Old Goats

This movie is heartwarming and real. We all know an "Old Goat" we can identify with, some of us are one. A very human story with fantastic humor. This movie has refreshing breathing room with a unique storytelling style that brings it together in unexpected ways.

I loved this movie. I'm 53 but the mem in this reminded me of my Father and Uncles. It was authentic, funny and gave a very realistic view of life when approaching the older years. I feel like if you loved On Golden Pond you would really like this. What a gem!

"Snakes on a Plane" may stand as the most literal movie title of all time, but "Old Goats" certainly comes close, and the movie's a heck of a lot better, too.

Taylor Guterson's movie delivers exactly what the title promises, a story about three cantankerous old guys in the pacific northwest. And although they are more than occasionally grumpy old men, they're mostly just guys who are embracing what's left of their lives with gusto and with a heavy dose of humor - and infectious bulls#$%ting.

The three "stars" here are actually three men - David Vander Wal, Bob Burkholder and Britton Crosley - who play somewhat fictionalized versions of themselves. And this format, while not quite a mockumentary, gives these definite non-actors a natural arena to be themselves and be very funny doing it.

As the movie opens, Britt is making a presentation to a group of fellow old dudes about a sailing trip he plans to make to Hawaii - by himself. Egged on by Bob, the instigator of all the shenanigans in "Old Goats," and doubted by David, a retired business executive who's clearly kind of slumming with these guys and loving it, he inevitably backs out and catches a lot of hell from Bob for it.

We soon find out that Britt lives on his boat, and it's not exactly anything approaching a houseboat. The story in "Old Goats" - what there is of it - is about how much these guys who have already lived so long can still change their ways. At Bob's urging, Britt - the real hero of this tale - gets his first computer and sets up a profile on a senior dating site, and soon hooks up with the alluring "lady in red." Bob, meanwhile, has lived at least a life and a half, having been a bush pilot and quite the womanizer in his day, and now, as he's writing his memoirs, begins to wonder if (in his own words), he was an a$#hole. David is torn between his nagging wife, used to a life of cocktail parties and elegance, and these new friends who clearly just have a lot more fun.

This all plays out with a lot of humor, humanity and heart, and in case you can't yet tell, I loved it.

Keith Demko http://reelfanatic.blogspot.com

Right off the bat, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Not perfect, and definitely low budget, but still charming nonetheless. There's something fun about seeing guys just being their cranky selves, without having to put on pretenses.

One serious flaw bugged me, however. Technically this doesn't count as a spoiler, but Britt was seen enjoying yard work. Yeah, I know, the script was fine up to then, at which point it departed from reality. My beloved wife and I had been curled up in front of a fire, relaxing and watching this movie. Next thing I know, I'm on the receiving end of her patented spousal-control stink-eye, as she wonders why I never help around the yard like Britt did. Thanks, screenwriter from hell, for ruining my life.

Other than that, with my life left in ruins, it was a decent movie. I hope to see more from the team, as long as they promise to run the script by me first.

It may be because I'm reaching the age of the youngest character that I related to this look at "senior camaraderie", and enjoyed it so much.

While there are a few wistful streaks, they only made it more believable for me. As we reach the age of these three friends we do act and react differently then when we were middle-aged. I found this slice-of-life to be a charming homage to that difference.

The cinematography was skilled and carried the story perfectly.

Young and middle-agers may enjoy it as well, and even gain some insight.

If you are seeking action or depth, it may not satisfy your needs, but it worked perfectly for me.