Gordon & Barbara in Paris

Gordon & Barbara in Paris
Here's Looking at YOU

Friday, June 5, 2015

I'll See You In My Dreams--movie

I’ll See You In My Dreams—directed by Brett Haley, starring Blythe Danner, Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, Malin Akerman June Squibb, Rhea Perlman, and Mary Kay Place, screenplay written by Brett Haley, Marc Basch, 1hr35min, rated PG-13

Bifocal Reviews by Ageless1der Barbara Rich & The Other Guy

(BR) This film particularly appealed to me because—I can’t believe I’m saying this—I am a senior. I will draw from this, some of the many gems that make the senior years golden, keeping current, having friends, letting go of the past, and treasuring life to the utmost. The spirits ran high for all these great characters, especially the women, supplied in this film. They were up for almost anything. As said so many times before: It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years that matter. Kudos to all the cast for a great job, and a high five to Brett Haley for both directing and writing this keen insight into senior living. The added bonus, Sam Elliot is still such a hunk-of-hubba-hubba. If I had to pick one special scene, however, it was all the women walking home from the market with a cart full of munchies, after imbibing in some “California Gold” of their own…otherwise known as medical marijuana. This was too funny. I give it three and one half binoculars out of five. It’s not a blockbuster, but totally entertaining.

(OG) What an incredible cast! You really get to see how casting is often the difference between failure and success in filmmaking. Whoever convinced all these wonderful elder actors to appear in the same, clever, senior-tale really struck it rich. Besides Danner and Starr (not a senior, but perfect for his role), each character had at least one memorable line that was expertly delivered. This was a smart, and funny, and sad, and poignant look at how living in the present is vitally important at any age.
This film earns four out of five binoculars from me, but I won’t be surprised if the awards season is sprinkled with a patina of silver-grey hair.



5 Flights Up--movie

5 Flights Up—Directed by Richard Loncraine, screenplay written by Charlie Peters, starring starring Morgan Freeman, Diane Keaton, with Cynthia Nixon, rated PG-13, 1hr 32mins

Bifocal Reviews by Ageless1der Barbara Rich & The Other Guy

(BR) Morgan Freeman has always been one of my favorite actors, but I don’t think that is the only reason I enjoyed this movie. And, in this film, Morgan does not disappoint because he is coupled with Diane Keaton…also a legend. As the title indicates, a married couple in their 70s, were climbing five flights of stairs, in a Manhattan apartment that they have owned together for forty years. There is no elevator. So, they decide to sell their home and find another place to live with an elevator. Their decision to sell their property presents a lot of poignant moments and reminiscing of their early years in this apartment. Cynthia Nixon plays a real estate agent who is aggressive about selling this now valuable piece of property. This situation provides fuel for the coming and going of prospective clients (characters all) who shine various lights upon the main plotlines and conflicts. I don’t want to give the whole story away, because I do recommend that you see this with an open mind. However, if you are NOT a New Yorker and not familiar with the New York (especially Manhattan) real estate market, you might be in for sticker-shock, as I was …and I lived in New Jersey for the first 27 years of my life. I give this film 3 ½ binoculars.

(OG) Let’s face it. You cannot go wrong with Morgan Freeman OR Diane Keaton. Either one of these great actors (and character voices) could carry, even the reading of the phone book (as the saying goes). It just so happens that the story has glimmers of thoughtfulness and humor beyond just getting these two on camera together. Oh, and by the way, this is the second movie in a row (I’ll See You In My Dreams, was the other) where dog lovers will be drawn into the tale in a separate, but equal way. I enjoyed myself and give 5 Flights 4 out of 5 Binoculars.