Mamie

"Grandma" is one of those short little nice independent films that touches the heart showing that life is full of change, hope and finding a new path for each. The grand old Lily Tomlin is Elle a past her prime college professor who's down in the dumps she's broke money wise and she's just broken up with her gay lady love Olivia(Judy Greer). To complicate matters one day her granddaughter Sage shows up one day needing 600 dollars and guess what it's for an abortion as Sage was knocked up by her boyfriend who hit the road! Then it's a funny and feel good road journey to obtain the 600 for an abortion and along the way it's a bonding of love and friendship as Sage's mother and Elle's daughter Judy(Marcia Gay Harden)an uptight and business like society snob provides the money for the procedure. Still thru it all each discover a journey of hope and a new beginning and Lily Tomlin's performance is shining even with her grand old age.

Absolutely one of the most enjoyable films I've seen in a while with a brilliant performance from Lily Tomlin. The plot follows a girl who goes to her loud-mouthed liberal grandma for help paying for an abortion and their quest to come up with the money when they don't have enough. The film takes place over the course of one day as they drive to meet various people whom they think can help, including grandma's scorned ex-husband and her crazy work-obsessed daughter. There is a lot of comedy throughout but there's also a strong helping of drama too, and the film manages to be quirky and fun but also deeply moving at the same time. If you like intelligent adult comedies with a realistic tone then I definitely recommend you watch this as soon as you can, you won't be disappointed!

Now I get that this movie is not for everyone. It's very "talky" (the dialog though is really something to behold, unless you have issues with bad language) and it has very strong female roles/characters throughout. Male counterparts are very few and in between. Though still cast greatly as you can see in the cast list.

And you need every piece to make this work. And work it does, when you hear Lily T. going off and see her flaws, but also her charm, it's pure joy to watch. Unless you do want your movies packed with action rather than words of course or where expecting this to be a horror movie (the title alone could suggest a lot of things, if you are not aware of the story). I'm almost surprised by the fact this has not a higher rating though ... and it's kind of a shame!

I thought it was a great film, very enjoyable as a girl and her grandma search for the money so that she can get an abortion.

The whole thing felt like it was two joints away from Being a stoner comedy, especially from the perspective of Lilly Tomilin's performance in it as the eccentric grandma with some serious baggage of her own who wishes to help her granddaughter, and on the this journey they take together the granddaughter learns a lot about her grandmother without coming all out to reveal anything. Lilly Tomilin takes first billing on the poster even though it seems like Julia Garner's character is really the center of attention as she explores Grandma's universe.

I Like Sam Elliot's role in the movie as well. Maybe he was just that charming, like he was supporting Blythe Danner in I'll See You in My Dreams or I feel for the character he plays, the one time love interest of Grandma before she came out of the closet. Either way it works.

It's an amusing story about family coming together when one is in need. We all should be lucky to be able to relate to what's going on. It's also about it never being too late to come though for those you love.

Very humorous.

It's a rare event, but, yes, sometimes the director of American Pie makes a really good movie. The last one was probably About a Boy back in 2002. Grandma is a charming little indie with some fine acting, good character work and some touching emotion. Lily Tomlin plays an aging lesbian poet who is visited by her granddaughter (Julia Garner). She is hoping for money to pay for an abortion, but Grandma is broke. The film follows them as they go from place to place, hoping to get a loan or owed money or sell something valuable. The past is filled in by these encounters. The supporting cast is ace and includes Marcia Gay Harden, Sam Elliot, Judy Greer, Elizabeth Pena (who passed away about a year ago) and Laverne Cox (lovely to see her make the leap to feature film). It's Tomlin's movie, of course, but one should not overlook how good Garner is in the more passive role. I knew I recognized her from somewhere - it turned out to be Martha Marcy May Marlene - she should become a huge star. Okay, maybe it's because she's cute and I love her hair so much, but she is very good here.