User reviews

Wjile maybe not the best film of the year it certainly is better than most of the trash that's been released thus far. No car chases, explosions, killings, drugs or sex nor foul language. No wonder it was a flop at the box office. Tis a pity as this is an exceptionally dramady. Good performances from the entire cast, down to the tiniest bits. Rene Zellweger was at the top of her game here. The boys playing her sons were sensational with the character of Robbie having the best one-liners and delivering them with zest. Very authentic look of the film which makes it even better. An extra scene here and there would have helped with what was going on part of the time. A couple of scenes seem to jump as if there was something missing. The only unreal thing is the taxi driving up to the sound stage at the end. That couldn't happen in real life. It's a shame this didn't have a broader release as no one saw it. Hope the DVD release is seen by many.

An overall great movie, this movie really captured the 1950s era. It had the clothes, the atmosphere, the music. It brought me back in the 1950s. Renee was very good in this movie and so was Kevin Bacon.

A very funny movie and I think it is something a family would enjoy if they watch it together even though it is rated PG-13. Expect for some scenes you might want to cover their eyes or shut their ears. :)

I wasn't disappointed from this movie at all. :) 8/10 A very solid performance from Renee and Kevin. :) I recommend for people to watch it.

Oh and also peace. :) lol

Although many of the male characters depicted in this film are exaggerated and portrayed unsympathetically, I believe it was a cinematic device to move the story along more quickly. It wasn't necessary to further develop the character of the men who sought to marry the down-on-her-luck Zelleweger--it wasn't their stories being portrayed, but that of the story of Zelleweger's determination to provide for her sons. If the men were stereotypical and one dimensional, it was done to make a point. I found a lot of sly humor underlying some of their personalities. Having been raised in the 50's, I know it was a sad reality of that time that most women had fewer choices when it came to relationships. It was a man's world and women very often had to rely on their good looks and being connected to the right man to provide for their needs. If Zelleger's character seemed devious and contriving in trying to find a husband, it was because of those hard realities. Maybe one needs to be a woman who has experienced a similar life to appreciate this. I enjoyed the movie and although it wasn't laugh out loud funny, it was entertaining and worth seeing.

Loncraine's 'My One and Only' is an adaptation of soap actor George Hamilton's mother, Anne. After catching her husband in the act of infidelity, Anne Deveraux takes off with her two teen sons and embarks on an adventurous road-trip hoping to find a man who would take care of them. While Anne's attempts fail, she remains high-spirited and hopeful through her struggles until she learns a most valuable lesson, that the best person to take care of you is you.

Writer Charlie Peters has wonderfully encrusted this period piece with plenty of humour that keeps the viewer amused all the way. The balance between humour and drama is well maintained as the story flows smoothly. While the cross country landscape is stunning to look at, Loncraine brilliantly captures the atmosphere of the 50s through the sets, setups, costumes, languages and music.

Renee Zellweger yet again proves what a tremendously gifted actress she is. She delivers another spirited performance as Anne Deveraux, a lady in the truest sense, and beautifully carries the role. Logan Lerman is wooden for the most parts. Kevin Bacon looks burned out and exhausted but that works for the character. Many familiar actors like Nick Stahl, Steven Webber and David Koechner, make appearances and leave a strong impression.

Unfortunately, 'My One and Only' hasn't gained the recognition it deserved and thus it remains an under-appreciated gem. I couldn't recommend it enough and one can enjoy it with the entire family.

or sort of a true story. The movie doesn't tell you in the beginning that it is based on a real person, but at the end of the film we learn one of the characters is a real person whom became an actor. The movie has funny and dramatic parts.

It's about a wife, Anne Deveraux, whom is tired of her cheating husband. So she takes her two teen sons and they go on a road trip. She goes to Boston, Pittsburg, ST. Louis, in search of a new husband. She runs into some old flames, but none of them are really interested in a middle aged woman with two kids. She finally goes to Los Angles, where at the end of the film, one of her kids becomes an actor. He changes his last name to Hamilton and becomes known as George Hamilton.

FINAL VERDICT: OK, worth checking out on cable.

This is in many ways a fascinating movie. It is certainly entertaining and moves quite well, and everybody puts their best into it. (The "making of" featurette on the DVD is a wonderful look into the making of a higher budgeted 'indie' movie by the way.) But there is one serious flaw to the film, and that is Renée Zellweger's performance. Whenever the character undergoes pressure, she gets all wobbly and quirky, like a character actor playing a supporting role - but she's not only the lead, she's what the picture is all about, so this is definitely a flaw that threatens to derail the whole project.

Fortunately, it doesn't. First, of course, everyone else in the picture submits wonderful performances. Logan Lerman is a marvelous young actor who strikes chemistry with practically everyone he interacts with. And the film is really beautiful to look at, and filled with pleasantly eccentric characters, in situations highly evocative of the era in which they occur, the 1950s.

