Winona Ryder and Richard Gere in "Autumn in New York."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Richard Gere and Winona Ryder Director: Joan Chen Rated: PG-13, with moderate profanity and implied sex Length: 105 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(August 12, 2000) -- Maybe it's diminished expectations, but Autumn in New York with Richard Gere and Winona Ryder isn't half-bad.

In a surprise move, MGM declined to show the much-hyped movie in advance to critics. That usually means a movie is a certifiable turkey and the studio is attempting to salvage its opening weekend.

But, honestly, Autumn in New York doesn't deserve that treatment. It's certainly no classic, but I've seen dozens of far-worse films in other preview screenings.

As old-fashioned, sentimental romances go, this well-played Kleenex saga is slightly above average. Think Love Story, but with a May-September twist and a new tag line: ''Love means never having to say . . . you're too old for me.''

Gere stars as Manhattan celebrity chef Will Keane. A silver-haired Lothario, he has a history of conquests. Most recently, he has his eye on a young beauty named Charlotte (Ryder) after he meets her in his restaurant.

But even Will, at 48, must admit he's too old for 22-year-old Charlotte. And, secondly, she's the daughter of one of his earlier lovers.

Then, a more serious problem arises -- Charlotte is suffering from a life-threatening illness.

Ultimately, Autumn in New York is more about the effect of the relationship on Will than the relationship itself. He's a wayward guy in need of a midlife crisis. Charlotte is the bright-eyed beauty who provides it.

Gere is convincing as the film's silver fox. But, thankfully, he allows the script to skewer the age issue repeatedly. He starts as a familiar character we've seen in several of his films over the last decade, but he eventually moves convincingly into uncharted emotional territory.

As Charlotte, Ryder moves plausibly from her early star-struck attraction for Will to a more mature approach to a difficult relationship.

In classy support are Elaine Stritch as Charlotte's grandmother, who knows Will from his earlier encounter with Charlotte's mother; and Anthony LaPaglia as Will's best friend.

Both try to persuade Will to give up the relationship.

Autumn in New York marks actress-turned-director Joan Chen's first foray into Hollywood filmmaking. She made her directorial debut last year with the far-different Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl, made in China.

Her choice here is to film Autumn with modest, realistic style, favoring the slightly grainy cinematography of Changwei Gu over the ultra-polished approach some other filmmakers might have employed. (Good idea. More sheen might have turned the film's sentiment into sap.)

Two minor quibbles:

First, much is made of Charlotte's artful endeavors as a quirky hat-maker. But, when she makes a hat for a special event, which she's ultimately supposed to wear, the hat inexplicably disappears from the film. It's one of a few examples that suggest the film was over-edited.