Grandma

"Grandma" is one of those short little nice independent films that touches the heart showing that life is full of change, hope and finding a new path for each. The grand old Lily Tomlin is Elle a past her prime college professor who's down in the dumps she's broke money wise and she's just broken up with her gay lady love Olivia(Judy Greer). To complicate matters one day her granddaughter Sage shows up one day needing 600 dollars and guess what it's for an abortion as Sage was knocked up by her boyfriend who hit the road! Then it's a funny and feel good road journey to obtain the 600 for an abortion and along the way it's a bonding of love and friendship as Sage's mother and Elle's daughter Judy(Marcia Gay Harden)an uptight and business like society snob provides the money for the procedure. Still thru it all each discover a journey of hope and a new beginning and Lily Tomlin's performance is shining even with her grand old age.

It's a rare event, but, yes, sometimes the director of American Pie makes a really good movie. The last one was probably About a Boy back in 2002. Grandma is a charming little indie with some fine acting, good character work and some touching emotion. Lily Tomlin plays an aging lesbian poet who is visited by her granddaughter (Julia Garner). She is hoping for money to pay for an abortion, but Grandma is broke. The film follows them as they go from place to place, hoping to get a loan or owed money or sell something valuable. The past is filled in by these encounters. The supporting cast is ace and includes Marcia Gay Harden, Sam Elliot, Judy Greer, Elizabeth Pena (who passed away about a year ago) and Laverne Cox (lovely to see her make the leap to feature film). It's Tomlin's movie, of course, but one should not overlook how good Garner is in the more passive role. I knew I recognized her from somewhere - it turned out to be Martha Marcy May Marlene - she should become a huge star. Okay, maybe it's because she's cute and I love her hair so much, but she is very good here.

Lily Tomlin is superb here starring as the acerbic Elle, a known poet and author, who's having trouble writing again after her same-sex partner, of some 38 years, passed away. One day, Elle gets a surprise visit from her granddaughter Sage, who tells Elle that she's pregnant and needs over $600 for a scheduled abortion later that day. Julia Garner is also excellent in her portrayal of Sage.

Thus the two women will begin an odyssey around town in an attempt to raise the money. At times, things will get crude and rude, and there are some rough spots, but there's also some good humor and I thought it all culminated in an uplifting ending.

Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer, and Sam Elliott also add well to the mix in supporting roles. Additionally, the film is well written and directed by Paul Weitz (About a Boy).

All in all, this indie at only 1 hr. and 18 min. in length, led by Tomlin and Garner, with strong support from the cast, kept me absorbed and interested in how it would all play out.

Grandma (2015)

*** (out of 4)

Elle Reid (Lily Tomlin) breaks up with her girlfriend (Judy Greer), which was her first relationship since the love of her life died. Moments afterwards her granddaughter Sage (Julia Gamer) shows up asking for money to get an abortion later in the afternoon. With Elle being broke the two set out to try and come up with the money as well as learn about a few mistakes in their past.

GRANDMA isn't a masterpiece or even a very good movie but it's a breezy entertainment that manages to have some great performances, a few nice laughs and a couple tender moments as well. The film comes from writer-director Paul Weitz and it's certainly an entertaining movie even if it never reaches the heights that I'm sure everyone was shooting for.

The film manages to find Tomlin giving one of the best performances of her career as this hot-tempered lesbian who will stop at pretty much nothing to get her opinion across and help her granddaughter. I thought she was very believable in the part and there's no question that the actress can handle sharp comments but it's the heart she brings the character that is so memorable. Gamer is also very good as her partner in crime and manages to build a real character. Greer and Marcia Gay Harden are both good in their small supporting roles but it's Sam Elliott who steals the picture in a very heart-wrenching performance. I'm not going to spoil what his sequence is about but it's certainly the highlight of the film.

At just 78 minutes there's certainly nothing too demanding here and there's really not too much to the story. The ladies hit the road and we see Elle having to deal with several members of her past. I'm sure the subject matter might turn some people off but it's really nothing too offensive and it's handled in a very good way. GRANDMA is a good little gem that's going to be remembered for the performances.

Read more @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com)

2015 TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL: Paul Weitz gave the world "About a Boy" over a decade ago, masterfully telling a story through it character's relationships and actions. The well-received film garnered major acclaim from critics and got Weitz his first Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Since then, Weitz has never returned to that type of reception with admirable yet very visual missteps along the way like "In Good Company." In his newest venture "Grandma," the writer/director puts forth his finest work of his career. He doesn't get all the kudos though. Star Lily Tomlin, a veteran comedic actress that has been sadly overlooked too many times in her career, delivers one of the performances of her career. Possibly THE best.

"Grandma" tells the story of Elle Reid, a misanthropic lesbian who has her world turned upside down when her 18-year-old granddaughter comes to her help. With a day's journey in front of them, and with a goal in mind, the two women share their feelings with one another while confronting their past, and looking forward to their future.

Hands down, front to back, this film excels and soars on the work of Academy Award nominated actress Lily Tomlin. I can't recall a time when Tomlin has been more vulnerable, available, and prodigious as she demonstrates in Weitz's picture. Through all the vulgarity and rough edges, Tomlin finds Elle's humanity. You'd have to go back to something like Jack Nicholson in "As Good as it Gets" to find someone in a comedy who is so complex in nature yet so gratifying and beautiful in essence. Elle's baggage may be pushed down as deep as it can go, but Tomlin allows the audience to see what's underneath at the most suitable times. She'll break your heart and bring you to tears. Make no mistake, Lily Tomlin delivers an Oscar-worthy performance. Tomlin isn't the only one firing on all cylinders. As Sage, Elle's granddaughter, Julia Garner holds her own against the veteran actress. In another enriched turn, Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden delivers her best work since "Mystic River." A brief but sensational work that stands out. Judy Greer, as always, is terrific in her minimal amount of screen time. Someone please give the woman more roles to work with. Magnificently emotional and present is veteran actor Sam Elliott, who hits one out of the park as Karl. Here's an actor whose been virtually everywhere for the past five decades with stand out turns in "Gettysburg," "Wyatt Earp," "Up in the Air," and more. With a career that's been as impressive as his, with a turn as memorable as he delivers, Elliott should be among the conversation for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars. He caps off an impeccable ensemble.

If there's one film at the Tribeca Film Festival that can become a conversation starter for awards at the end of the year, "Grandma" has that power. An enlightening and moving film that garners big laughs and big tears; Paul Weitz has created the crowning work of his career.

April showers bring May flowers, and "Grandma" is that beautiful flower for the season. One of the best films that 2015 is sure to offer.