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.