Like an inexpensive Pinot Grigio that is refreshing for an evening but not long remembered, this Ashley Judd film is entertaining, good for lots of smiles and a few laughs.
The film is clearly designed to showcase Judd’s beauty and talent. She’s not short on either, but the enterprise stretches itself a bit to make the point.
Big Stone Gap leads us through an unlikely scenario in Virginian Appalachia with a certain brio. The plot is spelled out in many online reviews, so I’ll tread lightly on that in this reviewer’s note. The sentimental value is high, and there are some genuine tear-jerker moments, prominently in the last five minutes.
Among the actors and actresses going small-town, Anthony LaPaglia is likely to escape mention for his role as small-town lawyer Spec Broadwater and friend-like-brother to Judd’s Ave Marie Mulligan. But he should not. He plays it like a man on the verge of long-term depression who never quite gives in, somehow maintaining a focus on others rather than on his own deep darkness. Jasmine Guy’s small role as Leah Grimes is also well turned.
This light flick is not one for the ages. But there’s nothing wrong with store-bought Pinot Grigio on a summer evening.
Canter Bridge 
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