Living Out Loud

REVIEW
Re-creating the charm and quirkiness of The Fisher King, which he wrote, LaGravenese's debut film as director is a wholly enjoyable, beguiling romantic comedy with a decidedly impish view of romance that is underscored by a touching story of self-examination. In a particularly smart portrayal, Hunter plays Judith, an Upper East Side, 40-ish recent divorcée who is having difficulty trying to move on after her break-up. When Judith befriends Pat (DeVito), her building's elevator operator (with whom she becomes romantically involved), and Liz (Latifah), a sultry cabaret singer, she begins to awaken from the stagnant, lonely existence she had been living. LaGravenese nicely balances Judith's sexual and personal explorations, and never allows Judith's wonderfully executed fantasy sequences to detract from the story. In finding herself and living out loud, Judith's voyage of discovery makes for unusual but satisfying entertainment. It's all brought to the screen by an engaging, accomplished cast.