The MPAA, which is responsible for giving each movie its rating, is tough to figure out. The latest example of this is the film "Big Eden," which is rated PG-13 for "mature thematic material."
This is a movie that should be rated PG. There is no sex or violence in it, and only one profanity, the S-word, is used. That's it. Under normal circumstances, this would warrant a PG rating with no questions asked.
Why the PG-13 then? Because two fully-clothed men kiss on the mouth. Apparently that would be traumatizing to children. It seems pretty silly in this day and age.
Regardless of its rating, "Big Eden" is a sweet and mild take on an oft-told story. It manages to overcome its familiarity and grow on you, winning you over with optimism and earnestness.
Arye Gross stars as thirty-something Henry Hart, a successful artist living in New York City. When his grandfather Sam (George Coe) becomes sick, Henry returns home to the small town of Big Eden, Montana. Sam and his late wife raised Henry after his parents died and he plans on staying for an indefinite length on time.
Returning home opens up old wounds for Henry. Also back in town is Dean Stewart (Tim DeKay), his best friend in high school. The newly divorced Dean, who Henry has long had a massive crush on, is back in Big Eden to live with his parents and raise his young sons.
Also figuring heavily into Henry's life are the locals, including Widow Thayer (Nan Martin) and Pike Dexter (Eric Schweig). The former attempts to play matchmaker for Henry. The latter secretly cooks Henry and Sam meals, discovering that he may be falling in love with Henry.
Written and directed by Thomas Bezucha, "Big Eden" gets off to a slow start. It appears that we are getting another story about a big town man moving back to the small town he grew up in and learning important life lessons along the way.
But slowly and carefully, it begins to grow on you. The scenic Montana locations are stunning and the small town is charming and authentic. It's a place you would love to visit and maybe even call home.
The characters are all carefully drawn and developed by Bezucha. None is a stereotype and each is given a distinct personality. The viewer really gets to know these people and the town they live in.
In the end, it is an overly simplistic and optimistic film, which is its only drawback. As nice as it would be, it's difficult to believe that everyone in a small town would so readily embrace and accept homosexuality. Then again, therein also lies the freshness and charm in "Big Eden," the town and movie.
"Big Eden" is a love story handled with grace and care. It's also an ode to the beauty and wonder of small time life and simple things. It is delightful and humorous without ever being saccharine, making it a rare film, one that can be enjoyed by virtually anyone.
"Big Eden" opened at Landmark's Oriental theatre on Fri., Nov. 2. Click here for showtimes.
