Mumford is not a total waste of time. It's good enough to watch on a rainy afternoon. It won't make you think too much or get terribly involved with any of the characters. It may leave you puzzled as to just why some of the things worked out the way that they did, but you probably won't worry about it all that much.There is a good mix of "characters" populating the town of Mumford and most of them come to interact with Dr. Mumford. It was actually fun seeing familiar actors in unfamiliar roles.Storywise not as good as some by Kasten but worth at least a look. I see that some reviewers have suggested multiple-viewings so it's not in the donate box yet and may just improve with age.

Of all of the comments to date, Jotix describes this film best. It is very reminiscent of some of the work of the great directors of Hollywood's Golden Era: Frank Capra, Ernst Lubitsch and Preston Sturges. I cannot imagine categorizing this film. It is not a pure comedy, although it provides moments of cleverness and humor. But there is also a significant element of dramatic tension. It is certainly no intellectual tour de force, however, it is much more than a way to while away 100 minutes (or whatever the length of the film is). It is not a morality play, although you might find something meaningful to take away with you. It is a finely crafted, subtly nuanced, multi-faceted film, mirroring its title character. You might conclude from other opinions that Mumford (the character) is passive out of timidity or lack of purpose or even in order to preserve his anonymity. However, I believe he is passionate about his "profession" and has a very clear philosophy and purpose. I think his therapeutic prescriptions for his "patients" represent sympathetic, compassionate and very intentional interventions in their lives. However, his persona is low-key and his methods of intervention are indirect. Thus their dramatic impact seems to be just the natural consequence of the patients' living their own lives - just as the good doctor intends.This kind of subtlety is in short demand and hence supply in the contemporary world of in-your-face computer generated special effects, one dimensional characters and unimaginative dialog. But, if you enjoy films like Grand Canyon, The Accidental Tourist, Local Hero and Passion Fish, you'll like this film. It is driven by a great balance of plot and well developed characters, played by a wonderful ensemble cast.

Loved the story, loved the characters, everything! This movie is a great fable on redemption, on getting a second chance, on finding who you are and doin' what you're good at. I'm surprised Mr. Dean didn't get himself a shot at stardom following his performance. Mr. Kasdan has done a good job as well, both as a director and as a writer.In the end it just gives you hope anyone can be fixed should people have the patience to listen to each other and be confident enough to spit their issues out.

MUMFORD is a delicious little film from 1999 written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill, Grand Canyon, The Accidental Tourist, Silverado, etc) who as usual poses some interesting questions as to our contemporary take on concepts. It is a quiet, beautifully acted ensemble film that wears well indeed.Mumford (the underused Loren Dean) is a man with a variegated past who settles into a little town by the name of Mumford, decides he will listen to people talk, be a sounding board for folks who are in need of communication in this basically non-communicative world, and becomes a 'Psychologist' in every sense of the word - the good sense. The manner in which he listens to the many people within the little town is mesmerizing and insightful and the citizens he encounters and assists are varied and beautifully sculpted vulnerable human beings. The fine cast includes Hope Davis, Jason Lee (in one his finest roles), Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodard, Zooey Deschanel, Martin Short, David Paymer, Kevin Tighe, Ted Danson, Jason Ritter and even more.The dialogue is introspective, healing, edgy, and entertaining and the overall feeling left with the viewer at the end of the piece is one of wishing more 'Mumfords' would be around our neighborhoods - or rather that we all could become 'Mumfords' with a little conviction and concern for our fellow beings. This is a Kasdan concept movie that touches our hearts while it stimulates our brains. Grady Harp