Not so. You seem to have "forgotten" the central plot point with Sam Elliott -- very much the other side of the issue, poignant and strongly played.
6
Your personal pov about abortion has colored your powers of observation, and analysis of everything else about the movie. Btw, the character of Sage says she is 10 weeks pregnant. It's presumptuous of you to assume it was a "rushed appointment".
It was a very strong story there ,and a poignant character study but you couldn't see that at all. Shame you missed it.
It was a very strong story there ,and a poignant character study but you couldn't see that at all. Shame you missed it.
12
"If this is how a family doesn't communicate and abdicates for expediency's sake, we are in trouble."
Um, you obviously are overlooking the fact that this is a movie, not real life. In addition, your comment makes no sense. We are in trouble for a lot of reasons, the least of which is lack of communication among family members.
Um, you obviously are overlooking the fact that this is a movie, not real life. In addition, your comment makes no sense. We are in trouble for a lot of reasons, the least of which is lack of communication among family members.
3
This is a truly delightful movie. I can't recommend it enough. In its celebration of imperfect families, it's an ideal movie for Thanksgiving.
5
As fantastic as Tomlin was, she deserves an Oscar and a Golden Globe, I would watch the movie again just to see Sam Elliott's ten minutes on screen. He knocked it out of the park with that performance: raw and real and heart-wrenching...if he doesn't win every Best Supporting Actor award...it will be a travesty.
7
We can't wait to see this film!
Lilly never disappoints, New Orleans lags behind the East and West coasts when films come out ,SOMEBODY please fix this!
Lilly never disappoints, New Orleans lags behind the East and West coasts when films come out ,SOMEBODY please fix this!
1
I enjoy the NY times movie review comments tremendously. This film hits all the marks. It was not preachy and the men were realistic. I thought the casting was spot on and loved Marcia Gay Hardens character. Lily Tomlin was fierce as Grandma
6
This was a sitcom full of caricatures. I felt truly misguided with this review. Scott is usually a nuanced reviewer. It was also ironical that it was not a woman who wrote this feminist sitcom "comedy" (jokes were so predictable...). Truly disappointing. Nothing worse than going to a film with high expectations and see your evening ruined.
3
Agreed. I felt Scott and some other reviewers wanted to give Tomlin a pass based on her life's work. It certainly could not have been for this movie, in which she was saddled with very cliched dialog.
4
Agreed. I rarely walk out of films, but I walked out of this one. Tomlin's character is written as a one-note caricature of feminism with some book titles thrown in. The pacing is really off, and from the get-go there's no reason to like Tomlin's character, who is cranky but without much nuance. Scott usually hits the nail on the head, not this time.
3
Nothing but over the top anger, over and over again, through out the movie. I was very disappointed too.
1
I was surprised to learn that A.O. Scott was born in 1966. The tone of his review suggests he was old enough to understand, truly UNDERSTAND, the significance of "The Feminine Mystique," "The Second Sex" and legal abortion. He could not have learned about them only in his Harvard classes. Maybe his mom, who might have been the same age as Elle, just raised him right. Thank you, mom.
11
His mom was the wonderful feminist historian Joan Scott.
4
I enjoyed the movie and thought the cast were uniformly good ( I did not recognize Marcia Gay Harden).
The movie has an R rating so it is not intended for kids. The review suggests the subject matter and serves as a warning to people who don't want to see a movie whose plot deals with terminating a pregnancy.
I hope the movie attracts the mature audience for whom it was written.
The movie has an R rating so it is not intended for kids. The review suggests the subject matter and serves as a warning to people who don't want to see a movie whose plot deals with terminating a pregnancy.
I hope the movie attracts the mature audience for whom it was written.
4
For those of us who are not Lily Tomlin fans, we will not be disabused of our lack of enthusiasm with this one-note, no-depth movie. Nor will we be touched by Lily "bravely" playing a lesbian grandmother. I mean, who the heck cares? Was John Wayne really a cowboy? The film is more repetitive than the pistons in an engine but with decidedly less firepower. They cut the movie to 80 minutes but it still didn't make the story anything but boring. And Lily is not an actress, so she doesn't know how to shape a character beyond her first caricature "take" on it. We get to watch Lily do the same "tough Grandma" shtick all the way through right to the uninteresting conclusion.
