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Movie review: James Gandolfini: 'Enough Said'

When is speaking your mind saying too much? When is biting your tongue saying too little?

Truth in conversation, feelings and action is at the heart of "Enough Said," an entertaining and thoughtful romantic comedy memorable for its nuanced performances, especially that of James Gandolfini in what is his second-to-last big-screen role.Look for an Oscar actor nomination for Gandolfini and a possible Oscar for the highly-regarded and beloved actor best-known as Tony Soprano on HBO's "The Sopranos."Gandolfini may garner enough votes to receive the Oscar over all-but-certain nominees Tom Hanks ("Captain Phillips"), Robert Redford ("All Is Lost") and Chiwetel Ejiofor ("12 Years A Slave"), who, in what augurs to be close voting, may cancel out each other.Julia Louis-Dreyfus will probably receive an Oscar actress nomination for "Enough Said," with "Enough Said" screenwriter-director Nicole Holofcener ("Please Give," 2010; "Friends With Money," 2006; "Lovely & Amazing," 2001), a likely Oscar original screenplay nominee."Enough Said" is about the relationship between Albert (Gandolfini), director of a broadcast television museum, and Eva (Louis-Dreyfus), a massage therapist. The two divorcees are about to become empty-nesters when their daughters go off to college.The subplot is about the relationship of Albert and his daughter and Eva and her daughter.Gandolfini's acting prowess is extraordinary. His smiley, squinty eyes, cherubic countenance with a nose seemingly pummeled one too many times, is quite the opposite of the mobster he played on "The Sopranos." His last film role was in "Animal Rescue," set for 2014 release.The character played by Gandolfini has issues, but not of the "Soprano" variety. The character in "Enough Said" is overweight and that becomes an issue in the film, as apparently it was for Gandolfini in real life.Louis-Dreyfus is the perfect, energetic, perky foil to Gandolfini's slow, bear-like demeanor. Her eyes are often big as saucers. She gamely departs from her best-known television persona (Elaine on "Seinfeld").Catherine Keener has a role as Marianne, a poet with a past. We won't say whose past as that would spoil the film for you. Toni Collette plays a best friend."Enough Said" is emotionally powerful. It's the kind of film that sneaks up on you. Credit Holofcener's direction and Gandolfini's and Louis-Dreyfus's subtle performances. You depart the theater with the sense of having witnessed a memorable and significant work.If you enjoy fine film performances, are a fan of Louis-Dreyfus and, especially, Gandolfini, don't miss "Enough Said."What a loss. "Enough Said," indeed."Enough Said": MPAA rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13) for crude and sexual content, comic violence, language and partial nudity; Genre: Comedy; Run time: 1 hr., 33 min.; Distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures.Credit Readers Anonymous: "Enough Said" has a simple dedication to James Gandolfini "For Jim" seen during the closing credits.Box Office, Oct. 25: The geezer spoof, "Bad Grandpa," opened at No. 1, $32 million, knocking "Gravity" out of the No. 1 orbit after three weeks to No. 2, $20.3 million, $199.8 million, four weeks, with "Captain Phillips" dropping one notch to No.3, $11.8 million, $70 million, three weeks, and keeping "The Counselor" opening at No. 4, $8 million.5. "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2," $6.1 million, $100.6 million, five weeks; 6. "Carrie," $5.9 million, $26 million, two weeks; 7. "Escape Plan," $4.3 million, $17.4 million, two weeks; 8. "12 Years A Slave," $2.1 million, $3.4 million, two weeks; 9. "Enough Said," $1.5 million, $13 million, six weeks; 10. "Prisoners," $1 million, $59.1 million, six weeksUnreel, Nov. 1:"Ender's Game," PG-13. A young leader is sent to military school in space to prepare for an invasion of earth. Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin star in the sci-fi action film."About Time," R: For his 21st birthday, Tim discovers he can travel through time and change the world. Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy star in the sci-fi comedy."Free Birds," PG: Two turkeys must settle their differences and avoid being the Turkey Day dining room table centerpiece. Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson and Amy Poehler are among the voice talents in the animation comedy."Last Vegas," PG-13: Sixty-somethings vacation in Las Vegas. Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline star in the comedy.Read Paul Willistein's movie reviews at the Lehigh Valley Press web site, thelehighvalley-press.com and the Times-News web site, tnonline.com. Email Paul Willistein:

pwillistein@tnonline.com. Follow Paul Willistein on Twitter and friend Paul Willistein on facebook.Four Popcorn Boxes Out of Five Popcorn Boxes