WORTHY OF A SECOND LOOK

Columnist Bob Bridge

”The best thing in life to hold onto is each other.”

- Audrey Hepburn

I have been prescribed a new medication, one with unique and often unpleasant side effects.

Fatigue is easily the most significant ramification. My sleep cycle has been so severely impacted that I’m considering changing my moniker to Rip Van Bridge.

In between these now necessary naps is a few hours to a view a couple of old films that once touched my heart. I noticed they were available - for free - on a television platform I seldom visit.

The first is “Nothing in Common,” a 1986 comedy/drama starring Tom Hanks and Jackie Gleason. It is equally humorous while particularly poignant as well in discussing the evolution of a son’s strained relationship with his elderly father.

When push comes to shove, Hanks proves his devotion and concern for a man he had all but ignored most of his adult life.

“The Magic of Belle Isle,” featuring Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, and a young Emma Fuhrman as the adorable Finnegan O’Neil, was released in 2012.

Freeman, a retired and wheelchair-confined author, retreats to a remote island to drink away his disappointments. In the process, he forms intriguing relationships with Madsen (a divorced mother), Fuhrman (a wannabe author), plus a mentally-challenged neighborhood lad who simply needs a friend.

This is one of those tender, feel-good tales that warms your heart and tempts you to see it a third time.

I highly recommend these two oldies but goodies. You won’t be disappointed.

Bob Bridge welcomes comments at 812-276-9646 at bbbbbridge@gmail.com.