6
Grandma was entertainment at first and I enjoyed seeing Lily Tomlin and Elizabeth's Pena, but I'll go out on a limb by saying this: This is not a film to see with the kiddies and I'm concerned about the message the film is sending. No, it is not about abstinence until you can be mature enough to handle consequences or about the use of prophilactics, since you could also contract a deadly sexually-transmitted disease -- none of that. It's just about getting an abortion. And the lady outside the clinic who is presumably following her conscience gets ridiculed for the sake of a few laughs. No, seriously, a truckload of condoms would not have been enough protection from this sort of irresponsible little adventure.
3
Thank you, the whole movie sounds to me like one big liberal/left cliche. Pregnant teen goes to lesbian/feminist grandma to help her get an abortion. Even the obligatory tranny is thrown in. Everyone is a stereotype, even the loutish, irresponsible boyfriend. Why couldn't they make him a decent, likable guy, who maybe wanted to keep the child? It seems like one long Portlandia skit. This movie is only for diehard Lily Tomlin fans. I think I'll pass.
1
Was disappointed. Tomlin was great, but "Grandma" very earnest and predictable in a pc kind of way. The movie reminded me of those ABC "After School Specials" from the 80s and 90s.
2
Haven't seen the movie but it looks like Mom (Marcia Gay Harden) has the kind of job that provides really good health insurance, which of course would pay for the abortion.
2
Loved this film. One of the few well put together character driven films made by an American. A simple premise, the pursuit of money for an abortion reveals so much about all the characters. I felt all of them got stage time to shine, and did.
Lily Tomlin was amazing. More colors than a rainbow. Embittered, hurt, sarcastic, funny thoughtful cruel and caring. What makes a great character?
Contradictions. You hated her at times but saw the pain she was in.
The granddaughter was terrific too. Simple fine acting that revealed much about her. By the end she's toughened up a bit, and Lily has softened.
I'm shocked so many people disliked the film, but I found it to be one of the best films I've seen in a while. Hope Lily gets her Oscar.
Lily Tomlin was amazing. More colors than a rainbow. Embittered, hurt, sarcastic, funny thoughtful cruel and caring. What makes a great character?
Contradictions. You hated her at times but saw the pain she was in.
The granddaughter was terrific too. Simple fine acting that revealed much about her. By the end she's toughened up a bit, and Lily has softened.
I'm shocked so many people disliked the film, but I found it to be one of the best films I've seen in a while. Hope Lily gets her Oscar.
9
If Lily Tomlin does not top your list of favorite comedians, you can redeem yourself by doing it now. Tomlin is a gift. Now, between Frankie & Grace on Netflix and this new movie, I am completely in awe of her.
10
She plays the same character in both, just way more anger in the movie.
1
This formulaic film should have been a winner, but Lily Tomlin did not, could not, energize this "intergenerational" pileup. Terrible writing, bonehead direction. A checklist of all of the current current mixed generational do's and don'ts. Lily was a good and palpable grump. She's a great actress who took on a bad project. Sam Elliot, with a well conceived part, was excellent. The rest; especially Lily's ex girlfriend, and more especially, her granddaughter, were nearly unbearable to watch. I see these kids all over. Any one of them could have been dragged before the camera and performed more credibly, even with a bad script.
7
I'm a grandma, and considering watching this film with my 7 yrs old grandson...i believe he has the problem with me being old, but i'm only 66 and by all accounts look very young. I took the early retirement to help my daughter since the first day he was born, i play soccer with him, try to memorize all the superhero , and be interested in all his latest obsessions, mind craft, etc.. whatever it might be, but somehow my age makes him queasy about my physical presence, is this a boy's thing? whatever it is it makes me really sad, since I feel very young inside...
2
YIKES!
He's 7! Lay off the guilt trip fer cryin out loud!
Really! You're 66 but by all accounts you look 35... That's 5 times as old as a 7 year old! To a 7 year old, 12 year olds look Dinosaur old!
He's 7! He's not yet influenced by societal pressures, he barely even realizes the concept of "me."
Relax.
He's 7! Lay off the guilt trip fer cryin out loud!
Really! You're 66 but by all accounts you look 35... That's 5 times as old as a 7 year old! To a 7 year old, 12 year olds look Dinosaur old!
He's 7! He's not yet influenced by societal pressures, he barely even realizes the concept of "me."
Relax.
9
Perhaps you are focusing on your appearance too much.
Relax, and enjoy his company. Talk to him as you would an intelligent adult and you'll find a good soul inside.
I too have a grandson, albeit much younger (4yrs) and he doesn't mind a bit. In fact, he always tells me he loves me for no reason. And of course, I tell him I love him to the moon and back.