Secondly, part of the problem with Zellweger's performance may have to do with the character herself. Although she fancies herself a Deep-South Southern Belle, deserving of the better things in life, once we meet her sister we realize that she really comes from the mid-South commercial class, and that her attitude of entitlement is a self-delusion. She is thus out of touch with her own life, and in need of review of her identity. On the other hand, her desperate search for a husband to support her has a realistic edge - the '50's America was not kind to single moms. The question thus becomes whether the inner struggles involved in her effort to survive repeated crises is well presented. I'm not sure it is, but not from want of trying on Ms. Zellweger's part. It may be that the core of the character is really hard to define.

Otherwise, I have no trouble recommending this often amusing, insightful glimpse into a complex family during an era of change. It may have no more weight than an old family snapshot of the era, but it is as telling and well-developed a snapshot as one could wish.

Maybe his mother telling George Hamilton that stuck with him. It explains a lot.

This film is beautifully photographed with beautiful people, beautiful sets and beautiful period clothes.

Though the performances are good, something is lacking in this film. The characters are likeable but it moves a bit too slow and lacks drama.

It is definitely worth a watch but don't expect a masterpiece. It is just a simple little film that lacks a bit in plot and character development.

I looked up George Hamilton. Though the basics are there, most of the story is embellished for entertainment.t. It definitely leaves you wanting more from it.

I've just seen the European Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. Although it did not win the major prize it was very well received. I enjoyed it enormously. It tells of a 1930's high society mother (Renee Zellwegger - never better) who walks out on her unfaithful husband (Kevin Bacon) after discovering another woman in his bed. She sets out with her two sons on a road trip across America to find a new rich partner who can keep her and her sons in the style they have become accustomed. One of her sons is serious and bookish and regrets missing his schooling while the other is an extremely effeminate gay who dreams of becoming a Hollywood star (a wonderfully camp performance by Mark Rendall who 'steals the picture' with some superbly funny quips). The journey across America and the weird and wonderful characters they meet make this an exceedingly engaging 'Road Movie'. It is beautifully photographed and well acted and directed. The dialogue is sharp, funny and entertaining. Highly recommended!

Usually, the people on the road are wanderers, hippies, addicts etc., but no ladies with no coping experience - to crown with 2 juvenile children. But so is the plot, based loosely on a true story - and it seems credible. Of course, the events happening are not so wild and crazy as among the first mentioned types, but it is still catchy to follow - first and foremost thanks to 2 great performances: Renée Zellweger as Ann Deveraux (Zellweger has proved herself to be a versatile and talented actress) and Logan Lerman as George Deverau (so far, his 2nd best performance after Charlie Kelmeckis from The Perks of Being a Wallflower). Of course, most of supporting actors are not bad either, Kevin Bacon could have spent more time on screen though.

This warmhearted, realistic movie, with both ups and downs, successes and disappointments, should definitely get more attention and praise. If not in cinemas, then on TV - a pleasant time is guaranteed, including for families with teen children.

This film is about a woman who leaves her unfaithful husband and goes around the country to find another husband.

"My One and Only" may be a plain story but it is surprisingly engaging. The story is told very well, that it draws me and makes me feel a part of the family. The misfortunes that are bestowed upon Anne Deveraux is sad but mysteriously have a light hearted tone to it. Her determination to search for a new life is inspiring, I admire her courage and her drive to break out of her comfort zone. The two sons are acted well; George successfully radiates a confident and mature feel while Robbie shines as an effeminate individual that makes me smile in several scenes. I enjoyed watching "My One and Only", as it provides an engaging and touching reflection of family and romantic relationships.

It's 1953. Ann Deveraux (Renée Zellweger) lives with her womanizing band leader husband Danny (Kevin Bacon) and her two sons George (Logan Lerman) and Robbie (Mark Rendall) in NYC. After catching him with the latest indiscretion, Ann walks out on him. She's a flaky clueless mother and goes on a cross country road trip looking for a new man.

This shows that Renée Zellweger is actually a real actresses. She's given a couple of great lines and a fascinating character. She does a pretty good job. Logan Lerman is a good young actor. He plays George Hamilton's character in the semi-biopic. It feels a little light weight and meandering. Maybe I just don't know much about George Hamilton or a fan of his work. He's always been just a caricature of the Hollywood guy with too dark of a tan. So I'm not naturally interested in his life.

I did not care for the writing in this movie, much of the dialog was uninspired and most of the characters were something of a charactature.

The performances were good, almost without exception. All the more so for the four leads. Watching Mr. Bacon's junk bounce around in his boxers was fun, but that alone is no reason to see a movie really (OK, maybe for some people it is).

The story was not very imaginative. Not realistic but not terribly funny either, even when it was trying to be. Many smiles but almost no laughs.

