Last edited Fri Nov 22, 2024, 11:21 AM - Edit history (1)
“Thelma”
****
2024 * PG-13* 1h 38m There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned revenge movie for an evening’s entertainment. It’s such great fun rooting for an underdog searching for justice. When compiling a list of go-to female leads in this genre, actors like Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and Catherine Zeta-Jones come immediately to mind. Over the years, they’ve delivered some memorable and thoroughly engaging action-packed films. You might be surprised when I tell you a 93-year old actor by the name of June Squibb has recently joined their ranks.
The nonagenarian who’s had an impressive 70-year acting career stars in the new movie “Thelma.” The movie is based on events involving first-time writer/director Josh Margolan’s own grandma. To help set the tone, there are several references to Tom Cruise movies, and even the soundtrack by Nick Chuba is inspired by classic Hollywood thrillers. Ultimately, it’s a sweet little comedy that’s sure to delight the entire family.
Thelma (Squibb) is a 93-year old grandma who lives on her own, even though her beloved husband passed away a couple years ago. She’s fiercely independent and has no desire to go into an assisted living facility. Her grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) is devoted to her, and he’s charged with keeping her safe. He’s a bit of a lost soul in that although he’s in his mid-twenties, he’s not sure where his life is heading. But he’s dedicated to his grandma’s well being and the two spend lots of quality time together. It’s especially fun watching him teach her how to use a computer and introducing her to the world of the Internet. He truly has the patience of a saint.
And it’s this newly discovered world of social media that ultimately gets Thelma in trouble. She’s been posting on sites like Facebook, totally unaware of the potential dangers they may lead to. One day, she receives a call from Daniel who’s apparently in jail and needs bail money immediately. Knowing all the scams out there, we’re suspicious something’s amiss. But Thelma falls for it and is quickly bilked out of $10,000. When she discovers that she’s been robbed, she instantly starts forming a battle plan to get her money back.
Thelma visits an old friend Ben, played by Richard Roundtree of “Shaft” fame. He’s comfortably ensconced in an assisted living facility and he takes great pride in describing all the amenities available to him. Thelma however wants nothing to do with it. She’s loves living alone and is determined to keep it that way. But first things first. There’s that pesky little problem of getting her ten grand back. So the two of them set out on Ben’s motorized scooter to hunt town the culprit. Hang on to your hats folks, a moderately-paced ride awaits!
Figuring out that the scammer is in a nearby neighborhood, the couple hits the road. When Daniel’s parents Gail (Parker Posey) and Alan (Clark Gregg) discover Thelma’s gone missing, they begin their mission to track her down. Naturally, the crafty Thelma is constantly one step ahead of them. On her way to meet the con man, the couple pays a visit to an old friend, who they know secretly has a gun hidden in her house. It makes for a comical scene, where you keep your fingers crossed, hoping she gets away with finding and absconding with the pistol.
The movie is a series of one comical moment after another, which make it such a joy to watch. It’s hilarious seeing Thelma and Ben bombing around Los Angeles on a scooter. The entire cast is great and I should mention the con artist who stole Thelma’s money is none other than Malcolm McDowell. He sure excels at playing villains.
I was saddened to read that this was Mr. Roundtree’s swansong. What a great ending to a marvelous career. He was such a gifted actor. On a brighter note, I also read the real Thelma is still alive and going strong at 104 years of age. You go girl!
Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla. Also to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and other services.
More of my reviews can be viewed on my blog:
http://moviejunkiemark.blogspot.com
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