(This review is a repost of a review I wrote in April 2000, and is an entry in the sleeper54 Re-write Write-off. Thanks to all who read and rated previously. The old review is now history. Like many of my early reviews, I did it in a rush, and before I got a feel of what I was supposed to be doing.)

"Return To Me" is a charming slice of Chicago life as seen through the eyes of its director and co-writer, Bonnie Hunt. It's the love stories of two families, and the circumstances that bring them together. David Duchovny stars as Bob Rueland, an architect whose current project involves building a new gorilla house at the Lincoln Park Zoo, where his wife, Elizabeth (Joely Richardson) is a trainer. After a fundraiser, the Ruelands are involved in an auto accident that claims Elizabeth's life. At the hospital where the dying Elizabeth is brought, Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver) awaits a heart transplant, and becomes the recipient of Elizabeth's heart. After his wife dies, Bob becomes more committed to his work, and spends much of his free time alone.

A year later, Bob and Grace cross paths, first at the zoo where she's with her friend Megan Dayton (Hunt) and her kids. Later, Bob's friend Charlie Johnson (David Alan Grier) sets up Bob with a blind date at the restaurant where Grace works. The date is a disaster, for the date dominates the conversation and complains about the the food on the menu. Even Grace isn't fond of the woman, and Bob finds out that Grace's service with a smile doesn't come without a small price. Grace sympathizes, for she has had dating disasters, courtesy of Megan and her husband, Joe (James Belushi). Bob pretends he has an emergency, but he leaves his cell phone behind. He retrieves it as the restaurant is closing, and is met by Grace's grandfather, Marty O'Reilly (Carroll O'Connor, in his final film), who owns O'Reilly's Italian restaurant. Not only does Bob get his phone, but Marty invites Bob to join him and his friends for some poker. It's during the after-hours activity that he gets Bob the chance to ask Grace for a date.

Things go well for Bob and Grace. They spend time together, and sometimes they hang out with all of their friends. However, Grace is still a little self-conscious about her surgery. Also, she has been making plans to live in Italy and work on her painting. Her grandfather's cook, Angelo Pardipillo (Robert Loggia), has sold her on the idea that all great artists make some time for a trip there. Grace needs to make sure Bob will accept her for who she is besides a person who has had heart surgery. She just wants to know that the special moments they've had will continue to be special as they grow to know one another.

Dean Martin's 1961 song, which is heard in the opening credits, beautifully sets the theme and the tone for this movie. Bob longs for two returns during this film. First, he longs for Elizabeth, whom he knows can never return. Later, he longs for Grace to return not only physically, but emotionally. All it took was one moment for Bob to realize he wanted to get to know Grace. All of their friends and family encourage them to make the effort to return to more of a normal life, even when their intentions go awry. They are people who enjoy the company of others, and wish that upon anyone they know. "Return To Me" marked the directorial debut of Hunt, who also co-wrote the script and filmed primarily on the streets of Chicago. Her shots are filled with the busy happenings of everyday life. I especially like the shot where Bob and Grace find a spot to look at the night in the Chicago Loop. The one problem I had with Hunt's direction is that she telegraphs the proceedings. I found myself able to guess what would happen before it did. Still, Hunt more than compensates with a film that is very good-natured.

There is not only a strong chemistry between Duchovny and Driver in the leads, but that chemistry is also strong in all of the key supporting roles. Bob and Grace are good people who deserve a good break in their lives. The people they know fill their lives with the sounds of friendship. Even when they argue, you get the sense that the damage won't be permanent. Megan and Joe may get on each other's nerves over household chores, but they are firm believers in "for better or for worse." They are everything Grace could have, and Bob could have once again. All of the key actors get a chance to shine, even if it's just for one little moment.

Another reason for me to do a rewrite is to do something I can't do with an "In Theaters" release - talk about the DVD extras. One of them is the music video of "What If I Loved You" by Joey Gian, who makes a brief appearance in "Return To Me." The video, which includes clips from the movie, was also directed by Hunt. Another was a scene cut from the film where Marty and his poker buddies break into "Danny Boy." My favorite extra, though, is the audio commentary by Hunt and co-writer Don Lake (who has a cameo as a blind date in the film). They show their pride in the movie with the same good humor that can be found without their commentary. Hunt also talks with pride about all of the people who work with her on a regular basis (In fact, several of the actors and writing partner Lake are now a part of Hunt's TV series, "Life With Bonnie"). Since this is a movie about family, Hunt points out all of her relatives that appear on screen. She also has a good laugh about a gaffe that made its way into the film. In one scene, Marty starts talking on the phone before he's even answered it. Hunt and Lake are witty and insightful throughout their portion of the DVD.

"Return To Me" is one of the better romantic movies of recent years, as well as one of the better films of 2000. Even though the movie is very predictable, it rises above a stereotypical level to reveal a collection of appealing characters and a warm heart. It's the story of a love that will last in memories, and another that will grow beyond the memories. Bob Rueland has put his heart into his buildings and into his marriage. In "Return To Me," he and Grace Briggs learn about the development that matters the most.

Thanks, Tom, for giving me a reason to return to this film - and for the mention in Simply_Crispy's film dictionary write-off (http://www.epinions.com/content_3198328964).

For a complete list of entries in sleeper54's Rewrite Write-off, please go to this link:

http://www.angelfire.com/jazz/sleeper54/rewrite/writers.html

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older