Family Movie Night
Have you noticed more movies about people in their 50’s and 60’s?
Maybe it’s me not noticing till now or maybe there are enough aging Baby Boomers in Hollywood that still want to be viable or see movies featuring people like themselves.
Helen Mirren, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman in "Red," Picture from IMDb.com.
This question comes to the forefront of my mind after seeing commercials all weekend for Red starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren as retired CIA operatives who come back together to figure out why they are being hunted.
This movie came out to the home theater market on January 25th and actually made money at the theaters when it was released back in October. I consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to the movies and do not remember this one at all. However, as it made $90+ million at the box office one can only assume that plenty of people did know about this movie.
Something about the trailer does give me a small thrill and I have put it on the “must watch” list because there is something about a decent action-adventure I truly enjoy. Not only that but I love it when John Malkovich gets off his high horse. He looks a little nutty, a little crazy and not his usual self.
Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep in "It's Complicated," PIcture from IMDb.com
This past weekend when the husband and I could not watch The Social Network because it had been taken already, we went for It’s Complicated with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Instead of being impressed by a 26-year-old billionaire, I was impressed by a bunch of 50+ year olds being willing to explore love and sex at their age, with people their age.
Meryl Streep and Steve Martin in "It's Complicated," Picture from IMDb.com.
In my opinion, the movie did not really take off until half way through. But there were searing honest moments between Meryl and her two suitors that wrenched my heart. Other moments, including the obligatory “togetherness” scene, were a lot of fun between Streep and Martin.
Directed by Nancy Myers, this is not her first time with ‘senior lovers’ but it is a better effort and a truer ending than Something’s Gotta Give.
Sylvester Stallone in "The Expendables," Picture from IMDb.com
The last movie I must mention in this set is The Expendables. These movie stars Sylvester Stallone (who also directed) and Jason Statham as mercenaries hired to take out a South American trouble maker. But they get down to the country and find out the truth. Suddenly sides are getting switched and souls redeemed.
The fun part of this movie is that it also stars Jet Li, Adolph Lundgren, Steve “Stone Cold” Austin and other action stars we knew from the 80s and 90s. There are even cameos from uber action guys, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. This movie is not meant to be taken seriously; there is not stunning dialogue or deeper characterizations. It is meant to be a love letter to those old movies. Sometimes you need to take a time out from seriousness.
The thing you have to remember is that Stallone is 64 in this movie and he chooses to fight Austin in one scene. Guts or stupidity, I guess it is whatever it takes to make an entertaining flick.
Until next week, see you in the rental aisle.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I enjoyed Red. Helen Mirren is such a “I love me in my skin” older actress…that assuredness simply adds to her artistic genius. And Bruce Willis is simply cool. John Malkovich is an “intense”actor…always has been… and Morgan Freeman…I caught Morgan at The Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. (before his fame) in Gospel at Colonus. Awesome performance! He is always “on”…totally real!
Before I sign off, would like to recommend that you see For Colored Girls starring Loretta Devine, Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Thandie Newton. There aren’t enough words to describe the effect of this movie..And if you get to see The Help, let me know what you think. I am sure it will take a while before The Help reaches Europe. Oh, did you see Salt and The Tourist with Angelina Jolie? Interesting! Ciao bella!
Thanks for the heads up on The Help. It will not come out to the big screen until August of this year according to my sources. I was very impressed as I looked over the cast list. Viola Davis and Emma Stone are two actresses I really enjoy. I will have to check out your other suggestions. Haven’t seen Salt or The Tourist yet. Perhaps, I should.
I saw Space Cowboys in the video store the other day and realized I’d never seen it. Have you? I couldn’t believe it’s already been out more than ten years.
I did see it and thought some of it was OK and some was cheezy. Can’t imagine clint Eastwood as a slow driver.
I love to see all my favorite actors getting older…especially those who have decided to age…naturally.
Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep come to mind.
blessings
jane
One of my favorite singers, EmmyLou Harris is doing the same with her hair. Not sure if she is doing that with her face.
I adore Helen Mirren!
I loved it when Jack Black and Will Ferrell sang about her at the Oscars a few years ago.
I was thinking of renting a movie tonight, thanks for reminding me about It’s complicated, I love a good comedy
Glad I could be of service!
I have to say, I nowadays enjoy “grown-up” stories more, like “It’s Complicated” as opposed to the usual impossibly perfect 20 somethings obsessing over their dates in their (there’s no way you could afford that as a student) apartments in New York or London….lol.
So true, so true.
Hi there! I found your blog through “she’s a maineiac”! Nice blog! My husband and I did see “Red” in the theater and really liked it. Fun action adventure. And I think you’re right about a couple things. Lots of baby boomers wanting to watch movies and lots of baby boomer stars wanting to make them! Hope you enjoy RED!
Thanks for finding me and stopping by!
I’d always thought of older actors (that is, older than those younger ones) as just young actors who carried on acting. I do relate better to them, but my definition of a ‘good movie’ these days is, I’m afraid, one that doesn’t give me a migraine ‘cos the images flash past too fast, and doesn’t deafen me ‘cos my hearing’s going!
😉
I recently saw the expendables and i was impressed.
All of these actors are mature adults.
Even the younger ones. and i am surprised that Sylvester could still do these kind of scenes.
Overall, i though it was great for what it was
Some movies are meant to be fun. Why is that a crime?
I have always found movies to be an escape, pure fun or inspirational. I do love them! Sometimes I can be quite critical of certain aspects. Age, I guess:) Is it me or do we see the same 20 people in 90% of the movies? I would like to see more fresh, not necessarily young, faces on the screen. Of course, Brad and Johny are OK anytime! How about better dialogue, storylines, etc?
And……Among those greying, I am moving into that “fast lane”.
Barb
You are so right about that 20% being in 90% of the films we see the most. I have been reading posts about the Vampire Academy series of books being made into a movie and found most of the suggestions were actors from other vampire shows or movies. Of course, I do not mind if Jude Law appears in a few more movies every year.
Heer, Hear!
Ooh you’ve given me some to put on my watch list; I did see “It’s complicated” and thought Meryl was spot on in that. And I’m in agreement on Helen Mirren … have you seen her in “Calendar Girls?” A light, breezy, campy favorite. And .. I have to admit that I’ll watch anything with Richard Gere in it, especially since he’s let his hair grey naturally = me-ow! Cheers MJ
Richard Gere is so much more yummy as he has gotten older. I think he is also playing more likable characters. My favorite movie with him might be “Shall We Dance?”
can’t wait to see Red. . .netflix should be sending it soon 😉
Should be perfect viewing if you are stuck in the house with the latest snow storm.