The Spitfire Grill (1996) Reviews

• Once again Hollywood's reviews mean nothing

  slp002006-04-10

  This movie got pretty bad reviews from the Hollywood Hype-mongers. I suppose because it didn't have a lot of flash. All it had was a well-written original story and superb acting with real characters. Anyone who has ever spent time in a small town can identify with nearly all the characters. I could practically name them all in the town I grew up in. I'm sure the only people who would NOT enjoy this movie are the ones who grew up in Hollywood and believe everyone is like them. If thats not you, rent this movie for a truly enjoyable evening. But you might want to bring tissues. It's a very warm and often funny movie, but it's also very sad in some places. Will Patton is incredible and I honestly don't understand why Alison Elliott hasn't been used more than she has since this movie. Ellen Burstyn was glorious as ever :)

• Small town USA

  caspian19782005-02-26

  Spitfire Grill does a wonderful job capturing the small town New England landscape. The setting for the movie is important as its characters. Both begin to blend from the start of the story. Alison Elliott is by far terrific. At times, Alison Elliott resembles a young Jodie Foster as she plays this innocent, yet troubled youngster as she tries to start fresh with a new life in a new town. At times, the story takes on a biblical tale of forgiveness and loving thy neighbor. A perfect movie about respect and acceptance, The Spitfire Grill takes on a life of its own as the story builds and builds with more secrets. A nice ending that brings everything together and answers all the questions. Alison Elliott is great.

• Beautifully done in a beautiful part of our world.

  joeestlinbm2005-02-05

  Everyone has their opinion, and mine on this particular film, is that it's one of the best to have ever graced the screen of my TV. I'm from typical small town America, and to quite a degree,Gilead depicts this sort of life. Clannish, and less than trusting, when it comes to new folks, but what impressed me as much as anything was the unbelievable authenticity of Alison Elliotts southern accent. I had to look her up on the net to see if she was from the south, or not. She's not, but I am, and being familiar with my own accent, I can tell you she did it perfectly. I've watched it about six, or seven times, and will likely watch it that many more before Let it rest for a while. If you like beautiful scenery, small town life, and folks who are just a little short of being odd, you'll love this movie.

• The Spitfire Grill

  ladyhawk-182005-02-16

  This is an excellent "chic flick". Have the Kleenex box close by, it's a real tear jerker. The movie takes place in a small New England town. It's social comment is: "Don't judge a book by it's cover." Poor Percy was jailed for the crime of killing her tormentor. She did her time and paid for her crime but not everybody felt that way. Nahum, in particular, had a rough lesson to learn about judgement. What Percy doesn't know is that she is going to be the catalyst to ignite growth again in the little town of Gilead. She helps every "townie" in one way or another with her simple, uneducated truths and her honest and open view of the world. She's a breath of fresh air this town needed if it was going to grow and mature. Take a look at this movie. You will find it gets under your skin and you are rooting for Percy to make this her home, this little town named Gilead.

• Brilliant! Wonderful script, acting, music and message.

  nz man2000-03-18

  One of the reviews below states "I notice most of the negative reviews have been posted by men who obviously have no sensitivity." Well, as a 51 yr old man, I can tell you that I really loved this film and it did touch my heart and spirit. One of the best films that I have seen! The three lead actresses were superb, especially Alison Elliott as Percy. It was all so 'real', and portrays small town life in an authentic, respectful manner. Everything was refreshing, including the deeper messages about life's struggles regarding relationships and inner psychological problems. "Why aren't more films this good?" Indeed !! For me, this film is better than "Fried Green Tomatoes" since it is not so blatantly anti-male (think about this!).