Keep on doing what you do and don't get too caught up in your physical being. It's what's inside that counts.
Keep enjoying your grandson and love him unconditionally!
Relax, and enjoy his company. Talk to him as you would an intelligent adult and you'll find a good soul inside.
I too have a grandson, albeit much younger (4yrs) and he doesn't mind a bit. In fact, he always tells me he loves me for no reason. And of course, I tell him I love him to the moon and back.
Keep on doing what you do and don't get too caught up in your physical being. It's what's inside that counts.
Keep enjoying your grandson and love him unconditionally!
2
To answer the question of whether Lily is deserving of an Oscar, one need look no further than her performance in Robert Altman's "Nashville." Oscar recognition is long overdue.
Woman, you're a genius. I have adored you since Laugh-in, listened to your LP over and over until I had it memorized, shrieked through "Signs" when I caught it in Chicago. Sorry for geeking out like this. Loved you for a long time.
Woman, you're a genius. I have adored you since Laugh-in, listened to your LP over and over until I had it memorized, shrieked through "Signs" when I caught it in Chicago. Sorry for geeking out like this. Loved you for a long time.
13
She was indeed the core of Nashville.
1
For Nashville, yes.....but not for this turkey.
6
Just don't pay attention to bad writing, bad acting, bad ideas, bad cinematography and bad directing - and you will like the movie.
11
I'd watch Lily Tomlin staring at the ceiling and it wouldn't matter.
Yes like you, I'll watch a badly written movie just to watch a great actor.
Lily is no exception. She's terrific.
Yes like you, I'll watch a badly written movie just to watch a great actor.
Lily is no exception. She's terrific.
1
It's a great review, Mr. Scott is the Times' best reviewer above all, but in this review he mentions how Elle spent most of her life with "Vi" but there's no mention of this character prior to this.
"Olivia" is mentioned but is still alive so cannot be "Vi".
Does "Vi" just not show up in the movie? There's no character in the case with that name on imdb.com, so I would assume so?
"Olivia" is mentioned but is still alive so cannot be "Vi".
Does "Vi" just not show up in the movie? There's no character in the case with that name on imdb.com, so I would assume so?
1
Vi must be past times, she's been edited out, it's what I think
Via is short for Violet, Lily Tomlin's character's late lover.
3
She died before the movie began, as the review indicates (Elle is mourning her).
1
I can't wait to see it. Here's hoping already for a golden statuette for Ms. Tomlin. I'm certain that Mr. Veedel would approve.
Saw "Grandma" yesterday and found it outrageously funny and heartwrenching. I just wish that Mr. Scott's review had not given away so many details of the plot. The theater was packed with seniors and when the film ended there was applause from the audience.
It would be fun to offer a double feature of this film along with "Tangerine" or "Mistress America".
It would be fun to offer a double feature of this film along with "Tangerine" or "Mistress America".
Lily cannot put a foot wrong...even a movie as bad as "Big Business" has some redemption value...
Too bad the world has missed out on parts she might have played because she likely was considered too something... Old, ugly, gay, acerbic, intelligent...
Of course she is all of those things but who cares??? She can act...
Too bad the world has missed out on parts she might have played because she likely was considered too something... Old, ugly, gay, acerbic, intelligent...
Of course she is all of those things but who cares??? She can act...
2
Nice that so many readers here appreciate Lily Tomlin and are pleased by her recent more prominent acting 'resurgence' the past year. I too have always liked her as a performer and person (in interviews.) But I must say this movie was such a letdown. Verrrry amateurish. Undergraduate film school amateurish. Predictable plot (and Mr Scott please stop with the spoilers in your reviews for Pete's sake.) This dialogue is awful. Having such a depth of acting talent down to small roles, most performances were stilted...most due to the scripted dialogue? Improvising? Directing? When has Marcia Gay Harden or Judy Greer not amazed you by their performances, large or small? They could not make these scenes come to life and frankly no one had chemistry with Ms. Tomlin. Even the young actress playing her granddaughter who did fine work in the past season of The Americans was bland...also unable to spark emotionally in her many scenes with Tomlin. I was so pleased by the recent NY Times article about Sam Elliot and his career. Lovely piece about an actor I have long admired. The description of his short scene with Tomlin sounded so engaging. However I probably would not have gone to the theatre to see the movie this weekend had I not seen Scott's "Critic Choice." I never read reviews until after I see a film (since most seem to write about the plot in too much detail these days) but after my disappointment watching the film tonight AND now reading the review, I am totally stunned.