I expected more of a period exposition but the only thing that stood out for me was the car and Ms. Zellweger's outfits. My favorite thing in the entire movie was the car and I guess that is telling.

Pacing was inconsistent during the last quarter of the film. The story really began to drag toward the end but then suddenly sprang to life and finished like a highlight reel in the last few minutes.

This is not a bad film and if you feel drawn to it for any reason, it is probably worth seeing. If you are just looking for something good at the movies, there are probably better choices. Not sorry I saw it but might choose something else if I had it to do over.

Altogether an enjoyable film, despite a few lengthy bits when the familiar pattern (middle aged blonde with two sons realizes the man she has set to marry is a jerk) seems to repeat itself once too many. I really liked the truthfulness of the depiction of America's 1950s, all the way to Zellweger's mannerisms typical of the times, the dirt roads, the breeches, the hotel detective. Support actors were good as well, though Bacon does'nt get much screen presence. A lot of humorous lines make the conversation interesting to follow, and the heroine's string of unlucky encounters also play to good laughs.

But quite a few items irked me, from the overly black and white depiction of lecherous men, to the pale acting of the two sons, to the frightening number of times Zellweger was told she was 'beautiful' (we get it, middle aged men are horny, she's blonde, but puh-lease, her chemically/surgically enhanced frozen-featured face simply isn't attractive - then again, she does get the word 'old' bandied at her a few times so I guess the director thought a trade off was necessary).

Overall, the film really lacked in-depth characterization and relied too much on its fickle road movie charm to wind its way to a somewhat trite and tepid ending.

How many stories like this have we seen so far: mother (Renee Zelweger) finds out that her husband (Kevin Bacon) is cheating on her and leaves him. Obviously, the children go with her. She thinks she will be able to go to another town nearby and find herself a new husband, wealthy enough to sustain the family. Travelling from city to city, and as many things happen to them, she cannot find anyone to 'sign the deal.' The further away they go from NY, the more the mother learns about her family and herself.

Very conventional, this is a road film where the family is moving from one coast to the other (NY to LA). The story is being told from the point of view of the youngest son. As the narrator, he tells us what he thinks about his mother, family relations, the trip, etc.

A good family/drama movie. But only good.

5/10*.

The year is 1953. The war in Korea is over,but for former band singer, Anne Deveraux,the battle has just begun. After she walks in on her cheating,no good S.O.B. of a husband & his current "item",she packs her clothes,takes her two teen aged sons out of school,and proceeds to leave New York,forever to make a new life (and perhaps to find a new hubby,which won't be easy,as her better days as a singer/sex symbol of twenty-something years ago are far behind her). The trio make their way across the continental United States in search of something better. Renee Zellwegger absolutely shines as Anne,a woman determined to make better in life (or at least try). Her two sons (both by different men),George (played by Logan Lerman),who is an aspiring writer,and Robbie (Mark Rendall,who nearly steals the show),a closeted homosexual,who is toying with the idea of acting. Kevin Bacon has some nice,but brief time as Anne's cheating husband,Dan Deveraux. English director, Richard Loncraine ('Richard III','The Missionary',and one episode of 'Band of Brothers')works very well with his cast in recreating the era (the early 1950's),as well as his set designer (Brian Morris,who deserves kudos for his work here). This is one of those quirky,sleeper films that somehow manage to capture the hearts of the advantageous audiences that do turn out for "left of centre" films like these (in other words,films that shy away from the usual Hollywood bombast sausage factory kind of films that slither into the multi-plexus that are only happy to screen them---screw you,Jerry Bruckheimer). A film for audiences who truly care. Rated PG-13 by the MPAA,for rude language & sexual content (but nothing too graphic).

"My One and Only," directed by Richard Loncraine and written by Charlie Peters, is a 2009 comedy-drama film loosely based on the early life of actor George Hamilton. The film stars Logan Lerman as George and Renée Zellweger as George's mother, Anne.

One of the standout aspects of the film is the strong cast, particularly Logan Lerman and Renée Zellweger, who deliver convincing performances. The film's emphasis on emotional cruelty over physical violence adds a unique layer to the comedy-drama genre, keeping the audience engaged and often laughing.

The film's production design is impressive, with Karl von Moller's cinematography creating a lush and colorful atmosphere. The sound design, particularly the score by Jamie Blanks, supports the humorous and dramatic moments throughout the film.

However, the film's pacing can be uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed while others drag on. The character development of Anne and George could have been more fleshed out, leaving their motivations somewhat unclear. Additionally, the film's ending may leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed, as it feels somewhat contrived and rushed.

Overall, "My One and Only" is a well-crafted comedy-drama film that succeeds in building tension and delivering a satisfying climax. The strong performances and production design make it a worthwhile watch, but the uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters may leave some viewers feeling underwhelmed.

Rating: 7/10.