I am quite surprised at how much I love this film. I thought it perhaps a "one-off" when I saw it in the mid 90's... or maybe it caught me in an exceptional mood. Upon revisiting it though I honestly feel this is one of the last great films of 'Americana' ever made. Newman is at the height of his onscreen charisma and the rest of the cast have no option but to unselfishly support him to the nth degree. They ALL do this wonderfully with special note to Tandy and Griffith. The film is of note as one of the better shot - cinematographically, in the 90's. It is subtle yet always on cue. It plays like an updated melodrama from the 50's, only with a more complete plot and engaging, well-rounded characters supporting the tight realism of the performances. Newman plays "Sully" - a character who we all have known; a person who almost religiously does not do what is best for him... and is quite carefree in the process. He is separated from his wife, estranged from his son and grandchild and gravitates with an eclectic circle of similar "characters" who never ask anything of him. There are many humorous and touching moments as Sully interacts with his compadres or with an over-zealous fledgling police officer - played by a toned down Philip Seymour Hoffman - who has yet to show himself in a poor performance in any film he's in. There is also significant drama in the story when spousal and child abuse are confronted and a reunion of father and son and reintroduction of the grandson. There are so many small-town USA markers, right down to the incestuous knowledge of each other at the local watering-hole. This all culminates with one of the warmest expressions that I can remember and the credit lies squarely at Newman's feet. There isn't much of a plot, but as far as character-driven films go I can't recall a better one. out of