10
Me too! I was stunned. Really stunned. I had such high expectations that the letdown was particularly felt and amplified. I should have walked out.
1
my goodness, THANK YOU! A friend saw this movie a few days ago and raved, and raved (and RAVED) about it, particularly Ms. Tomlin. So when I saw it today I was blindsided by how depressing it was. Ms. Tomlin's character was utterly unlikeable. In fact, Sage was the only character I liked even a little. When I returned home I read a couple of "hated it" user reviews on IMDB and they pretty well nailed it. Ms. Tomlin does indeed play a misanthrope - a cranky old woman. If I knew her in real life, I'd want to get away ASAP. I managed to stick out the movie though. I would not recommend it to anyone, notwithstanding the fine cast and Ms. Tomlin's fine vintage car.
2
One of those rare films for grownups so full of discovery that you get to feel like a kid again, reunited with the all-but-lost magic of going to the movies.
11
You didn't mention the great Laverne Fox in her role as "Deathy."
2
Wow, I love the idea of putting Lily on the $20 bill! She's fantastic in Grace and Frankie, and I can't wait to see this one.
5
I spent over forty years teaching would-be writers the varied arts of composition. The one principle which any language teacher should repeatedly stress is that becoming a good writer requires becoming a good reader. For my money (as if teachers, much less retired ones, ever made money), critic A. O. Scott has written the best review I have ever been privileged to read. Write on, A. O. Scott, "right on"!
24
This review has me rummaging through old LP's searching not for signs of intelligent life (though that was a spectacular show) but for Modern Scream, a comedy album where Ms. Tomlin played a version of herself and everyone else who might have floated in and out of her life at that time. So great to see her going strong and getting just the right vehicle for a unique and special comedian/actress at this point in her career. Like Beatrice Lillie before her, her unique personality and special comic genius have made her a hard one to pin down in film. She was never the blushing ingenue, and while her slightly abrasive always direct persona may not appeal to everyone, I have longed for her to re-appear in new guises, ready to slay with wit and honesty. And I didn't even realize how much I have missed her. Love you, Lily.
10
Wonderfully written review, and a great example of Oscar Wilde's "The Critic as Artist." I plan on seeing the movie today as I need a healthy jolt of comedic realness.
8
Always been a fan of Lily's. Even if I didn't like the part she played. I can still see myself driving, listening to the radio as Lily did some monologue about being Lesbian. It was when I was forced to realize that Lesbian didn't mean Less A Being.
No kidding, it was her that changed my understanding of gay people. If for no other reason, she is a hero in my heart for that.
To you young people, back in those days, it was a big deal. It was bigger than big. It would spell the end of a career. Lily was enormously brave to have come out as she did. Is this what the Betty Friedans' not bringing a price is meant to reflect?
My question with Lily, though is, when did she become a sex symbol? Going nose to nose with Sam Elliott (albeit sans mustachio!) and Sam Waterston (albeit Sam isn't a sex symbol, despite Jack McCoy's history). She was always, not the sexy one.
Anyway, big fan, happy for her success... I'll see this on Netflix.
No kidding, it was her that changed my understanding of gay people. If for no other reason, she is a hero in my heart for that.
To you young people, back in those days, it was a big deal. It was bigger than big. It would spell the end of a career. Lily was enormously brave to have come out as she did. Is this what the Betty Friedans' not bringing a price is meant to reflect?
My question with Lily, though is, when did she become a sex symbol? Going nose to nose with Sam Elliott (albeit sans mustachio!) and Sam Waterston (albeit Sam isn't a sex symbol, despite Jack McCoy's history). She was always, not the sexy one.
Anyway, big fan, happy for her success... I'll see this on Netflix.
10
Does no one see the disgusting irony in the title "Grandma" in a film that whole purpose of the action is to kill off a great-grandchild?
6
This is totally off point, but you (man) get to have your say about abortions when you (all men) step up to the plate to support pregnancies and children. Until then, shut up
61
Right, you should wait until it is full term and then experience the pleasure of 1. condemning its mother for not being married, 2. deny it health care if it is born in a red state, 3. deny it shelter and food if the mother is poor, 4. deny it a real education in decently funded schools, 5. deny it any chance for a better life through free or minimal tuition at college, and 6. have no employment opportunities following graduation. That should do it. That is the real agenda of the anti-abortion crowd
21
No, I don't see any irony. Perhaps if the title had been "Great-Grandma."
