What to Watch: Sliding Doors

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What To Watch: Movie Reviews From the Treadmill

Today's Review:

“Sliding Doors” 

written and directed by Peter Howitt

starring Gwyneth Paltrow, John Hannah, John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn

4/5 stars

I just finished an 8 mile run - very slowly – it took my 94 minutes which was just about perfect for this lovely 99 minute movie. As you well know, I'm a pushover when it comes to movies and will ooooh and aaaaah over just about anything, but don't let that keep you from this little gem. I adored it! Set in England, Hellen (played by the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow) is sacked from her job and misses her train – or does she? We are graced with both possible versions of her life.

In the first, she almost gets mugged (gasp!) and is suspicious but unaware of the cheating ways of her boyfriend (played by John Lynch). In the second, she catches her boyfriend in bed with another woman (Jeanne Tripplehorn) (gasp!). Despite the unpleasant beginnings of both versions of her life, you will find yourself wishing she had caught the train – especially with the charming John Hannah playing her suitor in that version. Can I just stop here and mention that I am, in fact, quite in love with John Hannah at the moment (even more in love with him than I was during the funeral scene in “Four Weddings and a Funeral”).

Things get complicated with pregnancies, close calls, and misunderstandings but they all led to a lovely happy ending – or did they . . . I was devastated by the ending, but things are not always as they seem – I got over my dismay quickly and was left filled with hope (which is, by the way my favorite way to leave a movie).   The only drawback is that you will be left wishing you were blond, impeccably thin, and had an English Accent (that Gwyneth!).