I love this movie too, and the story behind it.

Tom Hanks' wife, Rita, saw the one-woman broadway show that Nia was doing and set up a meeting to discuss making a movie based on her show. Nia said sure, as long as she could star, and Tom went, oh yeah, of course it would star you! :)

So they financed it partly through HBO, only spent like 20 million on it, the Golden Agers crowd who love movies but hate the usual dreck aimed at teens, discovered it, and it made more than 150 million. :)

Hollywood really has to get their head out of their butts and realize there are more over-40 people now than there are under 30 who want to go to the movies. They keep aiming their movies at the 30ish and younger crowd. Now when I get over 50 I'll still want to see Terminator type movies, that's just the way I am, but most want to see heartfelt movies that are fun! :)