If ever comes the day that you care as much about the born as the unborn, I will listen to you. Not until then.
If ever comes the day that you care as much about the born as the unborn, I will listen to you. Not until then.
12
Reading this review gave me so much pleasure. The insight into Lily's character's grouchiness was perfection, and I really hope the current marketing cr&p about people in their 20's and 30s being so far removed from senior citizens and the rest of humanity dies a quick death when exposed to sunlight, as provided by, in part, movies such as these
I have loved Lily and Sam forever, but let's hear it for Marcia Gay Harden, too. I have had the pleasure to see her on Broadway as well as some recent films on Netflix and she is a powerhouse of talent.. More from all, pretty please.
Thanks again, Mr. Scott!
I have loved Lily and Sam forever, but let's hear it for Marcia Gay Harden, too. I have had the pleasure to see her on Broadway as well as some recent films on Netflix and she is a powerhouse of talent.. More from all, pretty please.
Thanks again, Mr. Scott!
18
I saw Tomlin on Broadway in "Search for Signs..." decades ago. She is one-of-a-kind. Good to see her still going strong in a well-reviewed new movie. I remember her fondly as the president's secretary in "The West Wing", a role she inherited and then quickly made her own.
12
What's wrong with the world? Cellphones. Instant communication. I want everything now!
3
I liked Lily Tomlin when I first saw her on 'Laugh In,' and later in '9-5.'
Then I saw her in 'The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe' on Broadway, and really didn't like her in it. I found it to be boring and monotonous.
Everything I have seen her in since has reminded me of that performance.
She always comes across the same. I'm tired of her delivery style. Always the same, and not my taste. It seems from reading the comments that I am in the minority, which doesn't surprise me. However, this is how I feel.
Then I saw her in 'The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe' on Broadway, and really didn't like her in it. I found it to be boring and monotonous.
Everything I have seen her in since has reminded me of that performance.
She always comes across the same. I'm tired of her delivery style. Always the same, and not my taste. It seems from reading the comments that I am in the minority, which doesn't surprise me. However, this is how I feel.
4
OHG, "Signs of Life..." was wonderful! Maybe you saw it on an off day. When I saw it there was a love fest going on between Lily and every member of the very large audience. I brought a younger friend who didn't know Lily and she thanked me for days for introducing me to the play and the live performance. She is actually now a bigger fan than I am.
It is just one of those things. It is ok not to love her. But good for you for trying. Maybe one day she will click with you.
It is just one of those things. It is ok not to love her. But good for you for trying. Maybe one day she will click with you.
4
Perhaps you don't like dry humor or dry wit?
It's not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine.
But Lily is far from unfunny. She is a gem.
It's not everyone's cup of tea and that's fine.
But Lily is far from unfunny. She is a gem.
1
Watched Grace and Frankie and thoroughly enjoyed the true fit to their characters that Lily and Jane embodied. I'm looking forward to this movie, which I will definitely go and see! Thanks for the inspiring review - Lily Tomlin is one of the great comedians of our time.
11
I was fortunate to have seen "Signs of Intelligent Life" during its pre-Broadway run in Boston--amazing. My favorite Lily Tomlin movie performance is her portrayal of a ditzy counterculture woman opposite Art Carney in Robert Benton's "The Late Show"--an intelligent noir that perfectly captures the looniness of LA in the 70's. I look forward to seeing this new film!
3
And I was fortunate to have seen "Signs of Intelligent Life" on Broadway. I was left awestruck. I loved Lily then, I love her now and am eager to see "Grandma" although there may be a wait here in CNY.
Not really related to this discussion, but I was able to afford an orchestra seat to see "Signs of Intelligent Life", which would be unaffordable now. A sign of wage stagnation in the USA.
Not really related to this discussion, but I was able to afford an orchestra seat to see "Signs of Intelligent Life", which would be unaffordable now. A sign of wage stagnation in the USA.
7
Thank you for remembering "The Late Show," a very unfairly neglected delight.
2
This review might actually get me into a movie theater. Haven't done that in years.
16
I went to the movies twice last weekend and had to watch the trailer for Grandma both times. The trailer and Mr. Scott's review are totally at odds. I could barely get through the second viewing. It just seemed like another made for television Lifetime movie. Nothing like a little grandma on boyfriend violence when grandma kicked him in the testicles. That's always a sign of deep writing.
12
Wow! What a review! I wanna see this movie! And that's the truth!
