Movie Review - Miss You Already

Miss You Already **½ (out of 5) (PG-13) The times, they are a-changin’. Drew Barrymore started her career as an adorable kid, grew into a wild and crazy young woman, but has matured enough to take on not only more serious projects, but play the serious, sensible lifelong pal opposite Toni Collette in this dramedy. Barrymore’s the narrator, showing us the instant bond they formed in elementary school that continued through their teens, marriages and child-bearing years.

Collette became the more glamorous half of the pair, but nothing from the outside weakened the link, even moving from New Zealand to England, or one having children while conception eluded the other. Their husbands also became friends, always knowing, and mostly accepting, the deference their spouses’ connection required.

Morwenna Banks’ screenplay serves up a likable pair of protagonists, mixing gentle humor with the dramatic turn of events that will define them as individuals and as BFFs. Collette’s breast cancer diagnosis suddenly imposes a seismic shift on all, driving most of the film’s running time. Once that bomb drops, the rest verges on the tenor of TV disease-of-the-week movies, with upgraded cast and locations. Admittedly, I’m not part of this production’s target audience, so emotional responses of others may vary.

Anyone who’s recently or currently had to deal with such conditions among family and close friends might consider waiting before choosing this one. While it remains above the realm of tear-jerkers like Beaches or Dying Young (if you haven’t seen that one, count your blessings), this tale could bring more sorrow than insights. Although certain plot choices may ring false or undermine empathy levels, Collette and Barrymore deliver fine performances, keeping the film afloat despite such arguable shortcomings. (11/6/15)