The Last Word

The Last Word (2017): Dramas may not have strong content but it always triumphs with extraordinary performances and emotional scenes.But surprisingly The Last Word has good content and star-cast is very good.But at the end it just managed to get just an OK reaction from me.

Plot: Harriet (Shirley MacLaine) is a successful, retired businesswoman who wants to control everything around her until the bitter end. To make sure her life story is told her way, she pays off her local newspaper to have her obituary written in advance under her watchful eye. But Anne (Amanda Seyfried), the young journalist assigned to the task, refuses to follow the script and instead insists on finding out the true facts about Harriett's life, resulting in a life-altering friendship

My Review: Here's another one of those by-the-numbers heart-warmers whose every narrative move you can predict 10 minutes before it unfolds.So why does this story about an unlovable woman who wants to edit her own obituary still work like a charm?It stars Shirley MacLaine, who's gloriously grumpy – and appealing – as Harriet Lawlor, a former ad executive who has alienated everyone in her life, including her daughter. Even her priest can't stand her.

The idea of writing your own obituary when things aren't going well itself has scope of good comedy and drama.The Last Word has both the factors but only in limited quantity.The character seems to be in search of purpose much like the script itself. It's engaging enough to see through to the end, despite the material being so light it's a wonder it doesn't float away.

This entirely predictable film has became watchable mainly because of Shirley MacLaine who rocked with her stellar performance.There is an energy and commitment in her performance that gives the film a jolt of life.Seyfried, who can be a vivid actress, has been handed an underwritten part.

So,The Last Word may be highly predictable even with different concept,it worked because of Shirley's worthy performance.

My rating 6.5/10

The Last Word - 2017 Streaming on Apple 🍎 TV My Rating. 7/10

This movie was a delightful little discovery that I hadn't known existed till recently when researching the great catalogue of movies and television projects of Shirley MacLaine who is still working into her 90's.

It's not a great film but I think it's a good one and I found it very entertaining How often have we attended a funeral or read an obituary that glorifies the departed even if those very close to the deceased know that a few inconvenient truths have been left out mercifully so not to tarnish the reputation of the person or the family we are there for.

Stuart Ross Fink who I don't think has written anything else has written a humorous script with a touch of pathos .

I think he points out that it's never to late to change and let people see there is good in everyone and that the antidote to isolation is connection.

The impressive cast id headed by Shirley MacLaine playing the role of affluent and cantankerous Harriet Lauler. Harriet is a retired advertising entrepreneur who has made a fortune bossing everyone around and eventually alienating everyone in her life.

Harriet is planning to exit life gracefully but becomes interested in the work of a young woman journalist Anne played by the delightful Amanda Seyfried.

Anne writes the most flattering obituaries for some of Harriet's acquaintances who as Harriet informs her were as disliked and prickly as she is.

To make certain that her eulogy will be worthy of her position Harriet commissions the reluctant local newspaper journalist, Anne Sherman, to do the job while she is alive.

However keeping Harriet happy, is easier said than done and Anne soon discovers that Harriet appears to have burnt all her bridges with family and colleagues .

Her reputation for power and control have alienated Harriet to the extent that she'd be lucky if anyone attended her funeral.

But ! Just like Charles Dickens's Scrooge while there's life there's hope and Harriet finds she can change with good deeds and a newly discovered sense of humour.

Harriet also finds a part time job as a disc jockey which charms more than her audience when Anne the journalist meets Robin Sands the station manager played by Thomas Sadoski who just happens to be Amanda Seyfried's husband in real life.

Compared to a few movies around at the moment The Last Word has fun entertainment and good performances .

I haven't seen Shirley MacLaine look more relaxed in a movie for years it's well worth a look.

She obviously enjoyed appearing in this movie there is room for good entertainment it doesn't have to be great , good is ok.

Harriet Lauler (Shirley MacLaine) is an opinionated controlling rich old lady. She's retired after running an advertising company. Her family is estranged and nobody likes her. After OD'ing on her meds, she starts being concerned about her obituary. She hires newspaper obit writer Anne Sherman (Amanda Seyfried) to write one for her.

After talking to the at-risk girls, the story end point is more than obvious. There is also an obvious route for this movie. It's two great actresses on a road trip to self-discovery. Shirley MacLaine has made a career out of this character. This movie just needs some good writing. The writing is sometimes good standard stuff but sometimes gets clunky. The two leads usually are able to work out some good chemistry but some scene falls completely flat. For example, Anne is on a date when Harriet confronts her about her writing. It's an important moment but the date keep budding into it. He's a third wheel who keeps causing them to drive off course. Then there is the main third wheel, the little girl. She's the quintessential sassy black girl. She gets overshadowed despite the movie wanting her to be the breakout star. Harriet's reconnection with her daughter ends with a weird fake laugh. The audience is just like the other characters, looking at Harriet side-eyed. At the end of the day, I just want this to be better. The writing needs to be better.

I have to admit going into this a little unprepared and not sure what to expect. I hadn't read any write ups and went in with very little knowledge of what the movie was about.

I nearly always like Shirley MacLaine movies, she rarely does a bad one and Amanda Seyfried usually does OK. This was no exception and Shirley MacLaine really shines in this one. The roles is not really new, we have seen her in this type of role before so it is one she is either picked for or picks for herself.

Amanda Seyfried does quite well, but the real performance to look out for is from AnnJewel Lee Dixon, she really does make for a fun movie and steals some of the scenes she is in from Shirley MacLaine.

Word of warning, if you don't like the use of foul language by young children you may not like this movie, be prepared for that.

Some would say this is a predictable movie, so be it, it probably is, but it is also very entertaining and worth the price of admission.

8/10 for me and I would see it again.

This is a gem of a movie with a slow start that builds in appreciation as the story unfolds. It has a surprising array of talented actors, and they all do well. Shirley Maclaine is a masterful actress and does not disappoint in this film. She plays a woman who has always controlled everything in her life and now is focused on having her final say, hence the title. Amanda Seyfried plays a young obit writer and as always, fully commits to the role and she shines. The two make this an enjoyable and thoughtful experience. It isn't an action or popcorn movie, and didn't make much of a splash when it debuted but has a new life in streaming. It's about living life, facing challenges and being willing to take risks in life without fear of failure.