The Meddler

Maybe You have to have lived this story with your mom to appreciate it. It was beautiful and had me laughing all the way through.

'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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This movie is an astute portrayal of a mother's relationship with her daughter. The specificities and little details help the relationship feel real. Good character detail, and even though not a whole lot happens, it is overall a great dramedy.

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.

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.