Every Robert Redford Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Okay, we're officially done with the "mostly bad" Robert Redford movies — and with more than 30 to go, that's the true litmus test of a legendary career. "An Unfinished Life" has its share of flaws, and it's far from a great film, but there's enough good here to make it a much easier recommendation than the previous movies on this list, especially for Redford fans.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, "An Unfinished Life" is a simple human drama about family and healing. It stars Redford and Morgan Freeman as Einar and Mitch, two lifelong friends (life partners?) who own and operate a ranch outside a small town. Their quiet life is upended when Einar's daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez) and granddaughter (Becca Gardner) move in with them, leading to some confrontations about Einar's late son. Josh Lucas, Camryn Manheim, Damian Lewis, and Lynda Boyd also co-star.

The problems in "An Unfinished Life" are largely shortcomings of the genre — aggressive sentimentality that can get in the way of actual emotional nuance, a slow pace that can make the story drag at times, and a dearth of original ideas. The metaphors are blatantly obvious, and the messaging is heavy-handed. However, the story is crafted well enough to keep fans of the genre invested, and the x-factor of the film's exceptional cast elevates it to occasional moments of greatness. Redford and Freeman's onscreen friendship is the main draw here, and any scene where Mitch and Einar interact is a high point. It doesn't ask much of its viewers, and it doesn't offer anything new, yet there is an undeniable appeal to "An Unfinished Life."