On the ride home Graham asked James why he liked Lynn when women don't seem to be his cup of tea. Being a single man and unmarried he decided maybe adoption is the way to go. A janitor who claims he's seen a murder becomes romantically involved with the glamorous TV reporter covering the story. Add the first question. Get movie times, watch trailers and buy tickets. As James flips a sign over at a gas station from open to closed, more a symbol of his past is over and his new life is beginning, as he hurries to catch Graham and places his hand in Graham's. Second Best soundtrack from 1994, composed by Simon Boswell. One ... See full summary ». James stands in the small shop choosing gear while Graham remains outside with his caseworker. Second Best is a dark comedy that offers insight into men's expectations of success, financially, sexually and otherwise, and provides a glimpse into what … He decides to adopt a son. Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie … Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2018. Graham walks by an agency and starts looking at pictures of children. Very pleased also like the the price. On one trip out in the car, Graham tries to explain how a relationship should work, He explains it should be a partnership, he never mentions love. A really great English film very good acting from well known actors i.e. Later in a heartfelt scene, Graham's father passes and James bring out a shell placing it on Graham's ear, the one good memory Graham ever had of his father. Film debuts of Chris Cleary Miles, Nathan Yapp and Jake Owen. A modernized version of the story which inspired Verdi's opera, "La Forza del Destino". 4.3 out of 5 stars 46 ratings. When James is shown the room that would be his if the adoption goes through, it also serves as James room when he starts his visits to Graham's place. Graham invites James' father to move in with them, and he and James care for him as he lives his last few months. James is the troubled youth he gets with the assistance of social worker Debbie. James's father is in and out of prison and has spun tales of him being a 'mercenary' in the one time they have spent together on the run. Directed by Chris Menges. Menu. Living in a tiny village in the Welsh countryside, 42-year-old Graham has had little life outside of caring for his invalid father. Sep 21, 2012. Throughout the movie James has flashbacks of his past about his father and his mother. Will the two be able to accept each other as family? Carried by William Hurt's outstanding performance, the film is sentimental but never mawkish. New Restoration Hitting NYC’s Metrograph This Weekend, Reality Stars Who Found Love in Hollywood and the Music World, At the Movies: Only You/Second Best/Pulp Fiction. [2], Channel 4 (who rated it 4.6 out of 5) wrote: "The powerful and sometimes crippling relationships between fathers and sons is the inspiration behind Menges' worthy drama".[3]. James is the troubled youth he gets with the assistance of social worker Debbie. He asks Graham if he has ever apologized to his father; he always hated Graham's mother, since she would never let the father have a moments peace. He talks about wanting a son, and suggests what James needs, ungracefully saying that James need a father, but stammering on the what James needs is that special someone to look after his needs. James also makes friends in this time with some of the local children racing with a bicycle. Written by Aug 12, 2015. Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Graham replied it was a true love to which Turpin replies ‘no' since she would not even let Graham's father take a whittle on his own. After a husband is accused of driving his third wife to suicide, his first wife Hedda, a troubled woman who can't hate or hurt others even if they had wronged her, is subpoenaed to testify on his abusive behavior during their marriage. ... A big-screen fundamentalist, I love going out to the movies, to first- and second … He only has a vague memory of his mother when he was aged 3, but has a vivid and romantic image of his father. View production, box office, & company info. Prime Video $3.99 — $11.99 DVD $23.50 VHS Tape $17.05 Additional VHS Tape options: … Near the end of the film, James finally dreams and remembers what has happened to his mother. SECOND BEST is a modest, emotionally persuasive drama about a bachelor trying to adopt a 10-year-old boy. The plot reminded me of another great British movie – “Dear Frankie “.I guess it is that father – son relationship that makes movies like these two so special. This takes place later on in the film. Graham wants a son, but James doesn't want another father at the time. We learn why, and we also learn why the young boy who's been selected has such a mercurial nature, but these themes (childhood-vs.-adulthood, rebellious-vs.