User Reviews

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

"Thelma" isn't perfect but as a whole, it is a fun and entertaining movie about the lives of elderly people, issues of scam calls and family with fun energy, good direction and a wonderful performance from June Squibb. Director Josh Margolin does a pretty good job on blending comedic and dramatic elements together into the narrative with good humor, fun characters and interesting dynamics between the characters. Squibb's character was highly entertaining to observe and while the other characters were okay, I found each of the characters to have some decent chemistry and energy together.

The production is solid, the camerawork is okay, and the dialogue is pretty good, while some moments could be better. Margolin has a lot of fun references to Tom Cruise's Mission Impossible and he was able to add the jokes and references well into the narrative and action that is occurring in the movie. Although I did found the ending to be slightly anticlimactic and a little unrealistic, as a whole, the heart in the movie is strong and Margolin clearly put a lot of passionate into this project.

Fun movie to watch with friends and it really is sweet.

This is the kind of movie that was popular in the 90's. A feel-good comedy clocking in at an hour and a half. No big action scenes, no CGI, no superheroes, no T&A, and ABSOLUTELY NO POLITICS. Pretty much the bane of modern audiences, but that's just fine because modern audiences have no taste.

The movie follows Thelma, a 93 year old woman who is conned out of some money. When she won't let it go, her family starts to worry about her living on her own, but her grandson has her back. She sets out to get what's hers, but instead of shooting a bunch of stupid action scenes with old people doing wirework pretending to do kung-fu, it keeps everything within the realities of what a 93 year old can do. The scenes presented as action scenes are done so for comedic effect. June Squibb and Richard Rountree (RIP) were great, Fred Hechinger reminds me sooo much of Joaquin Phoenix (which is a good thing), and Clark Gregg/Parker Posey are always good. I'm struggling to find anything negative to say, really. Maybe a little more Malcolm McDowell?

It's a quick, fun movie with some creativity, and it handles the challenges that the elderly face in a modern world very tastefully.

When did the late great Richard Roundtree becomes the cat who's the sex machine for all the old White chicks? He played Jane Fonda's love interest in Moving On now he's June Squibb's partner in this "Crime Thriller" This new trend to make movies starring older actresses lost one of their best romantic leads in 2023.

This movie needed an action star to justify it and it got that in Shaft. It also had a decent character villain in Malcom McDowell, which justifies my perception of it. I mean it has the prefect action premise: "They stole her money now she has to get it back!" It's funny how because the cast was old as dirt it made a lot of things, they were doing far more suspenseful: walking upstairs, riding a moped, falling. I do feel like you got to be the right age to feel the danger and be able to laugh at it. If I was 30 to 40 years older I possible think this was a horror flick.

So yeah, it was a delightful film about what grandma means to everyone when they get old enough to need to worry about them more than usually. A bit grim if you are coming to that age when you are a burden to one's family. Also, a touching love letter for a filmmaker who obviously loved his own grandmother.

The emotional thrill ride was intense even though most of the cast can't move that fast but it definitely makes you want to call your grandma after it's over.

"Thelma" gives June Squibb and the late Richard Roundtree the chance to deliver a couple of fun performances in the rare movie that prominently features elderly characters without patronizing them.

The central relationship in the movie is between a young man and his grandmother, but I saw a lot of my mom in the character of Thelma. She's 81 and in pretty good shape, the usual wear and tear issues of aging aside. She has mobility issues and has said that it would be tempting to sit on the couch all day and watch T. V., but she forces herself to stay active and independent. As a result, she's doing pretty well, and I know that if she had the choice between getting out and about and running the risk of getting injured or overdoing it vs. Wasting slowly away from a sedentary lifestyle, she'd say bring on the risk. I don't blame her, as I think I'll feel the same way.

"Thelma" nails what it's like to be children trying to care for an elderly parent. You want to let them be independent, but you also know that anything that happens to them as a result is going to fall on you to handle, so you do things for them instead and caution them against trying to do too much themselves. But then you're taking away the very thing that is helping them stay sharp and healthy, even though you mean well. It's a crappy position to be in, and it's no wonder that studies show people in their 40s have the least life contentment of any other decade.

