But, indeed, the acting throughout this film directed and written by Paul Weitz is solid and spot-on. There's a short supporting turn done by the craggy, but always welcome Sam Elliott that also might get some Oscar buzz and I'm all for that. Hey, I'm hoping it happens just so he can take wife Katherine Ross to the red carpet. And then I can...well...watch Katherine Ross. But I digress...
"Grandma" is a funny and compelling film that is so compact in its storytelling that it's over in just about 80 minutes. You know how you often go to the movies these days and come out saying "that was way too long." This one is actually a bit too short. And, as a result, it ultimately does itself a huge disservice. As a matter of fact, it's also the main reason why it loses a half-star in my rating book. I'll explain a little later.
Lily is, of course, Grandma. One of those relics of university life during the late 60s. Back then, she would have been wearing a frayed vest and tie-dyed bell bottoms. Grandma is a lesbian and her long time companion has just died. Yet, while it's never really explained, she once gave birth to a daughter who is now a high-powered executive played deliciously by Marcia Gay Harden. In turn, the daughter had a child named Sage and that makes sense. There needs to be a grandchild in a movie called "Grandma."
Sage shows unexpectedly one morning, pregnant by her lunkhead boyfriend and with a 545PM appointment at an abortion clinic. The only problem is she needs $600 for the procedure. There is a sense of urgency to have that abortion on that very day and this plot point is never fully explained. But, it does provide impetus for Grandma and Sage to drive around town and try to dig up the necessary dough. It also allows the producer to go the cheap route and have both actresses never once have a wardrobe change. You think filmmakers don't look for ways to cut budget? Think again.
So, like Thelma and Louise, Grandma and Sage have a series of misadventures on the road. Some are hilarious. Others are poignant. All of them are very, very interesting.
But here's my rationale for the half-star demotion. Nowhere in this relatively short movie do we hear any part of the abortion debate. Hey, in America of 2015, it's still a vibrant and very polarizing discussion with both sides featuring a very viable and reasonable argument. It never comes up once in "Grandma." When Sage announces she's pregnant and needing an abortion, it is accepted wholeheartedly by Grandma as if her grandchild was in need of a root canal. It does come out in the exposition that Grandma also had an abortion in her youth. What was the story behind that? What impacted her decision then? How does it work into her reaction to Sage's decision? You never know because it's never really addressed.
About two-thirds of the way in, there is an ideal situation where this could all be brought to the attention of the audience. It's in that aforementioned scene with Sam Elliott. In fact, the set up for the discussion is like a fast ball across the plate.
And the filmmakers swing and miss.
As a result, there is a major opportunity for drama which is completely and inexplicably ignored. I'm not advocating one side of the debate or another. But, personally, I would just simply like to have it acknowledged in some fashion.
Yep, "Grandma" could have been served better if it was five minutes longer. And that would have gotten it back the half-star that I am removing from my very top rating.
LEN'S RATING: Three-and-a-half stars.
Dinner last night: Ravioli and meatballs.
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