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cynthia-48155
Reviews
Moving On (2022)
You Either Get It Or You Don't
This is a movie for those of us who get it. Very entertaining (always with Fonda and Tomlin) and very satisfying. But for those many women who've been where Fonda's character is, the movie is empowering and gratifying. Gratifying in the way that Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was. Sometimes emotional catharsis isn't literal! In addition to the main plot, there is a lot of nuance to how we elders come to terms with our lives, contrasted beautifully with the very different life stages of the younger characters, both adult and children. I hope Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin make more films together--we need these wise women!
The Father (2020)
Harsh
Anthony Hopkins extraordinary acting notwithstanding, this is the darkest, harshest and most insensitive portrayal of dementia I've ever encountered. While I appreciate the unusual viewpoint and the attempt to convey the experience of the person with dementia, it is a very partial view at best.
Having lived with dementia in my own family as well as working with dementia patients professionally, this view is incredibly distorted. Most people who have actually cared for someone with dementia would not characterize it so darkly. There are beautiful, loving, and yes, many funny moments. Dementia is always changing with varying degrees of lucidity--which was not shown in the film. And while there may be despairing moments, dementia patients often feel quite jolly. In other words, they have a full range of feelings just like anyone.
But what really stung about this movie was the insensitivity and selfishness of everyone around him. Neither the daughter nor her boy friend had the slightest clue how to respond to someone with memory loss. Their insensitivity was painful. The carer was more on target, and the nurse at the end finally came through in a loving manner.
If the intent was an empathic portrayal of dementia, the result falls far short. The scenes where he was a bit jolly fell kind of flat against all the despair and darkness.
Dementia, which is a progressive malady, is increasingly and incredibly difficult. And yet, everyone I know, myself included, who has stuck it out with a loved one considers it one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Even if it does become necessary to put someone in a facility, it is so important for the loving family caregiver role to continue.
This movie could have been so much better if it had been better researched and consulted on by people with actual experience.
Poms (2019)
Upbeat and Fun!
This is a delightful and poignant film with an amazing cast of experienced, top-of-their-game actors. Lots of laughs and good cheer (pun intended) while making a powerful statement about ageism. The young woman who plays Chloe shines, holding her own with all the seasoned talent.
Basmati Blues (2017)
Delightful movie!
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It is like an old time morality play with good guys and villains but very modern in its characters and story line. The color and music are sheer delight to the eyes and ears. Note: it is modern, not classical Indian music. There is an absolute treasure trove of Indian actors that I hope we'll see more of. And along with all the fun and entertainment is a very real, very modern story of corporate economic exploitation.
Vivarium (2019)
sorry I watched it all the way throuigh
I agree with all the negative ratings. This film should've been labelled Horror, not Thriller. If it had I would have known not to watch. I'm giving it 2 stars because of the actors. The story was stupid and pointless. Who needs to be steeped in despair by a pointless, meaningless movie? Like there's not enough despair already out in the world.