The misfortunate Schroeder laments turning the big 3-0. Wow. 30 years old. Should be no big deal, except the lament began when he was injured and he lost the opportunity to play profession baseball. His dreams of sports was destroyed. These days he manages the grass on infield for the local semi-pro team. His frustration burns deep inside.
Without talking to anyone, he makes plans to leave his prom-queen high-school sweethear /wife…”she deserves better.” Schroeader wants to try a new start in Australia. Trouble is, where every one goes, they take themselves as well. His frustrations and personal problems would tag along. Still, he plans a trip in a van suspect of mechanical integrity.
His wife is the ultimate cheerleader, willing to wane life away in a trailer court, happy, as long as her husband loves her. Through some good writing, Shcroeder final comes to understand his personal success is his family, is the love of his wife, is the success of his own mind.
Eden Court is a touching film, a film of pleasing melancholy. Director Paul Leuer has put together a gentle view of those who aren’t the one in a million, but represents the majority…those who plug away, doing the day to day necessities, forming the foundation of society. Thomas Lennon and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were wonderful. They had nice chemistry together. This is a good movie.
wfc 3/08