After Olive and Grandpa finish practicing her (risqué, we learn) routine one night (their growling at each other pushed audiences to giggles) he tucks her into bed. But she has some questions for him that have been on her mind...

FROM THE SCRIPT:

Olive:
"Grandpa...?"

Grandpa:
"Uh-huh?"

He sits back down. Olive opens her mouth, hesitates. Then suddenly -- unexpectedly -- she is upset.

Finally, she turns back and in a tiny voice:

Olive:
"I don't want to be a loser."

Grandpa:
"You're not a loser Olive! Why do you say that?!"

Olive:
"Because! Dad hates losers. That's what he said!"

Grandpa:
"But you're not a loser! And your dad would never hate you, ever!"

Olive:
"But what if I lose tomorrow?"

She's on the verge of tears.

Grandpa:
"Whoa, whoa, back up a sec. You can't lose. You know why? A real loser is someone so afraid of not winning they don't even try. That's not you! you're gonna dance, right?! So even if you win, or you don't win, you've already won! See? you see? You-see-you-see-you-see?"

He tickles her. She squeals.

(And another classic line from the conversation):

Grandpa:
"I'm madly in love with you and it's not because of your brains or your personality."

Apparently it was what she needed to hear.

Go to "Favorite Thing #5: The Fights!"

I really love this scene,(and think this is the one that helped get those Oscar noms for Alan A and Abby). I'm so glad Alan Arkin won - I've been a fan since, "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter"!!!!!!!!

A truly great Oscar-winning scene.

What's really truly great about this movie is that the onscreen banter is actually even better than the printed page (and that's NOT a slight to the beloved and revered screenwriter!!). These characters -- each and every one of them, even the "small" parts in this film -- were played to perfection, simply because they each appeared to be totally immersed in their own worlds, with their own pressures and problems... and yet, when given half a chance, their true love of family and being able to relate to those close to them brushed aside any personal fears, foes or demons. The asides, the looks, the rolled eyes, the sighs... all move aside when they rally for one another. (This is deep, dude! And I'm lovin' it!!) This is truly one of the best ensemble films ever made, I mean that sincerely. Thank you so much!!!!

~ A happy (and constant!) viewer from Bangor, Maine

I completely agree with "constant" writer...I mean viewer from Maine. I don't think there is anything that could have made this movie greater.

When Dwayne realizes that his life dreams of being a pilot have been snuffed out, and he's completely ready to explode (implode?), you feel his sadness/disbelief/terror.

When they say a movie "sweeps you away" ...well this one does it and hits all emotions...like reading a great novel:)

omg! i so loved this scene! =D!

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