An interesting film that seems to be about two completely different people helping each other. That is well and good. On the other hand I think the chances of something like what takes place in this movie happening in real life are in the negative integer zone. Furthermore I think the film fosters myths about things related to the world of transsexualism re some very high costs being quoted by the films wanna be trans character related to what sex change stuff costs. I think that would tend to create the idea that anyone wishing to undergo some kind of a transsexual process either has to be loaded with money or prepared to take-a big bunch of money from somewhere, (see crime) which does nothing to promote understanding of the real issue-which is generally not a mega buck affair-and by the way-it is often a complete disaster, due to drug reactions, which are not accounted for in drug descriptions related to the subject. That would be a problem. I found it a bit hard to watch in places as the actor playing a wanna be trans isn't a wanna be trans. Call me stupid but there are plenty out there. Fairly forgettable performance by Robert De Niro, falling far short of his films like 'Goodfellas' or even '15 Minutes'.

The movie moved very well, not to slow but not too quick, and included all that need to be said in the 2 hours without going overboard and too dramatic. The dialoque in the movie was great with quotes like "Mr. My Left Foot" and "Here Comes American's Least Wanted". And plus the acting was great. Robert De Niro was great as usual and Philip Seymour Hoffman showed why he is one of the most underrated actors ever. I gave this movie a 7 because of what I mentioned above. The movie was pretty generic though, denying it a rating of something higher then a 7, and despite the fact I said it moved pretty well, there were a couple of slow spots that took place. So overall, it was entertaining, not completely flawless but will watch again, if asked about it I will make good remarks about it, but not quite good enough to recommend it to someone else as a must see.

Robert DiNiro is excellent and Phillip Seymour Hoffman totally brilliant in this film. But the best thing about this movie is its lesson of tolerance and acceptance.There's a wide gulf between a disillusioned, narrow-minded former security guard with a disabling stroke and a flaming drag queen whose loneliness lurks just below the surface.One common thread is that it takes exceptional acting to remain convincingly in character and both DiNiro and Hoffman pull it off with ease. PSH is particularly compelling. Someday he may wind up with as many Oscar nominations as Merryl.Another common thread is that -- well, no spoilers here, but it's no surprise that these two lonely people have far more in common than the mutual antipathy with which they begin the movie.Ulimately, this well-constructed movie is about learning tolerance -- not just between two individuals but among their "crowds," as events and life take precedence over stereotyped bigotry.This movie is a warm winner - 8 1/2 stars.

Is there NOTHING DeNiro CAN'T do? Not to mention Phillip Seymour Hoffman!! Robert has been in my Top 10 List of Actors for many years, and now Phillip is climbing to be right at #10.This movie sure pulls at the heart strings, and for me being a Gay man who's grown up with similar figures in his life, I can't help but love and feel warmed by the way these people handle the "Lot In Life" they've been given. "Happiness is but a choice away." These characters show us how their choices were experienced, and hopefully it will help many others in their current choices.Thank you, Robert! Thank you, Phillip! for giving us such great entertainment, and maybe a lesson or two along the way. :-)