The Magic of Belle Isle

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The Magic of Belle Isle

PG

2012

1h 49m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

33%

Tomatometer

33 Reviews

63%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

An alcoholic, disabled novelist finds his muse again after he moves into a lakeside cabin and meets a single mother and her daughters.

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Critics Consensus

Neither Rob Reiner nor Morgan Freeman are able to conjure up their old magic in this dull trifle, with both director and star appearing content to tread through the paces of the saccharine script.

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Keith Uhlich

Time Out

May 19

3/5

Manages to cast enough of an enchanting spell.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

02/15/2020

Hopeless drivel.

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Serena Donadoni

IndieWire

11/01/2012

B

There's a comforting inevitability to The Magic of Belle Isle, as an alcoholic author spends a soothing, rejuvenating summer in a sleepy lakeside village.

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Clayton Davis

AwardsCircuit.com

09/16/2014

2/4

All we're left with is an uneven story that could have landed on "Best of Straight-to-DVD" shelves or the $1 bin at your local Walmart for Grandma to find.

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

12/12/2012

C

Uninspiring sentimental inspirational pic.

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Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

11/27/2012

B

The problems with the dialog and story are overcome by the fact that this is a very nice, warm, romantic story with some magic in it.

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Joejoe H.

@MojoJoeJoe May 29

Not the greatest but overall a sweet story. The "romance" portion could have been left out as it seemed odd.

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TheMovieSearch R

@TheMovieSearch May 5

The Magic of Belle Isle is a gentle drama that stays pleasant but never fully achieves emotional depth or lasting impact. It is easy to watch and enjoyable, but feels incomplete in storytelling. Morgan Freeman anchors the film with warmth, authenticity, and emotional grounding in most scenes. His performance is the strongest element, elevating moments that feel thin or underwritten. The supporting cast is solid, with occasional connection that adds heart. The film explores creativity, healing, and rediscovering purpose, offering a meaningful base. However, the screenplay struggles with pacing and does not fully develop emotional arcs, often suggesting depth without satisfying payoffs. Scenes flow smoothly but lack momentum, making the story feel like a series of moments rather than a cohesive journey. While pleasant and easy to sit through, it never becomes especially memorable or powerful. Overall, it is a soft watchable film that works in tone but falls short in impact. again

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P L.

@plunden Apr 20

Sweet story about helping others

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Mojo T.

@MojoCat Apr 18

Big actors, but like a cheesy hallmark movie. Not quite as bad as hallmark. Still:"okay," but not great.

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Smiling D

@RT57046910 Apr 11

The only con for this movie is its slow pace. I didn’t analyze it to compare to real life or justifications. I let the movie affect my mood and see how I felt afterward, and it worked. Not a great movie, but a good movie in a time that desperately needs both.

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Michael W.

@snootybaronet Mar 29

Really, really, really bad. Treacly and sickly sweet. Ugh.

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Rob Reiner

Director

Morgan Freeman

Monte Wildhorn

Virginia Madsen

Mrs. O'Neil

Madeline Carroll

Willow

Emma Fuhrmann

Finnegan

Nicolette Pierini

Flora

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - Reach for the Sky, Mr. Clown

1:41

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - A Writer Nobody Reads

2:46

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - Discussion With a Dog

1:16

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - The Mystery of Imagination

1:30

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - So You Write Stories?

2:48

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - I'll Stick With Real Life

2:48

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - They Gave Me My Life Back

3:03

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - You Want a Mentor

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The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - One Hell of a Mentor

2:37

The Magic of Belle Isle: Official Clip - Why Did You Stop Writing?

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Synopsis

An alcoholic, disabled novelist finds his muse again after he moves into a lakeside cabin and meets a single mother and her daughters.

Director: Rob Reiner
Producer: Rob Reiner, Alan Greisman, Lori McCreary, Salli Newman, David Valdes
Screenwriter: Guy Thomas
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Magnolia Pictures, Voltage Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment
Rating: PG (Mild Thematic Elements|Language|Some Suggestive Comments)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 6, 2012, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 26, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $100.9K
Runtime: 1h 49m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital