Hope Floats - A Movie Review

You have to move along with life. Don’t keep living in the past.

Hope Floats was released to theaters in 1998. After her husband divorces her, Birdee Calvert moves with her daughter back in with her mother. Picking up the pieces, she must choose to move on from the past or continue to wallow in self-doubt.

Nobody ever knows what life is going to give them. That’s the exciting part. Hope Floats is a feel-good film about how to pick yourself up in bad times. The message is invigorating to all audiences. Living in the past is only going to deter you from reaching your goals.

Sandra Bullock is a strong actress. No matter the role, Bullock always plays a strong figure. Based on subtle details, Birdee was once a snob who had her nose in the air. It’s tough, but people can change. In one scene, Bullock sells this tearjerking delivery asking herself why she has become the way she is. Her emotional delivery was outstanding.

Relationships are examined closely in Hope Floats. I would have preferred to have seen more unfold in the dynamic between Birdee and her mother (Gena Rowlands) rather than Justin (Harry Connick Jr.) While I enjoyed Bullock and Justin’s scenes, they took up too much of the film. Yes, we get that they were once in love, but it becomes too repetitive.

Rowlands is another strong actress. She makes a powerful definition of what being a mother is like sometimes. Rowlands was splendid, delivering a scathing speech to her daughter. The relationship between a mother and daughter is complex. No matter what, your mother will always be here for you.

In one of her early roles, Mae Whitman did an excellent job. Bernice was my favorite character in the film. No matter the age, or who you are up against, always stand your ground. Whitman and Bullock worked very well in their interactions, specifically in a heated argument.

The film could have delved closer into Bernice’s angle. Scenes where Bernice was being bullied at school didn’t mix in with the atmosphere of Hope Floats, feeling too corny. There wasn’t much closure either. To which perspective the film was trying to focus on could have been smoother.

You know you feel like a resident of the town when the ensemble does a remarkable job with their characters. No matter how small your part is, it’s your duty to create a backstory. Credits include Michael Pare, Cameron Finley, Bill Cobbs, Connie Ray, Mona Lee Fultz, and Kathy Najimy in a small role in the beginning.

One character that should have earned better attention was Travis (Finlay). His character doesn’t have much of a purpose. I liked the creative outfits that he wore. Travis should have acquired a more significant role, especially in Bernice’s storyline.

The story could have had more strength. I could tell that the film was trying to find its main focus. Everything was wrapped up a little too quickly in the end. It was a little dramatic at times.

In the end, I felt satisfied after watching it. Filmmakers chose a calming array of music. Because of the serene atmosphere, Hope Floats leaves an impact on viewers.

Aside from missed layers in the story, Forest Whitaker delivered a meaningful moral. People have to grow and change. Change is a scary word. Life is all about finding your pathway. We get better as we grow older, which is very true.

I recommend that you find Hope Floats and watch it. The film made me laugh and even tear up. The story resonates with all audiences.