Better Than Ever

Found this film in the bargain bin at my local video store and decided to check it out for the cast. The plot synopsis on the box also sounded like something you don't see everyday. Unfortunately, though, the film moves at a snail's pace and some of the performances (especially William Hickey in one of his last roles) seemed patched together in a manner similar to Bela Lugosi in the film's of Ed Wood. My friends and I were tired and depressed by the time the end credits rolled--this despite the film's "uplifting" ending. Paging Dr. Kevorkian.

Saw a VHS cassette of this film lying around at my father's and popped it into his ancient player. I was going to just fast forward through some scenes to the end but found myself rewinding and watching it for real. This independent film is a gem albeit seems to be done on the cheap. Although it dragged in some areas, the story was engaging as Ifound myself rooting for these old fogies. The ability to transcend all odds and survive seems to be the message but should it be that depressing? I recommend this film if you can find it. You want to see life through the eyes of senior citizens with nothing better to do with all the time in their hands. I had a good chuckle here and there.