Elsa & Fred

I didn't expect too much of this but came away pleasantly surprised. Maclaine and Plummer had good chemistry and it was a good reminder that life and feelings don't stop with the first grey hair. I thought the relationships between parents and children were realistic as it's almost a role reversal and the children start treating the parents like children. It was a change watching a love story that didn't involve a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman and showed that love is love no matter what age you are when you find it. Although the plot was predictable, it was a nice ride and one I would recommend for a Sunday afternoon.

If you are of a certain age and still hopeful about life and love, you will love this movie. Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer are perfectly cast and give wonderful performances, especially Shirley. I will not go into the plot or reveal any spoilers but suffice it say that this is the perfect lazy, glass of wine with cheese and fruit Saturday afternoon movie for those of guys of a certain age.

"Somethings are priceless." Elsa (MacLaine) is an older woman who isn't happy with anyone or anything. When recently widowed Fred (Plummer) moves in next door the two become fast friends. The friendship develops into more and the two find out that it's never too late to find love. Until Elsa's life turns out to not be what Fred expected. The first thing I have to say is that this was a pretty good movie. Plummer and MacLaine have great chemistry but that is to be expected from two legendary actors like them. The fact that those two are in it is the reason that the movie rises above being a cheesy cookie cutter love story. There really aren't any real surprises in this and goes pretty much how you would expect. All that said I am 35 and this movie isn't really geared toward me at all. I'm sure an older crowd will relate to this better and they will probably find it more enjoyable than I did. Overall, a movie that was OK and I liked it but if I was 40 years older I probably would be able to relate to this better and love it. I give it a B.

What can I say? I adored it. Anyone that dislikes sentimentality in movies will hate this - therefore I loved it! The scene in Rome is remarkably beautiful - as are many other moments in this wonderful movie. You kiddies out there who think that Shirley MacLain looks too old and her part should have been recast - screw you. She is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. She has been a heartthrob for me since we were both young. It's great to see her still beautiful (in my eyes anyway) and her terrific acting talents are on display here as well. Christopher Plummer is another huge PLUS in this movie. To watch these great stars on the screen, in parts befitting their, well..advanced ages - and not "younged down" for general audiences who don't understand what getting...mature - is all about - well, I really appreciated it from start to finish. Great supporting cast as well. If you're, let's say, under 50 (I'm well over), and get uncomfortable or bored watching it, put it away for a decade (or two or three) or so and then break it out again. You won't get it now, but you will someday. For those who recognize the names of the stars, who have watched them age through the years, and who have a sense of history in their own lives because you've lived through a lot of stages in your life - you will love this movie. I guarantee it!

I enjoy films that show old people still having a life of fun, laughter and romance, and this one does just that.

Shirley Maclaine and Christopher Plummer are great in this and make a believable couple as the depressed and grumpy Fred and his kooky, fun-loving neighbour Elsa. They are ably supported by a great cast, including the brilliant George Segal. Oh and wow, James Brolin looks really handsome in a small role here, I think he'd have been about 74 when he made this!

The music is lovely, and Elsa's obsession with the movie La Dolce Vita provides a wonderful, poignant scene towards the end.

A film to make you smile and feel that, even if you are old, you can still live a good life if you're lucky enough to have someone special.