It’s a little disconcerting to know a new film from Rob Reiner is arriving and seems to be on nobody’s radar. Nonetheless, we’re excited to see another feature from the director and The Magic of Belle Isle looks to be another sweet, well-made drama. So many other films in this ilk are cloying and melodramatic, but he usually nails it (just see his terribly overlooked last film Flipped for an example of how he does it right).
Morgan Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a famous writer who is burdened by alcoholism in this drama. It looks like he mostly just sits in his wheelchair spouting out wisdom, which is something I wouldn’t mind watching the legendary actor do for about 90 minutes. Check out the trailer below via Apple for the film also starring Virginia Madsen, Fred Willard and Madeline Carroll.
Synopsis:
Reuniting with his director from the hit film, The Bucket List, Morgan Freeman plays Monte Wildhorn, a famous Western novelist whose struggle with alcoholism has sapped his passion for writing. He takes a lakeside cabin for the summer in picturesque Belle Isle, and befriends the family next door–an attractive single mom (Virginia Madsen) and her young daughters–who help him find inspiration again.
The Magic of Belle Isle arrives on July 6th, 2012.