On the other hand, I could not relate at all to the helicopter parenting of the characters played by Parker Posey and Clark Gregg in this movie, as that isn't how I parent at all.

Grade: A-

Watched the film at Sundance Film Festival. It's a really great film, super-funny, super-entertaining, but also with a great heart and a very interesting human exploration of the condition of elderly people. It is also very very tender. The writer/director was inspired by his grandma, and you get this love and tenderness towards the limtis and conditions of the elderly people. The action dimension is funny but realistic, and is played in reference and contrast to the Tom Cruise Mission Impossible franchise. I would say a Mission Impossible with a 93 unstoppable protagonist. Great acting, I liked especially Fred Hechinger, the grandson, and obviusly June Squibb, which ia absolutely great. Not surprised if June Squibb gets a nomination to the Oscars, or the Oscar itself.

"Taking from an elderly person is as bad as stealing from a child." The Beekeeper

I liked Jason Statham's exclamation and reason for violence (above) as he seeks revenge on scammers of a kindly old friend. Thelma (June Squibb at 93 years old) in the current titular action/comedy tries to help her grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger) in need of being bailed out of trouble, so the scammers say. Sending them cash was not just a bad move; it also revealed the electronic vulnerability of the elderly.

Josh Margolin, in his debut as a director and the writer who recollects his aging grandmother, has a firm hand on the whimsical adventure as Thelma tracks down the crooks while keeping her dignity and avoiding the cliches of the old-folks drama. We know she's already had a brain tumor, sepsis, edema, hip replacement, double mastectomy, and valve replacement, but we also know she's a survivor, leaving her family less able to handle her aging's infirmity than she.

Margolin gives her no heroic speeches but rather shows by using mostly her point of view a human being of sweet, even temper not ready to give in to the grim reaper. After all, her spirit animal is Mission Impossible.

Pleasantly the film rolls around Thelma's need for independence, which she handles well, as the family considers if it's time to talk assisted living. Because she'll have none of that, she drives a scooter with her friend, Ben (a skilled Richard Roundtree in his final role), to find the malefactor, Harvey (Malcolm McDowell, lending his considerable chops to a film that could well use another seasoned cinema vet). Autonomy rules for Thelma.

Although the film's setup slows its pace, it take its Geritol in the last half with the confrontation and resolution. Thelma shows it's not too late for the aging to use the Internet and to take life by the horns. The virtue of this sometimes-flaccid actioner is its respect for the aging and condemnation of ageism.

No infantilization of the elderly here-just an honest depiction of old bodies, sharp minds, and loving family bonds, the best Geritol ever.

It carries enough rumination and pathos on aging and facing not even the end but, as Richard Roundtree says it, "deterorating," while having a good movie plot to carry along this payback after a swindling adventure. It's really June Squibb, who is delightful and serious and bewildered and sad and yet still has her "good" days and, thankfully, the one she's on to get her 10k back is one of those, and Roundtree is such a powerful force here, so empathetic but also the buddy Thelma needs to tell her to not do *that* or to slow down or etc.

While I wished Roundtree was still with us, it's hard to ask for a better movie to close a 55+ year career on than this, and we can tell he's having the time of his life in the role, and with it as much as Shaft or anything else he'd done. He has great chemistry with Squibb, and he knows how to time just the right look of conservation with a mix of "yeah, well, let's do it."

Posey and Clark are having fun as well, though they're saddled with fairly one dimensional roles where the sitcom-ish side of this comes through. I liked the grandson better as a guy at 24, who is (and I could relate as I was like this till... what's my age again) trying to figure himself out and the one thing he knows is he's gotta take care of his grandmother.

The "wandering off to the salad bar for another helping" is a potent analogy: if there was just doddering wandering without any idea, that's one thing; Thelma has a good idea of what she needs to do (again, a "good" day), albeit with the stubbornness of "I don't need my family's help" (or that she knows how fussy they are about it), and that's the joy in the movie is to see a proactive and commanding character, despite if she is mostly riding a scooter, we catch our breath if she falls down, and unintentionally uploading pictures to her Instagram (who hasn't?)

