Wir sind die Neuen

A competent comedy about three 60ish ex-flatmates who decide to try it once more - every one of them at the moment single in life and not too well off money-wise. The story takes place in Munich, where room prices really are ridiculous for German standards, so there's a very realistic background to the whole story.

Sadly, realism gets quickly thrown out the window to provide a base to the forced story. This starts with the premise - Anne is thrown out and in need of a place, but neither Eddi nor Johannes, her ex-flatmates, are in acute need of a new flat. And once they move into their new place, they instantly get in conflict with the three kids from the floor above who are a kind of Stepford students. Now, while it's true that today's students are much more focused and less easy-going than in the 70s and 80s, they are also extremely well-behaved as a rule - so, even if they were complete assholes, they would not show it, at least not upon first meeting. The whole conflict seems very forced, and is really unnecessary because the "story" (a growing-together) would work just as well with the usual generation differences, only minus some cheap laughs. It's also unfair to the young actors ... the 60ish group has some very nice scenes, but the students don't get much to do except be as offensive and/or stupid as possible - which in many scenes doesn't make any sense, and really gives the actors not much to work with.

Overall, a fast-paced, and well-acted (the oldies) comedy with some truth in it, but it might have been far better (and more touching) with a less sledgehammer approach.

Germany and humour, well, you know. But this film has it, with heart and soul. A very good script, very good dialogue, put decently into action. Camera, editing and music standing back to give room. Every role beautifully written and played. Wittenborn and Eisinger being the centers of their teams, also the best characters (and actors). "Wieso denn, die ist doch noch gut" "das ist 'ne Brille und keine Frischmilch." Schneeberger and Lauterbach chosen for their image, and put to new levels of expression and sympathy. Great performances of Wöhler and Jung as former friends. A 'small' film but perfect in its making and message.

The role reversing thing is not really new (still refreshing to see), but it does work. The older cast is been given great characters to play with. We may not have big Hollywood moments in this and it might feel awkward at places, but it works in its favor rather than against it. The generation clash is something to cherish. Obviously not everyone of the age group is like the ones depicted here, but for story purposes and for our "heroes" to find themselves its important.

There are story strands that are left a bit on the side (some completely stranded), but that's OK. Not everything needs a payoff. That might not be to everyones liking, but the overall story does work like that. Good acting in a good story. Not laugh out loud, more a drama, but still has more than a few funny moments (that feel real)