Joaquin Phoenix and Billy Crudup play brothers from the other side of the tracks whose lives get mixed up with those of three wealthy sisters (Jennifer Connelly, Joanna Going, Liv Tyler) in a small Illinois town. Based on Sue Miller's short story, the gossipy 1957 coming-of-age yarn is admittedly more of a series of stock situations than a story. But this gentle, very appealing movie is packed with fun and a good spirit. And when it starts to flag, the bright, sensitive performances from a lively young ensemble cast keep it bubbling along nicely. A big career boost for Tyler, Phoenix and Crudup, and, eventually, one for Connelly, too: director Ron Howard remembered how good she was here and, four years later, cast her in A Beautiful Mind, for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

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