The sensitive drama Hope Floats (1998) is one of five movies and TV-movies directed by actor Forest Whitaker.  He seems to know his way around issues like grief, fear of abandonment and public humiliation, because they are all front and center here, enacted with uncommon feeling by Sandra Bullock, Gena Rowlands, young Mae Whitman, Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Paré.  Bullock’s Texas accent fades in and out but her portrayal of a woman coping with a train wreck of a marriage is quite impressive.  So is Harry Connick, Jr., in a rare romantic role.  And Whitman may give the best performance of the bunch.

This tale also benefits from plenty of humor.  The skunk story told by Bullock’s daughter, Whitman, is a highlight, as are young Cameron Finley’s creative costumes and Gena Rowlands’ yard decor.

But most of all, this movie connects with people’s real emotions.  It’s not a high concept movie; it’s a film about people discovering who they really are and moving forward with their lives after what seem insurmountable setbacks.  Hope Floats is a poignant story about real people, and I feel it’s definitely worthwhile.

My rating:  ☆ ☆ ☆.  (10:2).