33
I am definitely looking forward to seeing this movie. As for Grace and Frankie -- I do watch because I adore Lily, Jane and the rest of that stellar cast but, if that same show had other folks in those roles, I would probably have stopped watching after two or three episodes. The show itself is pretty predictable and nothing all that special unto itself. With other actors, I doubt they would have been renewed for a second season. Shows what a difference good talent can make.
10
Saw it at Sundance & loved it! So many little nuggets to savor...
Lily Tomlin & fellow cast were terrific. The film was funny & thought provoking - a great combination in today's "comic book character" world. But it's not for those who don't care about social or otherwise complex issues... there's some serious stuff here.
And spot on Mr. Weitz & Mr. Scott - our anger & compassion does come from the same place! Much easier to be flip (ie happy) when you care little about suffering.
Lily Tomlin & fellow cast were terrific. The film was funny & thought provoking - a great combination in today's "comic book character" world. But it's not for those who don't care about social or otherwise complex issues... there's some serious stuff here.
And spot on Mr. Weitz & Mr. Scott - our anger & compassion does come from the same place! Much easier to be flip (ie happy) when you care little about suffering.
21
Every single day, I think of Lily Tomlin. More specifically, as I see too many oblivious people, talking on their hands-free phones, I recall a sketch where she suggested that mentally-ill homeless people should walk in pairs, so they'll appear to be having a conversation. (Trust me - it came off far, far better live, rich in humor and even richer in compassion.)
29
Oh my God, I too have forever remembered that bit the exact same way -- don't need to pair them up these days, just give them a fake phone and they'll fit right in. I seriously can't believe you posted that, so glad you did. Great minds ... thanks!
1
Rather than the $20, I would suggest the $5 bill; if any one American could replace good ol' Abe, it would certainly be Lily. The catch here, though, is to appear on American currency as oneself, one has to be deceased. All I can hope for is that it is a good fifty years before Ms. Tomlin ascends to this role. The longer she and her partner, Ms Wagner, are alive, the better off America is. We need their voices to ring out for freedom and the truth.
16
Hoorah! A comedy that's actually for adults. No scenes of defecation and fully realized characters. Amazing that it's not a cartoon.
56
It looks great. I'm going to catch it when it's here.
7
The starring role of Lily Tomlin as described here by A.O.Scott was enough to more than get me interested in seeing this film. Then you add the actors, Sam Elliot, Marcia Gay Harden, & Elisabeth Pena to the cast, PLUS the outstanding writing abilities of Paul Weitz and, to me at least, the mix is just to heady to ignore. Living now in rural Montana, I'll probably have to wait for the Blu ray to be released which is a shame. Films around here are mostly those with multiple explosions, helicopter chases, and titles that usually have the words 'Furious' or a numeral in the title.
60
But ... is the movie funny?
3
Ja, das ist hier die frage! A. O. Scott's piece reads more like a Lifetime Achievement Award than a movie review.
2
Looking forward to seeing this but Grace and Frankie is a disappointment.
10
Why do you say that? I found it rather enjoyable and thought provoking. Then again I do live in Taiwan and only stumbled upon "Grace and Frankie" so I had no expectations.
6
I beg to differ
4
@Eileen
I thought it was a bit uneven; started badly, but there were some episodes that were genius so I am hopeful for season 2. I love all 4 actors so fingers crossed.
I thought it was a bit uneven; started badly, but there were some episodes that were genius so I am hopeful for season 2. I love all 4 actors so fingers crossed.
1
I saw the trailer and thought it looked dreadful, so I'm staying away. It was the usual problem that's been going on for years now: poor writing.
3
Trailers mean nothing. They are usually terrible.
Part of the problem lies in that promotion process itself, which dates back to the dawn of cinema. As a way to drum up interest in a feature film's imminent release it has always been problematic, but now more than ever. The audience, captive and bored, is desensitized by a relentless onslaught of advertising that can last a half hour or longer.
It's the most self-defeating tactic in exhibition. That interminable pre-screening interlude ruins the theater-going experience. Were it in my power I would ban it. Since it's not, I do the next-best-thing: I ban myself. I stopped paying to watch movies in theaters decades ago because of it.
Another problem, a crippling one: Trailers aren't produced by the film's director or the filmmakers' team, but by promotion -- the media distributor's marketing department; edited by its staff. It's like chalk and cheese. Their short film usually reflects nothing about the film itself, especially if it's an idiosyncratic indie production; which this is. That executives attracted to promotion often aren't the sharpest tools in the shed hardly helps.