So, not a top 10 of the year sort of flick, but it's perfectly fine being a hit as a single that becomes a double. Oh, and Malcolm McDowell shows up and gets to chew a little scenery for a little while, but those with relatively good hearing will hear him much earlier in the story.

In her first starring role, June Squibb is conned out of $9500 and goes to get it back with the help of old friend Richard Roundtree (in his final screen role) from fraudster Malcolm McDowell. Meanwhile daughter Parker Posey, son-in-law Clark Gregg, and grandson Fred Hechinger have conniptions about the old lady, wondering if she's gone senile, or. Is simply dead.

Writer-director-editor based the story on what happened to his (currently) 105-year-old grandmother; she appears in the end credits. It's a pleasant little movie that is far more interested in telling its story than current Hollywood production, and does so competently.

Oscar-nominated June Squibb did not appear in her first motion picture until she was 62. Previously she had been a stage actress; her first Broadway role was as one of the strippers in Gypsy.

I just left the theater after seeing the new June Squibb film, "Thelma", and I walked to my car with a big smile on my face. Working with seniors daily and seeing how resilient some of them are and the stories they have to tell, made me enjoy this film even more. For June Squibb, starring in a film at age 93 (she is 94 now), was quite enjoyable. She held her own in "Nebraska" and received an Academy Award nomination for that role. She might get nominated again. Having been scammed by phone scammers who pretend to be her injured grandson, she gets swindled out of $10k. When she realizes her grandson is fine, she decides to go on a Tom Cruise: Mission Imposible quest, to find the culprits and retrieve her money. With the help of a friend, played by Richard Roundtree, in his last role, tags along from his nursing home with Thelma driving his scooter, heading into unsafe territory to find the culprits. It's a journey and I recommend everyone to go along for the ride. To reveal anymore would give away too much. The movie is tender, sincere and at times outright hilarious. And it's based on a true story. The supporting cast is good and believable. Some of the story and actions are a bit far fetched but the film is worth seeing and has some good dialogue about aging and not taking life for granted!

Gentle, low-budget, indie dramedy "Thelma" may be a cut above most senior citizen flicks... but in truth is still pretty average overall. 94yr old widow June Squibb gets done for $10k by phone scammers Macolm McDowell & Aiden Fiske - but she refuses to take it lying down, and sets off across Los Angeles with pal Richard Roundtree to get her money back... to the distress of daughter Parker Posey, son-in-law Clark Gregg, and their son Fred Hechinger. The likeable cast deliver likeable performances (Hechinger in particular surely has a fine future ahead) and Josh Margolin should be rightly proud of his writer / director debut... but it just isn't gonna pull up many trees.

A 93-year-old woman living alone is scammed by a caller pretending to be her grandson who steals $10,000 from her. In spite of the concerns from her family, Thelma Post goes on an adventure to get her money back. She gets the help from her reluctant friend Ben to find and confront her swindlers.

Thelma is a movie excels at comedic timing. There are a lot of gags in this movie, some witty dialogue, some physical, a couple running gags and a lot about the situations older people are in. Nearly all of them land. I was laughing as hard as I did in Bad Boys: Ride or Die and the people I was with laughed throughout the film too. While there may have been a joke or two that did not work for me, I would say I laughed about every five minutes with this film. The best part about this movie is the timing of the jokes too and they never come across as mean-spirited or mocking elderly people. I think that people of all ages can find something humorous in this action-comedy flick.

The story is not about the capabilities of a senior citizens and how you do not have to let anyone take advantage of you. In this movie, Thelma handles herself very well and pushes herself to catch the thieves that swindled her. She is shown to be very resilient and refuses to let her weaknesses stop her from getting her money back. However, the movie is also about not tackling dangerous situations alone. Thelma is very resilient, but there are times she does need help on her quest and she learns throughout the film. The message comes across as knowing when you need an extra hand in difficult situations. The script handles the themes in this movie beautifully and it comes off as encouraging and uplifting.

