I selected this movie largely because of how much I like Vera Farmiga. I've always considered her an actor that does not get the attention she deserves. I had seen Andy Garcia in a number of pictures, and although not his fault, his work always seemed one-dimensional. The gangster, the cad, etc. I was completely stunned by the chemistry and nuanced performances of the pair in a film that I consider one of the most delightful movie experiences of the last ten years. This picture stood out with a unique take on a mid-life romance that didn't pander to a false, popular conclusion, but rewarded the viewer with a thoughtful and adult ending. The acting by all the players was first rate; the writing and dialog was crisp and real; filming and direction were beautifully done. It was an excellent mix of humor, pathos, and it delivered a life message so subtly that close attention had to be paid. Thanks to all who made this picture. I love you Vera.

"At Middleton" is a frustrating film to watch. While there is so much to like in the movie (especially in the first half), by the time the film is over, I was left with lots of mixed feelings.

When the film begins, a father (Andy Garcia) is taking his son (Spencer Lofranco) to visit Middleton College. At the same time, a mother (Vera Farmiga) is also bringing her daughter (Taissa Farmiga) to visit the same school. The parents and teens seem extremely different. George is a rather uptight and rigid surgeon. The son, Conrad, on the other hand is a very normal and nice teen and just wishes his father would relax and let him make his college choice himself. Edith is a free-spirited and rather goofy mom--a sharp contrast to her very driven and self- absorbed daughter, Audrey. In many ways, you might expect the teens to belong to the other parent.

During the course of a boring tour of the school, Edith looks for an excuse to leave the tour and let her daughter continue without her--and considering how badly Audrey treats her mom, this might be for the best. The fact that George leaves with her is difficult to believe considering his personality--but he somehow does leave the tour as well. George and Edith set off on a series of adventures as they go where the tour doesn't lead.

By the end of the tour, Audrey (who insisted she MUST go to Middleton) has an abrupt change of heart and Conrad finds that this small school might just have something to offer. However, the parents are THE main focus of the film and they start to fall in love--something which doesn't make a lot of logical sense--especially considering what sort of a guy George is. His change of attitude and falling for Edith seems more a contrived plot device than something that might really occur. Having them learn from each other alone would have made more sense--especially since this occurred only during the course of part of a single day.

Apart from the illogical romance (especially since BOTH were already married--and I wish they'd both been single since this would have made them much more likable) and a marijuana scene that seemed out of place, the film is very nice. But since the illogical romance is THE key to the movie, this is very problematic and a bit amoral. On the plus side, the dialog is often very witty, the actors did a nice job and the soundtrack is among the best I can recall having heard.

By the way, interestingly the mother-daughter pair are, in real life, actually sisters--sisters who are 21 years apart--believe it or not.

George Hartman (Andy Garcia) and his son Conrad (Spencer Lofranco), and Edith Martin (Vera Farmiga) and her daughter Audrey (Taissa Farmiga) are among the parents kids tour of the Middleton College. George is stiff heart surgeon and Edith is a free spirit. They don't get along at first in the parking lot. Neither are not necessarily happy. They get along better and slip away from the tour. They spend the day together and open up about their married lives. The kids find themselves spending the day together too.

It's a very light weight movie. Its simple easy comic touch gives it a few giggles. The problem is that it also keeps it from gaining any weight when the tough stuff starts happening. It's a light half-day tour which describes the movie too. There is nothing terribly wrong with this. The actors have a nice time together although it would have been nice for the Farmiga sisters to have more scenes together.