Roxanne Wigglesworth

I saw this movie as a friends choice with no expectations and we needed a laugh. I could not relate to the storyline because Diane Keaton's character goes to an over 55 community to die. If I even had the desire and money to go one of those.....it would be the last place I would go to die!! After that with my mind suspended I focused on the acting. I thought Keaton was excellent in her initially guarded character, not revealing her terminal diagnosis but eventually allowing her next door neighbor to soften her. The eight ladies of the squad (6 white, 2 black) all gave very good performances. Pam Grier looking beautiful as ever with her husband being one of the few supportive family members of the group. The grandson of her friend has to pose as her lover because of rules and regs of these supposed happy places to spend ones golden years. The film proceeds predictably with Keatons decline and the teams triumph with the help of the Grandson and his love interest cheerleader schoolmate. Control issues of adult children with their aging parents also brought to light the role reversal that takes place as people age. This lead to some of the best scenes where those adult children are put back in their place. I was finally rewarded with a little reality when Keaton (in the hospital) and her friend talk about being sick and dying and not wanting to be pitied. (Take tissues) Overall a Hollywood movie trying to address aging and appeal to what they think people think about Aging in the USA. I enjoyed it.