From the L.A. WEEKLY – July 9 - 15, 1993
Film -- New Releases
Cheatin’ Hearts

This is a mood movie a thoroughly enjoyable summer cocktail of romantic self-delusion, vast New Mexico skies burning blue, and sweet, smart woman, Jenny (Sally Kirkland, unrecognizably good) is finding it hard to let go of her daughters in the year after Henry (James Brolin), her rake of a husband, took off for parts unknown. Dreamy younger sister Kat is about to be married and feisty Samantha (Pamela Gidley) has just come home for the summer between seasons at Juliard. When bad, handsome Henry shows up his rich blond mistress in tow Jenny tries to sort out his motivations – invariably financial – and her own still strong feelings for him.

Cheatin’ Hearts has a languorous feel that draws you into Jenny’s complicated emotions she’s aging, albeit rather well, and losing trust in the ideas of home and family that have served her until now. Meanwhile Sam runs from the love of a studly horse wrangler who may keep her from her concert dreams. The movie isn’t great art but with its location shooting and generous heart it doesn’t need to be. If the term ‘woman’s movie” could be used without a trace of snideness it would apply to this gentle romantic and ravishing-looking little film.
(Mann’s Exchange 8) (Arion Berger)