No matter what way you spin it, this is James Gandolfini’s second last movie (next years Animal Rescue with Tom Hardy will be the late actors last). The late actor who many will have known and loved as T, from The Sopranos was genuinely one of the better actors of the last 25 years, and in Enough Said, he shines, far removed from the Tony Soprano we all knew and idolised.
For full disclosure, this reviewer is partial to Mr. Gandolfini, and while I’m sure many would prefer to see him wandering around in a dressing gown or playing another gangster guy, what we have here is refreshing, sweet, touching and incredibly honest. Gandolfini plays Albert, a divorcee who meets Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), another divorcee, who happens to be Albert’s ex wife’s masseuse and friend. All unbeknownst to him of course, until the inevitable discovery.
A very simple and straight forward story that is never in your face and is quite subtle and plain in everything it does. At times, you may be left wondering what's the point of the whole thing, but its the performance from Gandolfini and Dreyfus that will suck you in and keep you there, bringing occasional laughs and the occasional tears as well. Especially Gandolfini, who handles a number of issues surrounding his weight. Which I guess can be a bit bizarre, considering he passed away with a heart attack. He offers up a sweet and loveable performance and is incredibly likeable. As simple as the story is, and as predictable as it is, it still is very watchable and the transformation of Eva into a near replica of Albert’s ex-wife, is well down and quite entertaining.
While Enough Said is certainly aimed at an older audience, theres enough here to make it a solid date movie for any age group (well, within reason) as the humour and story will translate. But ultimately, if you’re a parent with older kids, and you’re single / divorced and in your mid 30s and up, this will probably knock you on your ass.
Enough Said isn’t exactly a big screen experience, but it is a genuine piece of film making from Nicole Holofcener (whose roots are well and truly in TV having directed episodes of SATC and Parks and Recreation) that will provide a “nice” night out at the cinema, and will certainly have you leaving wanting to love your other half (if you have one) that little bit more. Definitely worth a watch!
