A delightful, folksy movie that made me laugh out loud! Who knew Meryl Streep and Woody Harrelson could sing? (I’m still surprised over Richard Gere’s singing and dancing in Chicago. ‘Course he says he is too!) And how long has it been since you saw Lily Tomlin?

As an NPR and Public Radio fan, I rarely miss Garrison Keeler and cast of PHC. I’ve loved listening to stories since I was small and taking a story-telling class is on my “to do before I die” list. I love reading a good book. I also love hearing an audio version. Maybe because I’ve always spent so much time in my car, books on CD have become warm, entertaining friendly companions. My book club wondered each month if I would show up with a CD of whatever book we were reviewing. Even the oldest "book snobs" (mostly retired teachers and professors) eventually admitted they loved hearing the voices, dialects and sound effects. (I repeat; I do read the book also)

Garrison Keeler is a master storyteller and teamed with 81-year-old Robert Altman, they’ve created a gem. It’s the story of the final broadcast of a long running live radio variety show before the building is demolished by new owners from Texas. Their axe-man, played by Tommy Lee Jones is half-heartedly indulged by Guy Noir (Kevin Kline). Keeler brings to the project the subtle nuances learned from actually hosting such a show for over 30 years. You have to see the movie for the rest of the story but suffice to say if you only stay awake to witness Woody Harrelson and John C. Reilly (loved him in Chicago and Gangs of New York) perform “Bad Jokes”, it will be worth the price of your movie ticket.

Altman seems to allow each character room to breathe and to offer their own voice in this film. Lindsay Lohan did a respectable job, as did Virginia Madsen (although understanding the symbolism, I found her role almost intrusive). Sound effects man Tom Keith shines in this movie just as he does on the weekly broadcast and in his role as Jim Ed who lives with his pet chicken, Curtis. I'm not sure how younger viewers will like the film or even if they will see it. It is sentimental history with nostalgic and lovely music. Meryl Streep is absolutely delicious in her role as one of the singing Johnson sisters and mother to Lohan's character. Viewers at our local independent theatre gave it a definite thumbs up.