Who said that in the age of blockbusters, mega budgets and CGI-infested superheroes bashing through walls one cannot make a simple film about families negotiating everyday problems like pregnancy and abortion and be great? Grandma proves that a good story, told well, will always be the saving grace of cinema. Let's dig in.
In case you hardly ever frequent Nouveau, you may not have seen or heard about Grandma, led by Lily Tomlin as the female version of Jack Nicholson's character in any movie. Throw in some lesbianism and a troubled teen and Grandma is a barrel of fun and laughter.
Although it deals with a very sensitive issue of teen pregnancy and abortions, like Orange is the new Black, the tone of the film is never overbearing or depressing.
Yet, for a film that's filled with laughter and acerbic humour, it is very poignant, honest and true all at once, without getting morbid nor didactic. The other big thing Grandma does is to showcase the state of family life in the US, how kids and parents relate and it's not a pretty picture.
Kudos to writer - director Paul Weitz for keeping things brisk but meaningful - the casting is excellent and the pace is brilliant. This is probably one of the best and most meaningful films of 2015 - go check it out, you'll thank me later.
Rating
*****
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index
* utter rubbish ** only if theres nothing else *** meh,its aight **** Almost Perfect ***** Instant Classic