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| Pauline Collins as Cissy, Maggie Smith as Jean |
As is my habit, after I returned home I checked Rotten Tomatoes to see what reviewers and the audiences had to say about the movie, which I enjoyed very much. I think this reviewer, Matt Brunson, summed it up quite nicely:
Of course, let's take care not to oversell this piece, which is the sort of genteel art-house offering that will thrill older audiences but seems unlikely to break out with those who don't know Downton Abbey from Howards End.Since I fall very solidly into the "older audience" category, I think I can agree with his assessment. I really loved the movie, and Maggie let loose with some zingers that are Downton Abbey-worthy. I also enjoyed the gentle treatment of Cissy's memory loss, and I found myself leaving the theater smiling, feeling glad that Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut was so lovely. I hope he keeps it up. Oh, and by the way, no ears were harmed in the making of this movie (that is, they didn't really sing, but several aging and very talented musicians did give some entertaining performances).
:-)
i like maggie smith (even tho i don't watch downton abbey) and i bet i'd like this movie. i'll catch it on cable, though, as i don't go to theaters anymore.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Dustin Hoffman is 75? I still remember seeing him in the Graduate. I am suddenly feeling very ancient. This does sound interesting although not the type of movie I usually watch. Maybe when it gets to Amazon or Netflix.
ReplyDeleteI think I've seen a trailer for this movie; and despite not "technically" being in the geriatric set or in the Downtown Abbey set, I think I would like it.
ReplyDeleteI just read about this in AARP magazine and can't wait to see it. I really liked Exotic Marigold Hotel too.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a movie we would love too! Thanks for the review. I didn't realize Hoffman was that old! I also didn't realize this movie had already been released.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your movie reviews. Some topics just don't cut it with different age groups as we wouldn't get a lot of the stuff younger people are familiar with. It sounds like a good movie to watch.
ReplyDeleteYours is the second blog review of this movie that I've read since yesterday. The other one said quite enjoyable but not a "great" movie. I figure you can't go wrong with Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly. Thanks for the review. :)
ReplyDeletesmiles...i rather like her downton abbey character...yes, i have watched every episode...i would blame my wife but it is rather enjoyable...hmm...i'll catch it on redbox probably...
ReplyDeleteMum really wants to see that movie, while I will see anything with Billy Connelly and Maggie Smith. Should be fun!
ReplyDeleteI saw this a few weeks ago with a group of friends. We loved it. I know it won't have a wide audience appeal but I would also recommend it to people of a certain age.
ReplyDeleteIt's on my list. I saw Hoffman talk to Charlie Rose about this film and knew it would be good...
ReplyDeleteI loved the character Maggie Smith played in downton abbey and look forward to watching this movie when I can either download it or stream - I very much enjoy your reviews, whether they are movies, books or music. Have a wonderful day :)
ReplyDeleteThe Graduate is 75 my goodness he has aged..:)
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to seeing this one. I love films for the older generation as I can now identify with them. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan, this is a movie I've been hoping to see so I'm glad you gave it the thumbs up.
ReplyDeleteDid you see that interview of Maggie Smith on "60 minutes"? Come to find out she's never watched any of the three seasons of the "Downton Abbey" episodes! She resists because she sees so much she could have done better. What a grande dame!!!! Peace.
I adore Maggie and I think Dustin Hoffman is both brilliant and a really nice guy
ReplyDeleteGlad the movie is what I assumed it would be
hugs from me and Hope
we're doing fine, didn't lose power and only 2 more high tides to get through :)
This movie might interest us as we are both music majors. David played the clarinet, and I the violin.
ReplyDeleteIt's now on my must see list- thanks for the review. I like that there are good movies that tackle "our" lives.
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ReplyDeleteSounds like the kind of film I would relish !
ReplyDeleteI so love Maggie Smith, and Pauline Collins funny and entertaining ladies, my cup of tea !
Thank you for the review DJan.
~Jo
Sorry about the delete.
I saw a preview of this when I was online checking for upcoming movies. Sounds good to see. I always appreciate your movie reviews.
ReplyDeleteI think Maggie Smith is a magnificent actress, quite the Grande Dame -- but I think she was miscast as a grand opera diva. I didn't buy it. Loved the music in the movie and the fairly predictable story.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy, much more, a smaller, less publicized movie a couple of months ago called The Last Quartet, which was about a string quartet with the wonderful Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Christopher Walkin (NOT playing a bad guy) and a small cast in a very grown up story about the cellist (Walkin) who had Parkinsons and would soon have to leave the quatet which was having some growing pains anyway. This was not talking down to or merely entertaining people with the doings of mature people, it was a real story with depth of character and plot. I recommend it.
I've seen the previews for this and thought it would be worthy of time and money to see it. I don't feel that way about too many movies. We saw Parental Guidance a few months back and really enjoyed it. Of course, part of it was filmed in Fresno, and it has our ball team, The Grizzlies, as the centerpiece.
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