A fantastic gem of a film that is not to be missed! Although many critics did not like the movie, this critic finds it to be an excellent movie. Leave it to Kate Winslet’s warmth, intelligence and sincerity to bring us out of the winter doldrums of January holiday leftovers with Director Jason Reitman’s brilliantly adapted romantic drama. It resonates with delicacy, passion and restraint, touching the heart in places where cynics fear to go. As good as it is, the timing of the movie release is questionable. Although it premiered at two major film festivals in late 2013 (Telluride and Toronto), it did not get a nationwide release until January 31. Is this a Valentine’s movie? Labor Day movie? It certainly would’ve made more sense to have premiered it, for the nationwide release, during Oscar season (typically the fall time through the holidays) because it bears many Oscar qualities. Everything from the writing to the cinematography was excellent. Direction was quite good as well. Director Reitman seamlessly adapts the Joyce Maynard novel to the screen, and paints a beautiful picture for the audience, and the chemistry between Brolin and Winslet is incredible. Winslet shines as Adele, the love-starved single mother who is all but a recluse, with only her adolescent son to keep her company. And, Josh Brolin delivers an excellent performance as Frank, the good-hearted fugitive. Central to the film is Henry (or Hank) played by Gattlin Griffith, the adolescent son of Adele who is at the age where he begins to wrestle with ideas of love, sex, and companionship. Griffith brings real emotion to his character, and has the audience fully convinced of his commitment to Henry. Even though there is very little verbal exposition, the visual exposition is executed very well. This film is definitely one that is easy to pass over due to the lack of publicity and the far-from-stellar opening weekend; but, don’t pass over this movie that is a perfect fit for a date with your significant other.