BIG STONE GAP
DIRECTOR: Adriana Trigiani
CAST: Ashley Judd, John Benjamin Hickey, Patrick Wilson, Jane Krakowski, Whoopi Goldberg, Jenna Elfman, Anthony LaPaglia
CLASSIFICATION: 10-12 PG
RUNNING TIME: 102 minutes
RATING: 3 stars (out of 5)
Frank Scheck
Adriana Trigiani’s adaptation of her best-selling novel set in the titular Virginia town features a stellar cast, apparently seeking to prove that they’re interested in being popular in red states as well as blue. Big Stone Gap goes down easy, but contains lots of empty calories.
Set in 1978, the plot revolves around the religiously-named Ave Maria Mulligan (Ashley Judd), the local pharmacist and the town’s self-proclaimed “old maid.” But while she may be technically unmarried, Ave Maria is not wanting for male attention, enjoying a friend-with-benefits relationship with Theodore (John Benjamin Hickey), the school’s marching band teacher, and participating in a subdued mutual flirtation with hunky coal miner Jack (Patrick Wilson) despite the presence of his possessive, flighty girlfriend, Sweet Sue (Jane Krakowski).
And yes, this is the sort of film in which the homespun characters bear names like Sweet Sue; or Fleeta (Whoopi Goldberg), Ave Maria’s no-nonsense pharmacy employee; or Iva Lou (Jenna Elfman), the sexy librarian; or Spec (Anthony LaPaglia, struggling mightily with his accent), the local attorney/rescue volunteer.
Although the film stumbles around a melodramatic storyline involving the death of Ave Maria’s mother, it’s mainly concerned with the teasing romance between the pharmacist and Jack.
At one point he actually proposes, but she rebuffs him on the grounds that he is rushing things. You could practically hear the sighs of the romantically deprived in the audience.
Other subplots involve the town’s annual production of The Trail of the Lonesome Pines, which Ave Maria is directing, and the real-life, ill-fated visit of then-senatorial candidate John Warner and his movie star wife, Elizabeth Taylor (both seen only from the back), with the latter having to be rushed to the hospital after choking on a fried chicken bone.
Even when Ave Maria suffers a nervous breakdown, it’s depicted as little more than a minor incident signalled by a pie-eating compulsion. The writer/director gives the proceedings a sitcom spin, although considering the languorous pacing, it has more of the feel of a miniseries.
Still, the film has its charms, mainly provided by Judd and Wilson’s laid-back, appealing performances. And if you’re bored, you can enjoy the gorgeous autumnal scenery. – The Hollywood Reporter