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2015
TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL: Paul Weitz gave the world "About a Boy" over a
decade ago, masterfully telling a story through it character's
relationships and actions. The well-received film garnered major acclaim
from critics and got Weitz his first Academy Award nomination for Best
Adapted Screenplay. Since then, Weitz has never returned to that type of
reception with admirable yet very visual missteps along the way like
"In Good Company." In his newest venture "Grandma," the writer/director
puts forth his finest work of his career. He doesn't get all the kudos
though. Star Lily Tomlin, a veteran comedic actress that has been sadly
overlooked too many times in her career, delivers one of the
performances of her career. Possibly THE best.
"Grandma" tells
the story of Elle Reid, a misanthropic lesbian who has her world turned
upside down when her 18-year-old granddaughter comes to her help. With a
day's journey in front of them, and with a goal in mind, the two women
share their feelings with one another while confronting their past, and
looking forward to their future.
Hands down, front to back, this
film excels and soars on the work of Academy Award nominated actress
Lily Tomlin. I can't recall a time when Tomlin has been more vulnerable,
available, and prodigious as she demonstrates in Weitz's picture.
Through all the vulgarity and rough edges, Tomlin finds Elle's humanity.
You'd have to go back to something like Jack Nicholson in "As Good as
it Gets" to find someone in a comedy who is so complex in nature yet so
gratifying and beautiful in essence. Elle's baggage may be pushed down
as deep as it can go, but Tomlin allows the audience to see what's
underneath at the most suitable times. She'll break your heart and bring
you to tears. Make no mistake, Lily Tomlin delivers an Oscar-worthy
performance. Tomlin isn't the only one firing on all cylinders. As Sage,
Elle's granddaughter, Julia Garner holds her own against the veteran
actress. In another enriched turn, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden
delivers her best work since "Mystic River." A brief but sensational
work that stands out. Judy Greer, as always, is terrific in her minimal
amount of screen time. Someone please give the woman more roles to work
with. Magnificently emotional and present is veteran actor Sam Elliott,
who hits one out of the park as Karl. Here's an actor whose been
virtually everywhere for the past five decades with stand out turns in
"Gettysburg," "Wyatt Earp," "Up in the Air," and more. With a career
that's been as impressive as his, with a turn as memorable as he
delivers, Elliott should be among the conversation for Best Supporting
Actor at the Oscars. He caps off an impeccable ensemble.
If
there's one film at the Tribeca Film Festival that can become a
conversation starter for awards at the end of the year, "Grandma" has
that power. An enlightening and moving film that garners big laughs and
big tears; Paul Weitz has created the crowning work of his career.
April
showers bring May flowers, and "Grandma" is that beautiful flower for
the season. One of the best films that 2015 is sure to offer.
It is an expensive film. 26 millions are too much for what it really is.
The style it reminds movies from other decades. You even got Pee-wee Hermann in a secondary yet prominent role.
PLOT: It's about a young waitress who has a freaky accident that changed her life. She can't have health care and travels to Washington with some other mishaps to pass a health-care bill, only to realize the true face of politics.
Well, it is less than it sounds. The movie fails to feel big in that manner. The cast is OK and is doing its best to work with the weird script and material. Jessica Biel looks good and you can admire James Marsden's and Jake Gyllenhaal's effort to give life to their awkward characters. Tracy Morgan is also in this showing his lack of comedic talent, trying to deliver some deadpan oneliners.
There is song and a dance at the end that is somehow entertaining. You can fast forward to that.