While square, this film was still a good way to spend a Saturday night.
Though Diane Keaton is top-billed, Jackie Weaver's Sheryl was the far more interesting character, as the most supportive and sweetness neighbor ever. Keaton's Martha is dying and she's lived a fairly unremarkable life (who hasn't) who grasps her last chance to make a difference and do something she's always wanted to do, be a cheerleader.
She faces opposition from many of the secondary, cookie-cutter characters (including Celia Weston's southern belle Vicki and morally loose security officer Carl {Bruce McGill}) and bringing in the young people felt odd, but thanks to some of Sheryl's zany one-liners, the film goes down a lot easier. After all, you're never too old to follow your dreams, and through some Hollywood magic, they are able to do. Grade: B
Side Notes:
-I needed more explanation about how Sheryl's grandson, Ben (Charlie Tatum) ended up living with her, not just that his parents weren't cut out for the job.
-This film did explore many important issues, but pushed them aside for the main, somewhat trivial plot.
-There is the fact that many seniors outlive their money and women outlive the men.
-Did Alice (Rhea Perlman) actually kill her controlling and perhaps abusive husband?
-Chloe's (Alisha Boe's) character needed more background and her development needs more explanation, but there is only so much to be done in a ninety minute movie.
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