Love Song for Bobby Long

I have a fondness for movies and books which take place in New Orleans, which brings me to the movie "A Love Song for Bobby Long."

This movie tells the story of a young woman named Pursy Will whose mother has died. After being raised by her grandmother, Pursy returns to New Orleans for the funeral and to see what remains of her mother's life and home. Upon arriving, Pursy learns that a former professor of English (Bobby Long) and his former student (Lawson Pines) has taken up residence in her mother's house. Then Bobby and Lawson tell Pursy that her mother left them two thirds of the house meaning they can live there forever.

Pursy, a high school dropout, quickly learns that her life isn't about to get any better: Bobby and Lawson are alcholics, the house is a disaster, and there isn't any work to be had in the neighborhood. With a lot of time on her hands, Pursy eventually learns Bobby and Lawson's life stories.

Despite Bobby's efforts to get rid of her, Pursy stays, cleans the house, and teaches Bobby and Lawson how to be young and have hope again.

This movie won't win any academy awards but it is a charming movie that makes life look hopeless at the beginning and hopeful at the end. I don't want to give out any more details in order to avoid spoiling the ending.

There have been many times where I didn't like John Travolta's acting or personality, but I liked him in this movie: he plays the character of Bobby Long.

Scarlet Johansson as Pursy did a great job. Gabriel Macht was creditable as Lawson Pines.

This movie probably won't win any academy awards but it is charming and slow like southern comfort.

This movie is available on DVD and at most video rental stores. It is rated R for language. This movie is based on the book "Off Magazine Street" by Ronald Capps.