hank who does not get along with his mother Meryl on account of her abusive behaviour. Diane Keaton wants Meryl to take care of her Aunt Roth and their father when she would be gone. Meryl portrays a mean woman who is afraid of responsibilities and is troubled by the deliberate acts of her son Hank (Leo). The movie is a beautiful depiction of how Meryl Streep decides to eventually aid her dying sister by stepping into her shoes and taking enough pluck to set things right between herself and Hank. Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep acted exceptionally well not to forget Leo. Altogether their performance was brilliant. I was touched by the movie. I'd rate it a 7 on 10. It was certainly one of the finest flicks that I've watched.

i liked this drama starring Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton.the movie starts out as two seemingly separate stories,which end up connecting together under less than ideal circumstances.Leonardo DiCaprio also stars.the acting is good here,particularly from Streep,although Dianne Keaton is good too.DiCaprio(one year before he exploded into super stardom from Titanic)is good but his role is small.Robert De Niro has a role in what amounts to a bit more than a cameo appearance as does Dan Hedaya.you would think the movie would be depressing,but i didn't think it was.it is however,all about the drama,and so it's not fast moving,so that could be a put off for some.if you like dramatic movies,you might like this one.for me,Marvin's Room is a 7/10

MARVIN'S ROOM is a character-driven drama based on the Scott McPherson play. Director Jerry Zaks manages to get the best from an all-star cast. Bessie(Diane Keaton)is a care-giving soul that discovers she has her own health dilemma. Bessie takes care of her bedridden father Marvin(Hume Cronyn), who always seems to be nicely dressed right down to his bow tie. Marvin has retired himself to his room. Aunt Ruth(Gwen Verdon)is a handful that is not too damn close reality. She likes to wear a garage door remote around her waist and insists on huge hugs. Bessie is told by her own physician (Robert De Niro)that she has leukemia and needs bone marrow. She is forced to contact her sister Lee(Meryl Streep)with whom she has had a 20-year old feud. Lee, a beautician, seems to be only interested in supporting herself and two sons. Ten-year old Charlie(Hal Scandino)does well to stay sane by ignoring the drama that surrounds him. On the other hand 17 year-old Hank(Leonardo DiCaprio)is earthy and troubled after being institutionalized for burning down the house. There is a lot of emotional ground the two sisters must decide on to discard and what to forgive and forget. The characters are so well defined and its easy to understand where each is coming from. Isn't it great that life allows humor to be found in times of discouragement and ill-fortune.

I was recently in a production of the stage production of Marvin's Room (yes, there was a play. It came before the movie). I was cast as Hank. I found it a challenging role to portray, but I feel I came out in the end with a good representation. I'll be the first to tell you - I don't have the stunning looks of Leo, but the looks are just a superfluous bonus. Anyway, back onto my comments. I think the movie really captured the deep meaning of the play. The connections family makes, and how such great distances can be crossed emotionally by showing love for someone. I really enjoyed watching the movie, it brought back all the memories of the experience in acting this show.Bravo to them all!