Thelma Post is a great protagonist. She is funny, she is lovable and kind and she is one of the most resilient people I have seen in a while. She does not let anything or anyone stop her. There is one moment in the film that I cheered on the inside from her. Thelma is flawed in that she can be selfish and few times, but she is shown to have her heart in the right place and admit when she was wrong. June Squibb is terrific in the role. She is funny, charming and has fantastic expressions and comedic timing. Thelma Post as a character could not work nearly as well without Squibb's enthusiasm and wit.

The supporting cast is strong too with the late Richard Roundtree as a standout as Ben. Roundtree plays as Thelma's cautious and helpful friend beautifully and shares very fun chemistry with June Squibb. This is one of those movies where I could tell the two stars seemed like friends in real life. Thelma's family is very likable and concerned, but I am not sure how to feel about the rant from the grandson. I could see that scene being relatable to a degree because it is dealing with a missing person and he feels as if his grandmother's disappearance is his fault, but it is a bit tough to watch, especially when he rants in front of his parents. Fred Hinchinger's acting in that scene works well because he is relatively calm most of the movies and then he lets that out of nowhere. Malcolm McDowell is in the movie and he is great here. The cast is really good and everyone contributes to the plot.

As I said earlier, Thelma is not a typical action movie in the slightest. The movie is more about the adventure of Thelma and Ben than a film with chases or action scenes. It's another part of the film that makes it more charming because it still finds ways to make the story tense by showing how dangerous this seemingly simple journey for Thelma can be. One of my favorite scenes though is the scooter chase in the nursing home. It is such a creative and entertaining sequence. The climax is fantastic in the buildup and payoff with how far Thelma has come. The cinematography by David Bolen is solid, but the editing by Magolin is what makes this movie so dynamic. The film is edited in a way that builds up the tension and comedic beats at the perfect time. The musical score by Nick Chuba is really good and it fits the tone of the movie.

I really enjoyed Thelma. This is the perfect mix of funny, heartwarming and intense moments. It is also surprisingly original as an action movie. This is a movie that takes full advantage of its premise from start to finish. It encourages older people that they still have their lives to live. This is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a while and it had a few moments that I found pretty touching. This movie is a gem. I highly recommend Thelma if it is playing in a theater near you.

Who knew we needed a noir film about a 90 year old protagonist? June Squib plays Thelma a 90 year old grandmother who's just lost her money to a phone scam. When neither the police nor her family offer much help she decides to take matters into her own hands with the help of her old a friend Ben played by Roundtree.

Thelma is particularly strong when exploring the limitations and meaning of aging. Throughout the film our protagonist is confronted with her limitation in suspenseful and hilarious ways. A big part of the joke is that the mundane everyday tasks, feel like a dangerous action movie sequence for a 90 year old. The film revisits this joke successfully and often.

When the movie isn't playing geriatric Mission Impossible, we see how much the younger family cares for their grandmother. The director really did a good job of capturing the uncomfortable challenge of caring for an elderly loved one while still respecting their independence.

Overall, I'd recommend the movie. It's cute and sometimes sweet. It's funny, but I wasn't rolling in the isles.

7/10.

I felt like this could have been a good action comedy that was still heart-felt but completely failed. It lacked jokes, missed opportunities, and only made me wonder why I spent time watching it. There was very little tension other than 'they took her money'. That's messed up for sure but why did she need it? Adding that detail could have changed things completely. I didn't care about any of the characters because they were all flat but could have been interesting. A movie with a good plot that fails stings more than one that's simply bad. I would really like to know what I missed with this one because a lot of people seem to love it.

