Part of Better Late Than Never is very cute. Released the same year as Terms of Endearment, Yentl, The Right Stuff, and Scarface, it's nice to be able to watch a fun, family comedy. