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'An Unfinished Life' takes laid-back to new levels

Although it does not seem like much on the page, An Unfinished Life becomes a worthy tale of family bonding on screen, thanks to the natural, understated acting of Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman and Bart the Bear.

Miramax Films 'An Unfinished Life' B- The verdict: The cast saves this laconic contemporary Western about an extended family's healing. Director: Lasse Hallstrom Starring: Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Lucas, Becca Gardner Run time: 100 minutes Release date: September 9, 2005 Rating: PG-13 for some violence including domestic abuse, and language. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime [an error occurred while processing this directive]

If they all appear more accomplished than Jennifer Lopez as the widow of Redford's son, that is because she is consciously acting, while her costars are giving textbook demonstrations of doing little for maximum impact.

The story, adapted for the screen by Mark and Virginia Korus Spragg from his novel, follows Jean Gilkyson (Lopez), who flees her physically abusive boyfriend in Iowa with her 11-year-old daughter Griff (debuting Becca Gardner) in tow, and heads to the rural ranching town of Ishawooa, Wyoming, where her cranky father-in-law, Einar (Redford), lives. But Einar still blames Jean for his son's car crash death and having her around is too bitter a reminder of his loss. Clearly this is a family in need of major healing.

So is Einar's ranch hand Mitch Bradley (Freeman), who has claw marks on his face and body from a near-fatal run-in with a bear. (Between this movie and Grizzly Man, bears come off badly at the movies this week.)

The bear symbolizes the characters' collective mental obstacles, and a move by Einar and Griff to free the caged bear is really far-fetched. Still, there is something about these folks and the actors who portray them that lingers, even after the sermonizing fades.