And there is the small problem of studio politics. Production executives who green-lit a project might be gone or in no position to defend their offspring from intramural enemies. A production executive out job hunting touts his grosses, how much money his release slate earned all media/all markets. Competitors strive to ruin those stats.
Part of the problem lies in that promotion process itself, which dates back to the dawn of cinema. As a way to drum up interest in a feature film's imminent release it has always been problematic, but now more than ever. The audience, captive and bored, is desensitized by a relentless onslaught of advertising that can last a half hour or longer.
It's the most self-defeating tactic in exhibition. That interminable pre-screening interlude ruins the theater-going experience. Were it in my power I would ban it. Since it's not, I do the next-best-thing: I ban myself. I stopped paying to watch movies in theaters decades ago because of it.
Another problem, a crippling one: Trailers aren't produced by the film's director or the filmmakers' team, but by promotion -- the media distributor's marketing department; edited by its staff. It's like chalk and cheese. Their short film usually reflects nothing about the film itself, especially if it's an idiosyncratic indie production; which this is. That executives attracted to promotion often aren't the sharpest tools in the shed hardly helps.
And there is the small problem of studio politics. Production executives who green-lit a project might be gone or in no position to defend their offspring from intramural enemies. A production executive out job hunting touts his grosses, how much money his release slate earned all media/all markets. Competitors strive to ruin those stats.
15
Dismissing the movie because of a lousy trailer sounds more like an excuse not to see it than a reason. Don't judge a book by it's cover and don't judge a movie by it's trailer.
15
I have seen trailers that were great, to movie...terrible. You are better off reading reviews by reviewers who you know and trust.
5
Thank you A O Scott for the sincere appreciation of the life work and art that is Lily Tomlin. I remember taking my independent mother to see her partner Jane Wagner's wonderful 'In Search of Intelligence' on Broadway that was delivered beautifully by Lily. To see the awe in my mothers eyes is something I cherish now that she is no longer here. Lily was an icon for my mother (and is for me as well). Yes, she deserves an honorary Oscar while she is still alive!
49
Good old Lily. So big she doesn't have to care!
14
The brilliant Lily Tomlin was born to play this role. It's not often you see a film where you can't imagine any other actor playing the central role. No one could have or should have inhabited the character of Grandma. And how refreshing to see a filmmaker portray the experience of abortion in such a direct, fearless and honest way...without anxiously or self-consciously staining to treat the subject with a delicate political balance. (Gillian Robespierre's "Obvious Child" is the last and perhaps only recent movie I can think of that was comparably brave). I hope Lily Tomlin and Paul Weitz will be remembered during the awards season.
14
Lily Tomlin is a goddess. Let us all bow to her geatness!
28
"It’s fitting that this renewal of attention arrives amid a flowering of feminist comedy, and worth acknowledging Ms. Tomlin’s status as a foremother — a big sister, a wild aunt, however you want to put it — of the frank, fearless, funny women who have recently rescued American humor from its bro’ed-out doldrums." Let's be honest, I just like the way Mr. Scott writes.
31
He alliterates a bit.
2
Lily Tomlin on the $20 bill? I second that! Even better, perhaps a LONG OVERDUE OSCAR for Miss Tomlin?!?
49
Dunno, Mr. Scott. Embracing a movie like this so unreservedly puts you firmly in the Hollywood school of cultural revolution. Are we really supposed to believe that the Lily Tomlin character still drives around in a cherry, vintage 1950s Dodge that would have been an antique when Ms. Tomlin's career at the Laugh In show in the early 1970s was blossoming? Or that the Julia Garner character is so illiterate that she mistakes the word "philanthropist" for the word "misanthrope" when she first introduces herself to Grandma? If so, we need not wonder how she got pregnant, but we should be concerned about her becoming a mother. An abortion is the proper procedure needed here, for the script writer.
If Ms. Tomlin has great cultural relevance to the struggles women face today, it is more about how to float a Hollywood career that has spanned 5 decades and still land paying parts playing against fading sex symbols like Sam Elliot. It's all about the intangibles of something ineffable called charisma, combined with bankable comedic skills, and the ambitiousness to keep your truck in the passing lane, driving about 75 MPH, while your eyesight is failing. You got to be in it to win it.
6
Per Lily's recent interview on Fresh Air, she's the actual owner of the Dodge, and has owned it for forty years. The director mentioned he was looking for an old car for her character, and naturally, Lily volunteered her own car.
