Ewan McGregor attends the New York screening of "Beginners" at Tribeca Grand Screening Room on May 24, 2011 in New York City. (Getty Images)more pics » Ewan McGregor (Getty Images) What do you get when you mix a witty, gray-haired Canadian, a beautiful lady from France and a Scot with a mean-looking goatee? Well, if you're director Mike Mills, the answer is the cast for your latest film, Beginners. And while that mixture may appear odd on paper, these three individuals -- with the help of a believable and heartfelt script -- joined in creating one of this summer's more refreshing and genuine movies.

The story revolves around a young man named Oliver, played by Ewan McGregor (the Scot), who learns that his father, Hal, is gay after his mother passes away. As Oliver tries to deal with this shocking news and reflect on a childhood spent with two parents who weren't actually in love, Hal revels in the new found joys of being openly gay. The jocular old man is played by Christopher Plummer, who delivers a heartwarming and often hilarious performance.

After Hal learns that he is terminally ill with cancer, the spright widower tries his best to instill in Oliver an appreciation for life and love. This leads his son to meet Anna (played by the beautiful French actress Melanie Laurent). The two start off slow and their relationship is sweet, until Oliver realizes he's unable to let himself fall in love and things turn sour. In fact, the only genuine relationship Oliver is able to maintain is the amusing and adorable one he has with his dog, Arthur, who steals many a scene.

Helping add a dose of realism to the story is the fact that Mills himself lived through a very similar experience with his own father. This could better explain why the dynamic between Oliver and Hal is richer and more compelling than the relationship Hal and Anna share. In fact, Plummer's character is so endearing that when he's not on screen there's a noticeable void. McGregor and Laurent deliver fantastic performances in their own right, yet it's Plummer's radiance on screen that really lifts the film.

This film is neither a gay nor straight story, but rather a tale about coming to grips with your own life and the constant struggle that is love. These are themes that nearly anyone can relate to, which makes the movie that much more accessible. And while Plummer outshines the rest of the cast, all three principles deliver extremely strong performances that leave you smiling as you walk out of the theater, ready to confront your own real life challenges, whatever they may be.

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