Studio moves up 'Harvey' film release

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The new Hollywood movie "Last Chance Harvey," starring actor Dustin Hoffman, will be released earlier than planned to potentially win an Oscar, a studio says.

Overture Films said based on early reviews of the comedy-drama, which also stars actress Emma Thompson, it is shifting the release date from Jan. 23 to the upcoming holiday season, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

The early release means "Harvey" and its popular leads will potentially be eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards.

Hoffman already has two Oscars to his credit thanks to his performances in 1979's "Kramer vs. Kramer" and 1988's "Rain Man."

"Harvey" features Hoffman as a man who travels to London for his daughter's wedding, only to find love during his journey.

The Times said Hoffman's performance in the forthcoming film could place him in the race for a best actor award alongside Sean Penn and Robert Downey Jr., among others.