Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) and Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver) have very little in common. Granted, they both live in Chicago and they're both a bit lovelorn, but that's about it. Still, fate has something in mind for these... more » two somewhat-depressed souls (a construction worker and budding artist, respectively), who've both recently had brushes with death--he's a recent widower, she's just recovered from a heart transplant--and are a little more serious than their friends and relatives. After a series of misbegotten blind dates and almost-meetings, though, these two finally get together, and find that they fit seamlessly with each other. Despite their differences, they have a lot in common--in fact, quite a lot. It seems that the heart that now beats inside Grace's chest once belonged to Bob's wife (Joely Richardson), who died in a car crash. Coincidence? We think not. A gentle, pleasing romantic comedy, Return to Me marks the directorial debut of Bonnie Hunt, an acclaimed actress known most famously for her role as Renee Zellweger's sister in Jerry Maguire. A shining, happy bright spot in whatever role she's in, Hunt has also invested the film with her trademark brand of humor: dry but sincere, sarcastic but not caustic, and with a deep current of humanity and romance. In the midst of all the permutations that fate surrounds them with, Driver and Duchovny make a pleasantly low-key couple; the triumph of the film is that despite all the contrived angst, the romance is never overly saccharine. They provide a quiet center in a film that has a fair amount of chaos in it, particularly due to Driver's extended family of Irish and Italian relatives (which occasionally tips the film into cutesy territory) and most hilariously to Driver's best friend, played by director Hunt . As a harried mother with innumerable kids and a likable oaf of a husband (James Belushi), Hunt again steals scenes effortlessly; Belushi is a comic revelation, better than he's been in years. You'll have the pleasant memories of both of these couples--one falling in love, one together for years--with you a long while after seeing this film. --Mark Englehart« less
Bogged beginning, middle picked up but then slowed down again. Don't expect anything great with this but it was not terrible either.
Callie K. (ballofglitter) from GRAND ISLAND, NE Reviewed on 4/3/2014...
One of the best romantic comedies I've ever seen!!
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Geniece M. from ROLLA, MO Reviewed on 1/19/2014...
A good romance that is not too mushy. Although there seems to be an age difference between David Duchoveny and Minnie Driver's characters that was not addressed. A little far fetched but still fun. Great cast.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
John S. (longjohnsilver) from WOOSTER, OH Reviewed on 8/7/2013...
Excellent movie in which the drama of a life-threatening heart failure (Minnie Driver) is solved by the sudden death of a donor who was much beloved by her husband (David Duchovny). A well played romance develops between Minnie's and David's character, enriched by the loving support of their respective families and colleagues. Minnie's sensitivity and warmth and David's love and devotion to his deceased wife is gradually replaced by a growing love between the two of them. A great movie if you like to observe the development of intimate love in a plot that doesn't need to rely on mere sexuality to carry the day.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Theresa R. from ST GEORGE, UT Reviewed on 2/16/2013...
Great!
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Gerald R. from RACINE, WI Reviewed on 9/20/2011...
What a wonderful story. Excellent cast, great directing, strong characters and local color. A glimpse of different cultures as they collide. Watch it, then set it aside, knowing that there is a gem waiting for you whenever you want or need it.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Don K. from BEAVERTON, OR Reviewed on 5/28/2011...
Five stars all around. This movie couldn't possibly be more heartwarming and clever. Perfect for any age from teen on. And not just a chick flick. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll absolutely love all of the characters. Highly recommended.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Francesca S. from PLACERVILLE, CA Reviewed on 3/18/2010...
This movie is a must see. Great for the older kids and parents. Funny and cute.
2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Catey D. from LONGVIEW, TX Reviewed on 3/14/2010...
I knew that when I saw this on tv, that I had to own it. And now that I do, I like it even more. The premise is not that great but the characters show great promise, David Duchovney was amazing in his role and Minnie Driver did an excellent American accent.
3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jeremy A. from REISTERSTOWN, MD Reviewed on 2/16/2010...
My very favorite Romantic Comedy.
Fine story, the feelings in it are believably deeper than most of these movies. And there are some comedic gems in the supporting roles. You've got to check this one out.