The Magic of Belle Isle (2012)

Not even bad in a good way

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Mostly, the movie is committed to the value of a good time.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

If this movie had been made back in the 1930's it would probably be remembered as a 'classic' today! But with today cynical movie going public, it most likely sunk without trace at the box office? I came across it on DVD when I was looking up films that Fred Willard had appeared in, having enjoyed him in 'Everybody Loves Raymond' and the short lived 'Back To You' TV series. As it turns out Fred isn't in this all that much, but as always, he's quirky and good, however, the off beat casting of Morgan Freeman as a disillusioned author of westerns who's taken to drink, and the gorgeous much under rated Virginia Madsen as his next door neighbour works a treat in this delightful, feel good little movie! In fact everyone in it is perfect casting, and all deliver the goods. No violence, no explosions, no foul language, no brats, no CGI, how refreshing, mind you, there is one gunshot, fired into the air! Now and again a little gem like this comes along just to remind us of better cinematic days gone by, if you haven't got a big smile on your face, and a warm feeling in your heart at the end of this movie, I'm afraid there's no hope for you!

A heart felt performance by Mr Freeman. He puts his heart into his movies and it shows. This movie is no exception. The connection he made with Miss Madsen is a joy to watch. Her girls help round the movie out and smooth over the rough edges. This is a great movie for families to share. It is a romantic comedy that is a breath of fresh air without all the cursing and nudity. One man can make a difference and a family can make a difference in a lot of lives. It is a sad movie at times, but the caring for each other makes all the difference. Just sharing of each other can change the world. These are the movies you wish everyone could watch. It would do civilization some good.

There seldom comes a film that you can call a masterpiece, yet The Magic of Bell Isle is just that. Its simplicity is what endures throughout the film, especially at a time when most films have computer generated imagery. Far to many films these days never take you away into a simplistic world, yet this one did and that is why i called The Magic of Belle Isle a masterpiece. The acting especially from both Virginia Madsen and Morgan Freeman is second to none, i wont give anything away as i think the audience should experience the film as it is intended. But i will say this The Magic of Bell Isle will be always be in one of my all time top 5 its that good.

Excellent! Great story, cast and acting! The actors worked together beautifully! Emma Fuhrmann did a great job as "Finn" -- she really made her role come to life. And, of course any movie with Morgan Freeman (Monte Wildhorn/Freeman's acting is exceptional, as always. I don't think I've ever seen a film he's done that I didn't like. ) and Virginia Madsen (Charlotte O'Neil -- beautiful and talented) can't go wrong, they are both such wonderful actors. The story is heart warming and the relationships are real. The movie is inspirational and keeps you entertained throughout. This is a movie that you can watch alone or with others...I wish I could find movies like this to watch all the time!