Final

Okay, it is a not a sci-fi movie in the sense of laser gun battles or travelling through time warps, or anything like that. In fact, you almost have to be told that it is science-fiction, it plays out more like a subtle love story, but mostly like a psychological drama. Another interesting thing about this movie is that it is a slow movie, but it absolutely grabs your attention.

Denis Leary turned in a great performance, such natural speech, and without his usual foul-mouth on top of that too! Him and Hope Davis convince you that there was a bond that developed between them, and under any other circumstances this bond could've led to a quiet comfortable life together. There is a scene at the end which is touching, it almost reminds you of an elderly couple who know their life together is coming to an end and are saying their final goodbyes to each other.

A very strange look into the mind of leary. I had hopped that his character was going to come to terms with the death of his father. The story shifts to a bigger problem of him not fully aware of how or why he is institutionalized.

I saw this movie twice, in a theater. I saw it the first time due to my fondness for both stars, and ended up loving it so much I went back 3 days later. There's not much sign of Leary's usual persona- he's excellent as a dazed & confused but maybe not all that delusional patient. I liked Hope Davis in it, too, but Leary was really the center, and the film keeps you guessing as to how accurate his memories are, and his paranoia. The end is so simple and yet one of the most emotionally powerful & devastating I've ever seen. It's a pity more people haven't seen this. It shows what you can do with a bare minimum of scenery/sets but also a great script with actors up to the task....

I purchased this film in 2006 in a bargain bin. I tried watching the film and after 20 minutes I didn't have the patience to keep viewing. It may have been the sets, a hospital room with only a bed. I tried viewing this film at least 3 more times. I then was fortunate to pick up "The Secret Lives of Dentists" with both Hope Davis & Dennis Leary and after seeing that gem I just had to see "Final" and have the patience to see it through. I somehow remembered the film taking place in a padded room but I was very wrong. As I past the 20 minute mark the film just kept getting better until it captivated me. By the end of the film I was hooked. Without spoiling the film I can only compare this experience as a life lesson. I must have patience and I was so thankful that I prevailed because this film has some of the best acting I have seen especially on such a budget. This film as my gift for having a film for over 7 years and finally thanking the powers that be to allow me to see a love story. I wish all Science Fiction films had the intimate passion between the lead actors that "Final" has within it.

Sunday afternoon while channel surfing, I happened into this film in media res, and I couldn't tear myself away. I haven't been a big fan of Denis Leary, but then I hadn't seen him doing much of anything other than making an ass of himself before -- or at least that's the impression I've been left with.

I found myself being pulled farther and farther into this film, though, trying to figure out what was going on, trying to figure out if I'd know what was going on if I'd seen it from the beginning.

In the end, it's a twisty little plot question which is used as the string which draws you towards the two central characters and gets you to watch them. The film is theirs. There's lots of flashing back and confusing people and scenes across time which are effective, but it's the development of the relationship between the two central characters which is the movie. I recommend it.