Lost & Found in Cleveland Movie Review

This film is sweet and loving in all the ways you want it to be. The love is given to the city in the title of the film, as well.

It’s given through characters mentioned and, in many stories, told. When those stories are brought up in the film, you’ll be intrigued at the history of Cleveland, considering the Ohio city is bigger than you may have previously thought. And a city Ohioans are very proud of. Shot in Cleveland by native Clevelander, Keith Gerchak and co-director and co-writer Marisa Guterman, local shops and such are shown and proudly given exposure. By the way, there are moments when you might think you’re watching a Sherwin-Williams commercial.

There’s a quote that goes, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland”. It’s meant as a stab at smaller cities, but seeing Cleveland in the film, I’d say that it and everywhere else isn’t half bad then.

The main plot is that an antique appraisal show is coming to shoot an episode in town. Everyone look in their basements, attics and closets not open in years, for something to try and get evaluated. Is what they’ve been holding onto worth anything? That old thing from mom, the vase, the letter, the garage full of Jim Crow era Aunt Jemima kitchen items from grandma a character questions still having. Is it time to get rid of it all? Guterman and Gerchak dug and learned that the World of Oz was a metaphor with connections to Cleveland. Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West was born there and that a tornado hit the church she was married in, interestingly enough. Then, the book was not just a child’s boot, but a political momentary. Covered in the film, it tells us that Dorothy represents the common man, the Tin Man is the Factory Worker, the Yellow Brick Road stood for the Gold Standard (a connection to Grover Cleveland). You’ll learn the rest while watching the movie.

The script is fantastic and casting was terrific. Little Charley (Benjamin Steinhauser), amongst a group of greats, did a good job of keeping you involved in his storyline. The Mayor, played by Jon Lovitz was amusing and worth the time, as was Squibb and Haysbert. They weren’t in it enough, sad to say. This is a charming flick and one to see. It’ll be impossible for you not to enjoy yourself when you do.