When I saw the first trailer for "Tuesday's With Morrie" during November sweeps, I was ecstatic. Since reading it last spring, it has been my favorite book, one that I quote from quite often. The movie was just as moving as the book. Jack Lemmon, one of my favorite actors, gave an impressive, Emmy-worthy performance as Morrie, and conveyed with just the right amount of class, dignity, heart, and emotion the message the dying mentor left as his legacy. Hank Azaria, known mostly for his comedic roles on Fox's "The Simpsons" and in the hilarious film "The Birdcage", showed his convincing serious side as Mitch, who we find loosening up and becoming more emotional throughout the movie. Also impressive was Wendy Moniz as Janine. The scene where Morrie asked Mitch to step outside so Janine could sing to him was one of the most emotional, and certainly one of the most moving. The book made me cry. The movie made me cry harder. Kudos to Oprah Winfrey for producing an impressive film, one not laden with special effects and terrible plots, but one of real life and a story of those who can touch so many people without ever knowing it. My score? A perfect 10.
Review of Tuesdays with Morrie
