October Films, Rated PG-13
Directed by Robert Altman
Written by Anne Rapp

Robert Altman's still got it as this delightfully funny movie proves. As usual, Altman utilizes a strong ensemble cast and the result is an understated comic triumph. The film concerns Cookie (Patricia Neal), a well-known woman around a small town in Mississippi. However, she is quickly losing her mind and missing her late husband, which drives her to suicide. Her body is found by her conniving niece Camille (Glenn Close) who decides to make it look like murder. Soon Cookie's longtime friend Willis (Charles Hutton in a great performance) is framed for the murder. The movie is filled with great performances (though Close overdoes it at times) and small joys. The relationship between Willis and Emma (Liv Tyler, making up for Armageddon), a rebellious girl who just returned to town is particularly well done. Even though there's no mystery since we know who did it, there are still plenty of surprises in the plot. Another great small touch is the fact that half of the town is also involved in an Easter pageant directed by Camille and starring her sister Cora (Julianne Moore in another fantastic performance), who also knows the truth about what happened. A great little movie all around that will probably be most appreciated when it comes to video. ****

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