An Unfinished Life
An Unfinished Life ★★½ 2005 (PG-13)
Crusty Wyoming rancher Einar Gilkyson (Redford) has a rundown property he works a little with his best friend, Mitch Bradley (Freeman), who has been severely mauled by a bear. This furry nemesis was captured and unhappily resides in a local animal park. (That's the symbolism you're smelling, not the bear.) Jean Gilkyson (Lopez), Einar's widowed daughterinlaw has been abused by her low-life boyfriend Gary (Lewis) for the last time and unwillingly seeks shelter at the ranch with her toughtalking, 11yearold daughter Griff (Gardner). Einar, who blames Jean for his son's death, grudging allows them to stay temporarily and gradually thaws towards his spunky granddaughter. Much gruff bonding and a family reconciliation finally ensue (with the bear playing its part). Tomboyish Gardner is a delight, though Lopez has little to do and makes an equally slight impression. Best are the interactions between pros Redford and Freeman, whose characters squabble and fuss like a longtime married couple. Cowriter Spragg adapted from his novel. 107m/C DVD . US Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, Josh(ua) Lucas, Damian Lewis, Camryn Manheim, Becca Gardner; D: Lasse Hallstrom, Andrew Mondshein; W: Mark Spragg; C: Oliver Stapleton; M: Christopher Young.