The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

The performance were all ultimately very good, but I found the first few scenes clumsy and I nearly abandoned it. It improved about 10 minutes in, and I'm glad I stayed with it because it was a nice movie with a tender story. All the leads were solid, but I must say I thought David Arquette was absolutely superb. It's worth watching. The scenery was beautiful, and the running scenes well-shot. I hadn't read the book, so I can't speak to whether it captured the author's tone, but since the author was a producer, is suspect that it was well-adapted. If you're looking for action and a fast pace, this isn't for you. If you enjoy a good story with relatable characters and a somewhat believable scenario, it's a good movie.

I'm going to be honest with you. I used to really enjoy Kunal Nayyar's role as Raj on "The Big Bang Theory". But ever since then, whether acting or being interviewed, my first reaction has been for him to get a haircut and clean-up. His current look, as in this film, is, frankly, not something that I find at all attractive; quite the opposite. So I actually hesitated to watch this film, but thought I'd give it 15 minutes to capture my attention. It's a good thing it wasn't 10 minutes, because in the beginning his character here was downright unlikable, and I thought I couldn't bare to watch the film. Then the apparent plot changed direction and what I found was a surprisingly touching story with fine acting by several in the cast, and especially by Kunal. However, early on you sort of get the idea that the ending is not going to be a happy one. And, indeed, the ending is bittersweet...very bitter. Nevertheless, it's...realistic. It's the story of a life that one can see as true to life. I was not familiar with anyone else in the cast, except somewhere I remembered seeing Scott Foley. But all the main characters here did a really fine job. Kudos to Foley, Lucy Hale, David Arquette, and each of the young ladies who portrayed the 'daughter'. It's pretty rare I give an "8", but I will this time.

I loved this story. I didn't read the book, but the story is not very predictable. It has a twist, with heart. It's enjoyable, heartbreaking, and meaningful. I'd recommend it to anyone with a heart & willing to feel. Lucy Hale really shows her range, and Kunal Nayyar really separates himself from the character he played in The Bug Bang Theory all those years. The main character is a book store owner, who's wife recently passed away. His life is turned around, when a baby is left in his story & abandoned. He adopts her, and turns his life around. He falls in love with a persistent book publisher, who sells books retail stores. There's a heartbreaking twist, that I won't spoil. The ending may not satisfy everyone, but it's enjoyable as a whole.

If you've read Silas Marner you know the story: grumpy misanthrope loses valued treasure, inherits young daughter who replaces it and restores his life. I hope the author of Fikry acknowledges the debt. The NYC literary world-rural New England axis, which forms the setting of this retelling, is pretty tired at this point; you have to be an elite college lit major to think it has any bearing on the real world, but in a movie at least it provides an excuse for beautiful settings. In the eponymous role Kunal Nayyar is fantastic in every way; I hope this role brings him many more. Lucy Hale is also outstanding, and Arquette is very good. Of the various actresses who played Maya, the youngest were full of energy and charm. As for the rest, they were meh to bad, but it is not clear whether it is the fault of the actors or the writing. Blair Brown as teen Maya was a sad sack and devoid of character; Christina Hendricks as Ismay was self-absorbed, angry, and unlikable; and Scott Foley as Daniel was not at all believable as a successful writer (or even as a human being). The movie would have been greatly improved had it wrapped up the loose ends quickly after the pivotal event near the end, but instead it dragged everything out under the assumption that anyone cared about those subplots. We didn't.

Like others, when the film started I assumed yet another Hallmark movie, which could mean anything from utter rubbish to a really good watch. As it turns out it was a really good watch and despite not thinking much of the first 15 minutes, I soon sank into it and realised I was watching a fabulously crafted film. All of the actor put in a good effort but the story is one that every one of us can relate to in some way. Nothing lasts forever except stories. Love comes and goes, renews and dies, just like hate. Good times turn to bad times and vice versa, dreams are sometimes realised and sometimes squashed, and people enter and leave our lives. But stories always remain. Absolutely loved this film.

With al the blockbusters and money-makers out there, the little ones are so often missed. This is one that shouldn't be. Everything about this movie is enjoyable. The characters, the bookstore, the little town. The story is a bit convoluted. But keep to it, and it pays off. It is sweet and sad and I don't think there was one minute that I didn't enjoy. I really wanted to see what Kunal Nayyar could do outside The Big Bang theory and he certainly did not disappoint. I don't know how I feel about the chemistry between his and Lucy Hale's characters. It wasn't quite there for me, but it never distracted or took anything away form the absolute beauty this movie turned out to be. And I think that was this was for me....beautiful.

Any artificial sweetener sweeter than this, and as sweet may be daft and silly in u.s. Tv-dramas, this one does it by unbelievable twist and takes, and most of all it has avoided using the gold and exclusive glitter of perfectness that most lifetime and hallmark films is built around. Its a film about life and all its love, sorrow, pain and loss, set in beautiful locations at and around the cape cod area massachusets, a film that covers most all of the curioras and serendipitous things in life. The only downdraft i may sense is going even deeper into the prestory of some of the caracters but when my original valuation of this film where 12/10, then the rest must be fairly perfect. Viewed twice in one day, 2nd just to view my wifes reaction to filmaturgic bliss. Smashing acts, very strong script and basistory, and a fluffydreamlike musical score sent the grumpy old man through and beyond a lifetime. Well worth a look.