Roommates (1995)

An elderly yet young-at-heart man moves in with his grandson and both their lives turn upside-down.

Director:

Peter Yates

Writers:

Max Apple (short story), Max Apple (story)

Stars:

Peter Falk, D.B. Sweeney, Julianne Moore

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Falk	...	Rocky
D.B. Sweeney	...	Michael
Julianne Moore	...	Beth
Ellen Burstyn	...	Judith
Jan Rubes	...	Bolek Krupa
Joyce Reehling	...	Barbara
Ernie Sabella	...	Stash
John Cunningham	...	Burt Shook
Noah Fleiss	...	Michael (Age 5)
Lisa Davis	...	Betty
Rohn Thomas	...	Kevin
Karl Mackey	...	Milan Postevic
Zygmund Szarnicki	...	Funeral Priest (as Reverend Zygmund Szarnicki)
Lee Alan McConnell	...	Bully at Baseball Game (as Chance Marquez)
David Cutter	...	Peanut Vendor

Storyline

Michael Holeczak has a most unusual roommate, his grandfather, Rocky. Now Rocky's a bit strange but loves Michael and only has his best interest. Michael would live with Rocky after his parents died. Michael would grow up go to school, become a doctor, Rocky would live alone abut when Rocky's about to be thrown out and placed in a retirement home, he refuses. Michael then takes him in. They would stay together even when Michael got married and had a family. And Rocky would always be there for Michael and Michael for him.

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Plot Keywords:

grandfather | doctor | roommate | social worker | vegetarian | 

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Taglines:

Some people talk. Some people listen. When you're 107 and going strong, you do whatever you want.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic elements, some sensuality and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aprendiendo a vivir

Filming Locations:

Washington, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$22,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,038,033, 5 March 1995

Gross USA:

$12,096,881

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,096,881

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Interscope Communications, Nomura Babcock & Brown

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was developed by Alan Parker, who wanted John Cusack to play the lead role.

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Quotes

[last words]
Rocky Holzcek: Michael, I've always been proud of you.

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Crazy Credits

Art Department Dog .... Bob N. Dana

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Roommates/Muriel's Wedding/Hideaway/The Good Old Boys/Citizen X (1995)

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Soundtracks

Many Rivers to Cross
Written by Jimmy Cliff
Performed by UB40
Courtesy of A & M Records, Inc./Virgin Records

User Reviews

I thought it was a good movie

I thought that this was a decent movie, although the title was a bit misleading. I thought the movie was going to be about college roommates or those that met shortly after. I did notice that after seeing the movie that there were many similarities between how family members and standard roommates get along.

I noted the trivial entourage of characters. I somewhat disagree with the above users outlook on Julian Moore. In comparison to other films, I found her performance to be somewhat lacking.

I did however believe that the storyline was quite interesting. I have watched this movie and find it analogous to my roommates online network experience. I mean, did you know that there were places to find people like this. Not to knock these services and believe me, I had a genuinely good experience at www.roommatesonline.net. But I did notice that other places where you could find this type of roommate were lacking in selectivity.

They always say that you can pick and choose your friends/acquaintances, but getting a roommate is often just the same as in this move - you can't quite pick them. And although you might not like them, it seems that the interesting ones keep coming back. I give this movie a 7/10 for effort and a decent storyline.