James Gandolfini’s final bow is an impeccably performed, hugely likeable, entirely naturalistic romantic comedy for grown-ups.

Avoiding the usual pitfalls and pratfalls of the genre, Holofcener’s pitch-perfect dialogue balances the soft with the rough, allowing the film to show the full panorama of love.

The plot’s main gimmick is neat if not wholly unique. However, Holofcener never allows it to overwhelm the film, as her skill for observation once again surfaces and shines.

The leads are unimpeachable. Dreyfus is funny, endearing and completely charming and Gandolfini is soft and superb, highlighting his talent that the world now sorely misses.

Holofcener delivers a film of the sweetest calibre with performances, script and direction achieving top marks for the swansong of the phenomenal James Gandolfini.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: James Gandolfini, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Toni Colette, Catherine Keener

DIRECTOR: Nicole Holofcener

WRITER: Nicole Holofcener

SYNOPSIS: A divorced woman who decides to pursue the man she’s interested in learns he’s her new friend’s ex-husband.