The Meddler

'THE MEDDLER': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Comedy-drama flick about a widow; that's desperate to try and help her depressed single daughter get her life back on track. She begins helping numerous other people, she meets, instead. The movie stars Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne and J.K. Simmons. It was written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (who also helmed the amazing 'SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD'). I really enjoyed this film!

Marnie (Sarandon) is an elder widow; who recently moved to Los Angeles to be with her daughter Lori (Byrne). Lori was recently dumped by her boyfriend, Jacob (Jason Ritter), and she's still upset about it. Marnie tries to help Lori, get over her ex, but Lori doesn't want her meddling. Marnie begins helping other people, she meets in the city, instead.

The movie is funny, and extremely sweet. Sarandon is fantastic in the lead, and I always love J.K. Simmons. The mother/daughter relationship is very touching, and the romance is moving as well; but it's all the random people Marnie meets, and helps, that is the most beautiful thing to watch about this movie. I really enjoyed it.

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I am no fan of Sarandon the person, but her talent as an actress is undeniable. She shines in this movie and she is what makes it fun and enjoyable to watch along with J. K. Simmons.

I went into this movie thinking it was a mother/daughter movie, and in some ways it is, but mostly this is very much Marnie's story and how she deals with grieving the loss of her beloved husband and the daughter who keeps trying to put distance between them while Marnie keeps trying to close the gap all the while exploring other outlets for her need to nurture, help and move forward with her own life. It has comedic moments that are quite fun, but I would not label this a comedy. It is a light, fun, easy watch but still with plenty of substance.

Not everyone enjoys a character study movie, but if you do I think you will enjoy The Meddler.

"I think it's time we set some boundaries." Lori (Byrne) as been dumped by her boyfriend and is struggling with getting through the day to day grind of life. Things get worse when her overbearing and constantly there mother Marnie (Sarandon) shows up and tries to help. Eventually Lori needs a break and when she goes to New York for a job she tells her mother to stay. Without Lori to take care of Marnie finds ways to help others and, more importantly, herself. This, like many reviews, should be taken with a grain of salt. Mainly because I am a guy and this movie was not geared toward me at all. That said I didn't think the movie was that bad, but it was just nothing I could totally get invested in. Some of the scenes were funny, but Sarandon played the part in a way where it made me feel sorry for her more than anything. That may have been the intention but that is what I got out of it. Also, the movie is not what I expected. I was expecting something along the lines of a more serious Guilt Trip type movie, and this is more about Marnie finding what makes her happy. Overall, not a bad movie at all but, again, the movie isn't made for me. If you liked Hello, My Name is Doris you will like this as well. I give this a B.

What a delight to see a film in which an older woman is the central character. No coincidence then that the writer and director is a woman, Lorene Scafari who was responsible for "Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World".

The title is somewhat unkind to the well-meaning, if somewhat overpowering, Marnie, played wonderfully by Susan Sarandon who continues to shine brightly long after the days of "Thelma And Louise". In support roles, the beautiful Rose Byrne (first spotted by me in "Bridesmaids") as her daughter Lori and the gravel-voiced J K Simmons (fresh from his triumph in "Whiplash") as her knight in black leather are pitch-perfect.

This is a movie which is funny, moving and insightful - a rare treat.

I'm going to go against the grain here, but I think this is a charming little money that gives you a few laughs. It's essentially about a widow and mother who uses her money to help people she doesn't really know that well but who shes formed a connection with. It's not going to blow your mind but it's feel good...