Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Late For Dinner is a very cute, very sweet story that's been done before.  But even though the premise will sound very familiar, I think this movie gets it right.

1962: Meet Frank (Peter Berg) and Willie (Brian Wimmer).  Brothers-in-law and buddies, they find themselves in a bit of trouble.  It wasn't really their fault, but the police aren't likely to see it that way, so they go on the run.  A kindly doctor convinces Frank that he knows exactly how to help them.  He'll help them get a good night's sleep, after which all their problems will be gone.  Frank's a bit of a simpleton, and the plan sounds good to him.  We, the viewers, know the plan is a bit more sinister.  For the kindly doctor is experimenting in cryogenics, and he just found himself two "volunteers".

1991: an accident at the lab awakens Frank and Willie who don't have a clue that 29 years have passed.  The rest of the movie follows them as they step into a world that's suddenly very different, and try to make their way back home to their families.

As I said, the premise has been done a few times before, and since.  But this movie takes the correct path.  It does not rely on silly humor, nor is there anything even remotely offensive in this movie.  It takes the high road the entire time, showing two young men who find themselves in a situation as bizarre as can be, and who just want to get back to their lives. 

Along the way, there is some humor.  Like when they come upon an ATM and marvel at the "wall that gave that lady money" or when they see someone using a cell phone.  I also found it funny when they stopped into a fast food restaurant and nearly passed out, at the prices.  Just imagine believing it's still 1962 and seeing a hamburger cost seven bucks!

But humor isn't the movie's primary focus.  Its real point is to tug at the heartstrings.  Frank and Willie's quest to go home, to reunite with their loved ones is poignant.  So, too, is the reaction they receive, once they get there.  I'll not delve into the details, but I thought it was handled brilliantly.  With just the right amount of disbelief and emotion.  I felt the writers took a situation that's beyond "strange" and did a great job infusing it with realism and poignancy. 

The performances were top-notch.  As his character is both ill and "simple", Peter Berg gave Frank the right amount of "little boy wonder" as well as depth of character.  Frank may be a bit simple about some matters, but he well understands the concept of love.  He is also the narrator of the story, and some his observations are quite clever.  Wimmer does a fine job of playing Willie and Marcia Gay Harden rounds out the cast, as Frank's wife. 

Overall, this is a delightful movie that should appeal to most audiences.  With nothing offensive, this one can be shared with the entire family.  If you're looking for something sweet with a feel-good quality, give Late For Dinner a try. 

Recommended: Yes