Review of Love Happens

Dr. Burke (Aaron Eckhart) lost his wife in a car crash three years ago. Now, he has written a book of recovery, A-Okay, and is giving seminars around the country about learning to live again after a tremendous personal loss. He is getting national attention for his skill and is on the verge of receiving his own television show, among other niceties. He reluctantly finds himself in Seattle, for the first time in years, because this was the city where his wife died and where is estranged in-laws (Martin Sheen is the father) still live. At the hotel, Burke spies a lovely florist, Eloise (Jennifer Aniston) and is amazed to find he is actually looking in a woman's direction. He makes a few overtures but Eloise dampens his interest, mostly because she has just discovered her boyfriend has been unfaithful. A close friend and colleague (Judy Greer) urges Eloise to take some chances. Therefore, over the course of the next few days, the two of them, Burke and Eloise, "hook-up" for a few dates. Things seem to be going well. Yet, as Burke continues to help others turn tragedy into hope, he may be hiding some big secrets. What will the future hold for the widower and the florist? This is a lovely movie, mixing huge issues into a story of romance and wistful humor. The death of relatives and close friends is never easy but, as this film shows, there are really only two choices, go on or curl up and die. As the main stars of the film, Eckhart and Aniston are wonderfully real and touching; if you like either one or both, don't skip this film! The rest of the cast, including Sheen, Frances Conroy, Greer and, especially, John Carroll Lynch, as a grieving father, are also very fine. The scenes around Seattle are beautiful while the costuming is first-rate and inventive, especially Aniston's free-spirit-type outfits. As for the script and direction, they are somewhat too safe but still have some nice elements of imagination and meaning. In short, this is a wonderful new entry into the world of romantic dramas. Fans, take note, and make a viewing happen very soon.