According to playwright David Mamet, "Age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance." And, if 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) has anything to say about it in this fact-based action-comedy-drama, you can take that notion to the bank. In this story of a spry but sometimes-gullible widowed retiree living on her own, we watch - often in jaw-dropping awe - a feisty, independently minded senior determined to get her money back when she's scammed out of her funds in a phone-based phishing scheme. Thelma says nothing about her plan to her family (Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg), who are already concerned about her ability to continue living on her own, and recruits the assistance of a wily old friend (Richard Roundtree) to join her in her quest to retrieve the stolen cash. The result is an uproarious farce featuring humor that's clearly outlandish but never implausible or over the top. But there's more to this offering than laughs - the sight of capable, underestimated elderly folks taking charge over their lives (and, in the case of this picture, even performing their own stunts!) is truly inspiring. This is backed by a potent, poignant (though never preachy) underlying look at what it's like to grow old and the losses that come with it, a bittersweet meditation on the inevitable changes that come with age and how all too quickly they arrive, material that's deftly and often philosophically interwoven with the comedy. Director Josh Margolin's debut feature represents an impressive premiere for the writer-actor, featuring a superbly penned, well-balanced, evenly paced script relating the experiences of his own 103-year-old grandmother, who's still alive and kicking and whose real-life home was used as one of the film's principal movie sets. It's also a triumph for 94-year-old Squibb in her career's first-ever lead role, one worthy of Oscar contention that effectively depicts a wide-ranging talent that's been bottled up for far too long. And the film is a fine showcase for Roundtree in his final feature film performance, one in which we see him in a different light from many of his previous roles and in which he's perfectly matched with his cunning co-star. My only issue with the picture is with the portrayal of Thelma's family, in which the development of its three principals never comes off quite right, seemingly reaching for something that doesn't gel properly, an aspect of the narrative that clearly could have used some further refinement. Otherwise, though, "Thelma" (or "Thelmaf" as it was known in an alternate version of the title) is one of the funniest, best produced releases that I've seen in quite some time. So hop on your scooter and get your behind to see this one - or else.

Grandma "Thelma" (June Squibb) is rather cruelly fleeced by a man pretending that her beloved grandson "Daniel" (Fred Hechinger) has been in a car accident with a pregnant women. $10,000 lighter her family realise she's been scammed and she is having none of it. Recruiting her pal "Ben" (Richard Roundtree) - or, more accurately, car-napping his mobility scooter, she escapes from the protective custody of her family and sets off to find the culprit. Squibb and Roundtree are obviously having great fun here as the pair embark on an engaging series of geriatric adventures that illustrate, clearly, that though the body may be weak the spirit is very much alive and kicking - and you know you're in for a decent denouement with Malcolm McDowell in the starting line-up too. I thought Hechinger tried a bit too hard here, but there is still something enjoyable about his at times rather theatrical performance and his dynamic with the charming and formidably ingenious Squibb. Clark Gregg and Parker Posey make up the rest of the family and quite entertainingly shine a light on the problems of parents dealing with an elderly relative - about whom they do, genuinely, care, whilst also trying to live their own lives and keep an eye on a son who has, just to make matters slightly worse, recently split from the love of his life. It does have a bit of a wobble for ten minutes towards the end as it struggles a little to make a point about the stupidity of the bloody-minded but for the most part there's a good deal to giggle at as the pair go along. You probably won't recall this for long after you watch it, but it's a good laugh that just confirmed what I've thought for ages. Those buggies need a lane of their own!

A very fun and charmingly sweet movie about this really old grandma wanted to do justice by her own hands and the family trying to stop her, its a fun movie and very entertaining, it just goes with the flow and in the end you feel complete

Thelma is great in the movie it's unbelievable that's this is her first starring role if her career , she was born as a star and it's a shame that Hollywood mistreated her during decades and just ignore her, but that's what Hollywood always do its sad but its normal, the dialogue and emotional scenes are great and very moving. Its. Overall a solid movie and a pleasant surprise this 2024.

Over the years, action movies often cast actors/actresses who are young, agile, and flexible, creating a limitation to a vibrant genre. With "Thelma", the movie emerges as a refreshing and revitalizing departure from the norm regarding the action-comedy genre. From the visionary, Josh Margolin, the movie is inspired by the real-life experiences of his grandmother, "Thelma", reimagining the action genre by placing an elderly grandmother as the lead. The film stands as a testament to the boundless potential of storytelling, regardless of age, and is an exuberant celebration of life, family, and the indomitable will to defy expectations.