-being loved), however topical, have been well-traveled. Can Graham settle for being second best? William and John Hurt, I watched it many year's ago and lucky to see it again from Amazon. Theseus has defeated Hippolyta in battle, and now claims her as his bride. It turns out these artistic flourishes were not necessary, as the main character and his desire to be a good, decent father manage to express a lot more. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Review: "Women In Love" (1969) Starring Oliver Reed, Alan Bates And Glenda Jackson; Criterion Blu-ray Special Edition, Ken Russell’s Women In Love Coming To The Criterion Collection? But before the nuptials begin, a pair of young lovers flee into the forest to be married, pursued by a pair of ... See full summary », Graham Holt is a lonely middle-aged man who runs a postal substation in a small village in England. A really great English film very good acting from well known actors i.e. John B Super Reviewer. Sep 21, 2012. William Hurt is one of the most introspective of actors, playing characters who often seem to be musing on the meaning of their actions. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? They cause him to act out, from self-mutilation to destruction of property. Elliot Kelman (Joe Pantoliano) is a failed publishing executive who can't get back into the business. Graham is a sub-postmaster in a village in Wales. Overall, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a distant second to anything else you could spend two hours doing. The way he moves his head quickly to avert an emotion or a confusion, the way he smiles when surprised...the man is, of course, an actor, but he's not actorly; he's not a beguiling trickster, he is an actor of deeply human emotions. When he loses his temper at the kid, it's not unusual to find him saying the next morning that he's willing to continue on this path. Fandango FANALERT® Sign up for a FANALERT® and be the first to know when tickets and other exclusives are available in your area. In this way James would not have to change schools during the process. Nathan Yapp is an actor, known for Second Best (1994). Second Best (1994) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. She explained to Graham about James constantly running away and finding him partially dressed, always hiding in holes and covered in dirt. Very strong performance from Hurt and one of the most poignant depictions of a father-child relationship. Prime Video has you covered this holiday season with movies for the family. Audience Reviews for Second Best. Enter your location to see which movie theaters are playing Second Best near you. Verified Purchase. Second Best SECOND BEST is a modest, emotionally persuasive drama about a bachelor trying to adopt a 10-year-old boy. He supports himself selling suits at the local mall and relies on hand-outs from his mother, ex-wife, and son. A bookshop owner was targeted in a bias incident. The film received 10 out of 10 on the Rotten Tomatoes site. She quickly tells Graham to beware of knots for once they are tied they are harder to get out from. Audience Reviews for Second Best. He tells Graham while remembering an experience by his birth father, that the kiss has to be a long one to make it feel better. So James now has a better understanding of Graham, and Graham a better understanding of James. Graham and James meet and the embarrassed silences demonstrate Graham's nervousness and James's fears of the situation. Second Best is a 1994 British film produced by Sarah Radclyffe and directed by Chris Menges. John B Super Reviewer. Eight astronauts are abducted to a utopian planet, which they come to love, then they return to Earth -- but for only two hours -- and must avoid one another in the dangerous landscape of suburbia. His mother passes on and a year later his father suffers a stroke which means Graham has to now care for him. Turpin teases James and finally makes him smile. Graham always wanted a son, but James loves his biological father too much to give Graham a chance. They graduated from college together, ready to take on the world, but only one of the group has done exceptionally well. Who at the time is dreaming and does not even realize the boy is in with him until he wakes in the morning. It's a refreshing piece of work by Hurt, who I feel has been erratic since finding major stardom on the screen. William and John Hurt, I watched it many year's ago and lucky to see it again from Amazon. Near the end James's father unexpectedly shows up and asks Graham to allow him to stay nearby secretly for the last few months he is expected to live, just to be able to see James without James knowing he is there. This FAQ is empty. [1] James Lennards (Chris Cleary Miles) is a disturbed child brought up in foster care. Xavier Lombard is a world-weary private eye in London, in exile from his native Paris; his best friend is Nathalie, a high-class call girl. In 1986, David Whitman came home, contaminated his wife and child, and watched them die. The youngster, Chris Cleary Miles, is kept low-keyed (he's very natural), while John Hurt is funny and fine in a brief supporting role. Verified Purchase. Graham