A lonely spinster (Diane Keaton) who has cared for her
infirmed father (Hume Cronyn) for many years is given a leukemia diagnosis.
Reluctantly she calls her estranged sister in Ohio (Meryl Streep), a single
mother whose mentally unstable son (Leonardo DiCaprio) has just torched their
home, to travel to Florida to perform
the necessary tests. When the boy does in fact prove to be a match, the newly
formed, distinctive bond between nephew and aunt reopens old wounds between the
sisters and gradually leads them down the path of conciliation. From Scott
McPherson’s play, Marvin’s Room is warmhearted and funny, a unique take on both
the disease and dysfunctional family movie. Keaton and Streep are outstanding,
Leo shines in an amusing and challenging role, and Robert De Niro, Dan Hedaya,
and especially Gwen Verdon are hilarious in supporting performances.
*** 1/2 out of ****