June Squibb, in her first leading role performance in 40 years, delivers a tour-de-force performance as the savage grandmother---Thelma. "Thelma" is a strong-willed grandmother who embarks on a series of thrilling action escapades, despite her advanced age of 93, Squibb embodies the character with such grit and determination that is palpable throughout the movie, making it an infectious and heartwarming performance. But above all, her performance is full of joy that transcends and will linger even after the credits roll. Her performance is so compelling and hilarious that it begs the question: why has Hollywood overlooked her talents for so long? Although she previously garnered an Oscar nomination for her performance in "Nebraska", her performance in "Thelma" undoubtedly deserves another nod, and this time in a leading role nomination. However, given the film's indie comedy label, one might worry that the Academy could overlook her extraordinary performance once again.

The film opens with "Thelma" living a seemingly mundane life, overshadowed by the well-meaning but overbearing concerns of her daughter, "Gail", son-in-law Alan, and grandson Danny. Not long enough, the audience are being whisked away on a roller-coaster adventure that reveals Thelma's hidden prowess and invincible spirit. Margolin's direction and vision are both deft and literate, employing familiar action tropes, like Mission Impossible, in a manner that is both age-appropriate and hilariously innovative. Whether it's Thelma outsmarting a group of bumbling burglars or executing a high-stake heist to retrieve a stolen family heirloom, the film never ceases to surprise and entertain audiences with its rich and hilarious storytelling.

The film's greatest strength lies in the film's ability to balance humor with heartfelt and action-packed moments. Margolin's screenplay is infused with a natural, infectious humor that feels genuine and respectful. The comedy aspect of the film arises naturally from the characters and situations, allowing the audience to laugh alongside Thelma rather than at her. This kind of inclusive approach to humor is what makes the film so endearing and relatable, Thelma's antics are not just funny, but also a celebration of her agency and vitality, serving as a poignant reminder that life doesn't stop at a certain age, or in this case, at 93.

At its core, "Thelma" is a family movie. Amid the high-octane action sequences and clever comedic scenes, the film delves into the profound bonds and intricate dynamics that define familial relationships. Margolin captures the heart of the movie through its tender and intimate moments that will resonate with authenticity and ingenuity. Even the interactions between Thelma and her family are imbued with genuine emotions and reflect the love, frustration, and unspoken understanding that often characterize real-life family dynamics. Even as the credit rolls, the film will leave its audiences to ponder and reflect, and in my case, cry.

The film's emotional impact is matched by its exciting roller-coaster pacing. One moment, you're laughing out loud, and the next, you're reaching for tissues---moments like these make "Thelma" a truly engaging and immersive experience. The film's wholesomeness and heart-touching tribute make it a perfect addition to the ever-evolving cinematic universe, one that can be enjoyed by everyone, from kids to grandparents. It's the kind of film that is universally appealing and can be enjoyed together with your friends, family, and especially your grandparents. The film's charm lies in its ability to entertain while also delivering a heartfelt message about the value of family and life.

In conclusion, "Thelma" is a cinematic gem that deserves to be celebrated and talked about. Squibb's captivating performance is phenomenal and heartbreaking at the same time, together with Margolin's direction that breathes new life into the action-comedy genre with clever humor, heartfelt moments, and a fresh perspective. The film's ability to tackle themes of aging, agency, and family with such grace and authenticity is what the film stand out sets apart from other action-comedy flicks. Thelma is the kind of film that will make you laugh out loud and bring you to tears, and after its credit rolls, you will have a new perspective and appreciation of the resilience and strength of the human spirit regardless of your age. "Thelma" stands out as one of the most entertaining and heartfelt films in recent years, a testament to the idea that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and ages and that life's adventures come with no expiration date. Whether you're a fan of action, comedy, or great storytelling, "Thelma" is a must-watch. It's a film that defies expectations and will leave a long-lasting impression on its audiences.

Thelma charts an adventure had by a 90 year old woman, who after being scammed out of $10,000, goes across town to find the scammers and try to get her money back.

Thing is, Thelma was real, and she was 91, and this really happened.

