Camilla

This is one of those movies that should work and almost does. The cast is good, it's generally the sort of thing I should really like, but it all just feels a little too artificial. Yes, movies like this are inherently artificial, but sometimes the writer and director's sincerity makes it feel real. Here, you can see all the seams showing in the fabric; the movie has the contrived sense of a film with a very specific series of talking points it wants to present. There are occasional moments of insight and sparks of imagination, but for the most part there is a real been there done that quality to the whole thing. A decent enough movie, but nothing special.

This was Jessica Tandy's last movie, and even as an 80-something was lovely and sexy enough to do a nude skinny-dipping scene in the Atlantic off Georgia. Her foil was played by Bridget Fonda, and the main of the story is the two of them taking off to go back to Toronto to hear a Brahms violin concerto while Tandy's son and Fonda's husband are out of town on business. A highlight was a scene near the end when Camilla met up with her old boyfriend, played by her real husband, Hume Cronyn, and there is something very special seeing two actors who have been married for over 50 years do a romantic scene.

Critic Ebert has a fairly accurate review, but I believe is overly harsh in his analysis of it being too contrived. The film was meant to be funny, with Camilla making up these grand stories and her flustered son trying to find out where she had run off to. All she wanted was to get back to her old Russian boyfriend. I would recommned this film to anyone who likes a "character" film. It felt more like they were allowing us, the audience, to enter in and become a part of their lives.

A gem of a movie! Jessica Tandy's Last screen credit, is yet another winning performance. Sweet and pleasant movie, never awarded the attention it deserved, however somehow to the average viewer it is not that memorable.

Dealing with just a so-so story-line that is very soft and mellow. It won't be hard to like this movie, if you can acually find it at the video store. Tandy and Fonda work well together, but watch this one for Tandy's sake, she is a film legend, and deserves this one on us!

Freda Lopez (Bridget Fonda) is a musician who wants to front her own band. Her husband Vincent (Elias Koteas) belittles her dream more as a hobby. While on vacation, they meet Camilla (Jessica Tandy) and her son Harold (Maury Chaykin). Freda is immediately fascinated with former concert violinist Camilla. Vincent gets a chance at work, and decides to leave along with Harold. He and Freda have a fight, and she stays despite of Vincent. After some reminiscence from Camilla, Freda suggests that she and Camilla return to Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre to attend a concert. The men return to find the women gone, and must come to terms with their relationships.

This is a rather slow moving movie. It's a road trip, but unlike 'Thelma & Louise', they don't blow anything up or shot anybody. I do have to warn the more squeamish that the ladies do get naked. It's a road movie of self discovery and reliving old memories. What truly stands out is the absolute brightness of Jessica Tandy. She doesn't miss a beat. She illuminates the screen. This is one of her last movies, and she commands it like the legend she is. Her longtime husband Hume Cronyn also shines in the latter part of the movie. If you're a fan of their work, it's a movie you should search out. Otherwise, it's a little too slow moving for me.

I loved movie. I have placed it with my favorites. I will compare the splendor of this movie with another one of my favorites, My House In Umbria starring Miss Maggie Smith. Jessica's performance, as always gives a touch only she can accomplish. Miss Fonda gives a good performance. Had this movie been on a larger budget i would have chosen someone else to play her role. I noticed that the coat check woman has same last name as Hume Cronyn. All in all, the story was uplifting and a definite re-watch for a rainy day, which is exactly what today is. I love when I've accidentally stumbled upon a movie that turns out out be so worthy you want to see it again. For those who enjoyed this, please make an effort to see My House In Umbria.