68
Sam Elliot "fading"? Clean your glasses and take another look.
30
The Indie production budget was so low there was no choice.
1
"Someone should start a petition to put her face on the $20 bill. It wouldn’t solve all our problems, but it would be a pretty good start."
Not just her face. Her heart also. Money needs more compassion.
Not just her face. Her heart also. Money needs more compassion.
36
Dear M. Scott,
Please deliver your lecture on the zietgeist-transcending awesomeness of Jane Fonda. Let's celebrate her while she's still here.
Please deliver your lecture on the zietgeist-transcending awesomeness of Jane Fonda. Let's celebrate her while she's still here.
79
I agree completely!
7
I'd be more impressed with a Zietgeist-IGNORING actress--and a Zietgeist-ignoring reviewer.
What a wonderful review and ode to Lily Tomlin. Now I can't wait to see this.
Also will sign your petition, she's perfect for it: a national treasure in the arts.
Also will sign your petition, she's perfect for it: a national treasure in the arts.
18
Along with Frankie and Grace, first, it is so fantastic to see 70 somethings (if that can be used for this age cohort) -- especially women, in films or TV right now. Secondly, all the more for extending the wonderful talents and careers of such like Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. I am a bit out of the loop sometimes living on Bali, especially with NetFlix which is not allowed here (damn) so I and not known of Frankie and Grace until a visit home to Seattle this summer. I binged of course until 3am trying not to keep my hosts awake with my gut wrenching laughter. What wonderful memories of discovering Lily when I was a 20 something on Laugh In, and I have missed her a lot. Well, Flirthing with Disaster and 9-5 helped fill a void. Thank to Weitz for making this film which I will hope to see soon as a pirated DVD lands on the streets of Bali. And as I am of the same age cohort of Tomlin and Fonda, all the more thankful to see people like the ones I actually know; elders, wise, funny, compassionate, and alive.
24
BTW, a word about pirate dvds on Bali. I would HAPPILY pay to see this film tonight if I could and by the time I get back to the US it will likely be out of the theatres -- although great if it isn't. And I will buy it on DVD at the real price there once it is available to add to my Tomlin collection. It will be a very popular group viewing film here, as lots of Lily's cohorts live here!
3
These days our self-anointed "artists" from baristas to pickle makers to photo-shoppers mistake craft for art. Ms. Tomlin however has simply done the work and let it define itself as art. Perhaps it is because she "became" as we became but one can count on the fingers of one hand those contemporaries who have created more art in the past 50 years than Ms. Tomlin. From lifestyle to work to philosophy, she exemplifies how life as craft becomes art and in doing so turned works in her times into the timeless.
41
The movies Tomlin appears in are always feminist, which is to say they are always about women as people rather than reflections of or fantasies for men/children (just in case anyone chooses to misunderstand, "fantasy" does not always imply "sexuality"). Kudos to AO Scott for recognizing her "uncompromising commitment to behaving like a free human being." Can't wait to see "Grandma."
101
Bethanne...Your appreciation of AO Scott's political sensitivity in general--but especially on women's/feminist issues--is widely shared. Perhaps it can be at least partly explained by the fact that he is the son of the great historian and feminist (not merely feminist historian) Joan Wallach Scott. If you don't know that name, google it and you'll see what I mean.
3
I agree with AO Scott. Hooray for Lily Tomlin! I am looking forward to seeing this film. It sounds pretty good. I also want to see Grace and Frankie, thanks for reminding me about that one...
34
Can't wait to see this. Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin as Grace & Frankie are great, but Martin Sheen & Sam Waterston as a couple, with the latter WASP as a Jew, utterly strains credulity.
4
Terry - a WASP and a Jew together strains credulity? It worked in Angels of America...
3
Terry, Sam Waterston has played Jewish characters several times before, earning an Oscar nod in "The Killing Fields" and his masterful work as a rabbi going blind in "Crimes and Misdemeanors." It doesn't strain my credulity to see him as Sol in "Grace and Frankie" -- and I'm Jewish. As for Sheen & Waterston playing a couple, I'm more amused than anything else by the notion of Jed Bartlet and Jack McCoy fleeing their turn-of-the-millennium work on NBC dramas and eloping together.
11
There could have been a strong story here but it was rushed, one sided focus and then Lily walks down the street laughing....at what?
Poor movie. Shallow characters. A waste of time.
If this is how a family doesn't communicate and abdicates for expediency's sake, we are in trouble.