It's been made into a comedy: not the greatest comedy ever made, but nicely amusing. Some of the more comedic moments aren't funny at all, such as when people are all panicking and talking over one another. Its just chaotic but not really that amusing. However there are some heartfelt moments that are very amusing and poignant.

There's some very touching moments. Thelma is joined on her journey by Ben, played excellently by the original John Shaft.... Richard Roundtree. Ben tries to get Thelma to realise she's 91 and at their age they can't do as much as they used to do. This is a real reference to how people age and change which is quite sad but real. Thelma however is having none of it and has already stolen a gun to meet her scammers.

Malcom McDowell is excellent as the scammer Harvey, even though he has a limited role. He also personifies ill health and age. There's a lot of reference to age given that Thelma is 91, and yet despite all the hints throughout the film that age = reduced function, Thelma never loses focus on her goal of getting her money back no matter what.

So, it's very slow in parts, some of the scenes many might find hilarious are actually just amusing, but that said I think it's a lovely heart warming film, which gets people talking about age and ability, while giving them a chuckle along the way.

I gave it a solid 7 for great entertainment.

Excellent movie about the ultra elderly. As virtually anyone over 70 will tell you the "golden years" stink.

Your body slowly betrays you and your mind eventually goes too if you live long enough. If you do not become invisible you at least are "tolerated" and get to hear those lovely terms like "young man" or " 90 years young." If you are lucky your hearing goes so you don't have to overhear others talking about you like you barely exist.

This movie does not gloss over all the negatives with a tour through a nursing home showing the wide range of the ravages of aging. Squibb and the late Roundtree are excellent and Posey and Clark were perfectly annoying. The grandson was wonderful as the ineffectual but caring and sensitive epitome of millennials. The audience in their 80's and 90's will identify with the tech clueless characters and their offspring will see their futures.

So will this movie depress you a little - you bet - but it will let you realize that the elderly are still people.

Give them a break.

It was hard to judge this movie based on the trailers but when I saw it I was glad I did. The unexpected, unplanned adventure will make you laugh, and cry and this fairly simple story becomes one that you want to follow until the end and thankfully it had a rather glorious ending. The main character Thelma is all of our grandmas in one package, and they highlight her getting older in really interesting ways and at some moments it does get a bit sad, but ultimately, I would say this is a deep movie that is both feel good and worth watching. I would highly recommend this; it is absolutely worth a watch.

My wife and I are old, older that I am sure than those who have posted reviews so far. We like a fair amount of the movie but also found parts to be patronizing if not insulting to those who have made it as far as several of the characters in this film.

Then there are the supporting characters, annoying stereotypes would be too kind. Especially the grandson's mother and father - we starting cringing during almost every scene they were in.

June Squibb was great as always, though she was hampered a bit by the script. Richard Roundtree (RIP) was the real gem of the film for me.

I just know that we both expected better. We were really looking forward to seeing this film. Yet by around two thirds through, my wife and I both felt that if we had been streaming it - we would have turned it off.

What a treat to see June Squibb lead a movie with her signature gusto, shredding scenes and espousing bon mots, outpacing a seasoned supporting cast which includes some fairly well known others (yes, I'm looking at the three of you: Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, and Malcolm McDowell). Richard Roundtree, however, is someone you can trust to pick you up if you fall, and adds even greater dignity to a film about the indignity of slowly fading away into a hospital bed.

Although the funniest and most poignant moments might hit squarely only for those of us so fortunate to have seen loved ones live long enough to enjoy a life diminished in both physical and mental prowess, we can all enjoy the daring adventure of Thelma, who has always had great respect for running errands.

There are plenty of forced ironies but most of them work cleverly. Unfortunately, the fun feels like a drag even at the fairly unusual runtime below 100 minutes. Some of the extra fat could have been chopped around the wholly unnecessary side plot related to Thelma's grandson's love life, as well as the fairly unfunny and on-the-nose jabs about helicopter parenting. Would that it were simply an adventure focusing on Squibb's and Roundtree's characters, who light up the golden screen so gloriously.