"That's a nice-a donut."
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Warm Springs
Warm Springs is a fairly typical HBO made-for-TV movie. That is to say: it is an interesting story (and like many of the others, is based on actual events) that is well-acted, admirably plotted and directed, but is not ground-breaking or earth-shattering in any way. The story focuses on a young Franklin Delano Roosevelt (played by Kenneth Branagh), in the 1920s, who is a rising player on the Democratic political scene. Suddenly one day he becomes sick and is diagnosed with infantile paralysis - otherwise known as polio. He checks-in at a rural spa in the middle of Georgia to try to rehabilitate in the pool, and possibly even get cured. Along the way, Roosevelt feels a connection with his fellow polio sufferers who have also journeyed to the rehab center. Of course, it is implied that his experience at Warm Springs was the springboard to developing his skills at relating to the people and to bringing the country out of the Great Depression during the 1930s. Eventually his family and other comrades convince him to get back onto the national stage. We all know what happens next.
Branagh is quite good as FDR and the rest of the cast is terrific too. Especially of note is Tim Blake Nelson as the proprietor of Warm Springs, who builds a close relationship with the charismatic future leader. Cynthia Nixon, formerly of Sex and the City, is believable as the outspoken Eleanor and David Paymer joins in as FDR's friend and political advisor. The story is fairly straightforward and enjoyable. One scene at the end even has some tension and suspense, even though most of the audience should have an idea that the ending will be a positive one. This one is worth a look.
The Verdict: B.
Michael Bentley 2:36 PM
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