Holt (William Hurt) is a single man, aged 42, who wants to adopt a ten-year-old son. William Hurt plays a single, middle-aged postman in a Welsh village who wants to adopt a boy. 5.0 out of 5 stars DVD Second best. Second Best is the story of five male baby boomers all nearing 50. A fine film, though Menges does fiddle with a few camera tricks to convey emotions not in the script. Can Graham settle for being second best? When his patients show up, they talk to her and then pay. Menu. The reunion with James's father does not go well and James withdraws into himself. (1994). After Graham asks Jamie if he was testing Graham and James replies, 'I often test people.' As Graham goes through the extended vetting process to be an adoptive parent, He then has to attend classes and meet regularly with social workers. It's a happy experience. Trying to make a tense situation easier. Watching the 2003 movie "Second Best," I could not help but think that Grandma's spirit had visited and provided inspiration, if not editorial assistance, to writer-director Eric Weber. James convinces Graham that tenting is fun. Graham, a lonely Welsh postal worker, adopts James, a troubled ten-year-old boy. Very strong performance from Hurt and one of the most poignant depictions of a father-child relationship. Graham decides that James should meet his father, that James should know that his father is dying of AIDS so that James would not have to wonder years later as to what had happened to his father. ", Title: Valerie is a juror in the trial of a mob boss. Later in the film he makes a comment to James as to how desperate they must be to be considering himself to be a parent, 'since you can count on one hand the number of single men who wish to adopt.'. Years later, he leads a hazmat team investigating an industrial accident near Budapest. Graham always wanted a son, but James loves his biological father too much to give Graham a chance. Graham, a lonely Welsh postal worker, adopts James, a troubled ten-year-old boy. ENTER CITY, STATE OR ZIP CODE GO. Toy Story. Second Best Plot: What's the story? James Lennards (Chris Cleary Miles) is a disturbed child brought up in foster care. Graham was born to parents who loved each other more than their son, never spending time with him and later on pretending to be interested in him. It is Hurt's performance which is something new. In the end Graham says to Jamie, "I won't be second best." 5.0 out of 5 stars DVD Second best. The festivals were virtual. Second Best [VHS] William Hurt (Actor), Nathan Yapp (Actor), Chris Menges (Director) & Rated: PG-13. James due to having issues starts to self-harm himself, first by scratching his legs with his hand, then by trying to jump from the car, all the while telling Graham that Lynn is not a proper woman, eventually forcing Graham to stop the car as James tries to jump out. Graham always wanted a son, but James loves his biological father too much to give Graham a chance. Graham wants a son, but James doesn't want another father at the time. It closely follows the 1991 novel of the same name by David Cook, who also wrote the screenplay. Due to the nature of his past he has a hard time coping, anger, self-mutilation are just a few things that Happens with young James. See the full list of Second Best cast and crew including actors, directors, producers and more. He spots James picture and when he sits filling out the forms he is slightly ba… Format: VHS Tape. Oct 13, 2010. Very pleased also like the the price. James has been shifted from foster home to group home throughout his short life. Graham is not sure how to behave, nor what to say, due to being nervous. Second best is a touching and moving masterpiece directed by Chris Menges . When her young son's life is threatened, she has no option other than to see that justice isn't done. When a self-centered doctor is diagnosed with cancer, he becomes better able to empathize with his patients and appreciate a life outside his career. Unfortunately this is fairly common in the world scope of foster care since nothing is ever permanent. Graham, a lonely Welsh postal worker, adopts James, a troubled ten-year-old boy. He spots James picture and when he sits filling out the forms he is slightly baffled as to why he wrote son. The Croods 2 Just Had the Second-Best Movie Opening of the Fall Nate Jones 4 days ago. SECOND BEST is the bittersweet story of a single, Welsh postmaster, Graham Holt (played by William Hurt), who desperately wants a family of his own and attempts to adopt a child. *** out of ****. Can James learn to love Graham? He adores his outlaw father John, sent to prison not long after the mother's death. He adores his outlaw father John, sent to prison not long after the mother's death. Graham is a sub-postmaster in a village in Wales. The Key Worker is cut off from explaining issues about James when James enters the room. As a new school season is starting Graham is allowed to foster James while the final adoption can take place. He gets a call from an old friend from the Paris ... See full summary ». Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Second_Best_(film)&oldid=980135663, Articles needing additional references from February 2017, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles with plot summary needing attention from July 2019, All Wikipedia articles with plot summary needing attention, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 24 September 2020, at 20:11. A psychoanalyst in NYC exchanges apartment with a woman in Paris. The film was largely made in the small Welsh town of Knighton. Showing affection for the first time in his young life. Second Best (1994) showtimes at an AMC movie theater near you. 5 of 6 people found this review helpful. Graham Holt's emotional development has been smothered by his uncaring parents. Toy Story has five parts, it was first released in the 90s and now the latest is Toy Story … Release Calendar DVD & Blu-ray Releases Top Rated Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Showtimes & Tickets In Theaters Coming Soon Coming Soon Movie News India Movie Spotlight. A community supported her. Reid Gagle, Chris Menges, who in 1992 directed the very fine, unusual drama "CrissCross", takes on another curious, strangely moving film with "Second Best". He moves towards Graham and places his arms around Graham's waist. Asked by James Key worker, if Graham likes children his reply is ‘Yes, but I don't think I could eat a whole one.' James tests Graham as well by finding a stick and giving himself and injury on his forehead. Graham walks by an agency and starts looking at pictures of children. Released by Milan Records in 1994 (7313835695-2) containing music from Second Best (1994). As the year comes to a close, we present the top TV shows of 2020, including "Money Heist" and "The Mandalorian. Movies. Later that night on the camp out Jamie goes to relieve himself then returns to the tent cold, and slips into the sleeping bag with Graham. Alan Cumming looks a little theatrical and out-of-place as an adoption caseworker (at first I feared there would be a dreadful sub-plot involving Cumming as the villain of the piece). View The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015) photos, movie images, film stills and cast and crew photos on Fandango. Writer Eric Weber (author of the infamous paperback How to Pick Up Girls) directs his screenplay Second Best. While their relationship develops and has its ups and downs, nothing shakes Graham's belief that he is the one person who can make all the difference and that between them, they could change each other. James has been in an orphanage for years since his mother committed suicide. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2018. Use the HTML below. Photos and music from one of my favorite movies! He returns early to NYC and becomes a patient. He also self-publishes a weekly newsletter on … Will the two be … Jim H Super Reviewer. The Croods: A New Age just had the second-best opening of the fall. Graham Holt (William Hurt) is a single man, aged 42, who wants to adopt a ten-year-old son. Graham has to visit key people in James' past; one of them, Lynn, a foster mother, who was one of the few females James ever got along with, was disappointed that James would not stop in to see her. After a few weekends together, Graham takes James to meet Graham's father's brother, Uncle Turpin (John Hurt). Second Best Being a single man and unmarried he decided maybe adoption is the way to go. He decides to adopt a son. James plays in a creek while teaching an inept Graham the ways of camping or as the English refer to it as tenting. Carried by William Hurt's outstanding performance, the film is sentimental but never mawkish. Showing all 2 items Jump to: Summaries (2) Summaries. Causing some disruptions and being unable to relate to women. SECOND BEST is a modest, emotionally persuasive drama about a bachelor trying to adopt a 10-year-old boy. He then hugs him briefly. A wife and mother in 1915 Tennessee copes with the loss of her husband and the necessity of raising their children alone. A spoiled Manhattan housewife re-evaluates her life after visiting a Chinatown healer. With William Hurt, Nathan Yapp, Keith Allen, Chris Cleary Miles. Can James learn to love Graham? Will the two be able to accept each other as family? Here are some of our picks to get you in the spirit. This trait is well-used in "Second Best," where he plays Graham Holt, a village postmaster in Wales, who has arrived at the age of … Turpin also asks Graham if he is sure about wanting to adopt, Graham is adamant about it that this is what he wants to do. Best Movies of 2020. Once again the pains of the past take over as James tries to escape the pain in the only way he knows how. During this time a flashback scene is shown of James hiding from the police. In an attempt to end alimony payments, a working class man tries to set up his ex wife with potential husbands. 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