# Mary & Tim (1996) (TV)

### reviewed by
Brian Koller

    Mary & Tim (1996)

    Grade: 54

"Mary & Tim" is a made-for-TV movie that is a remake of 1979's "Tim". Candice Bergen, the co-executive producer who is also definitely the star, takes Piper Laurie's role as the lonely middle-aged widow. Little-known Thomas McCarthy takes Mel Gibson's role as her much younger, gentle 'mentally challenged' love interest. Gibson's performance won him his first major award, Best Actor from the Australian Film Institute. McCarthy's competent but bland performance has not similarly jump-started his career.

The story has bookstore owner Mary (Bergen) spurning match-making offers from her friends, perhaps out of devotion to her long-dead husband. She develops a strong friendship for Tim (McCarthy), a mildly retarded but good-natured handyman. She teaches him how to read, but he has things to teach her as well; from an emotional point of view.

Inevitably, conflicts arise, and just in time to keep this mild film from becoming a complete snoozer. Tim's sister Justine (Kelli Williams) disapproves of Bergen's growing friendship with Tim. Tim's father (the late Richard Kiley) disapproves of Justine's attitude. And Tim's mother (Louise Latham) has run-in's with Justine's snobbish in-laws, who consider Tim to be a family embarrassment. But the conflicts are quickly and predictably resolved, with happy endings for nearly all concerned.

Some elements of the story don't completely work. Bergen's character apparently has work-related travel, that she never seems to embark on. She also seems to live quite well for a small-time proprietor, even having a beach house. Early in the film, Tim is the victim of cruel practical jokes played by his co-workers, who then promptly vanish.

    In the end, "Mary & Tim" is a competent but
    lackluster romantic drama.

kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html

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