Plot
Self-described misanthrope Elle Reid has her protective bubble burst when her 18-year-old granddaughter, Sage, shows up needing help. The two of them go on a day-long journey that causes ... See full summary »
Release Year: 2015
Rating: 6.8/10 (164 voted)
Critic's Score: 76/100
Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden
Storyline
Self-described misanthrope Elle Reid has her protective bubble burst when her 18-year-old granddaughter, Sage, shows up needing help. The two of them go on a day-long journey that causes Elle to come to terms with her past and Sage to confront her future.
Cast: Lily Tomlin -
Elle Reid
Julia Garner -
Sage
Marcia Gay Harden -
Judy
Judy Greer -
Olivia
Laverne Cox -
Deathy
Elizabeth Peña -
Carla
Nat Wolff -
Cam
Sarah Burns -
John Cho -
Chau
Sam Elliott -
Karl
Mo Aboul-Zelof -
Ian
Skya Chanadet -
Elle's Young Neighbor
Frank Collison -
Mike
Meg Crosbie -
Protester's Child
Missy Doty -
Mom
Trivia:
The car that Elle (Lily Tomlin) and Sage (Julia Garner) drive in for much of the movie is a 1955 Dodge Royal that is actually owned by Lily Tomlin. Tomlin told USA Today that she bought it in 1975 for $1,500. She said, "It's not a prize car. It's not a car that people yearn for. But it has a nice look to it. . . . The car is almost a character in the movie. I knew I kept that car for a reason." See more »
Goofs:
When Sage and her grandma are talking next to the tree, during one shot a black body mic wire is visible on the right side of Sage's blouse. In between takes it is covered up. See more »
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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.
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