BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

title: BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
year: 1996
cast: Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Michael Rapaport, Uma Thurman, Noah Emmerich, Natalie Portman
rating: ****

Timothy Hutton, back in a role worthy of his talents, is an undefined city-dwelling piano player in his late twenties, returning to his small town and quickly getting back into the swing of things: consisting of drinking and hanging-out with old pals Matt Dillon, who's having an affair with a married woman; Noah Emmerich, a faithful dad and husband; and scene-stealer Michael Rapaport, who not only refuses to grow up but has a theory: the fantasy of the perfect woman (aka supermodels) exceeds the promise of true love. Uma Thurman plays the quintessential beautiful girl who, along with a cute, intelligent thirteen year old neighbor Natalie Portman, helps Hutton not only realize what life and love are about: but if they can be one in the same. Funny without being silly; serious without pretentiousness... this is the epitome of an "uplifting" movie where every character shines.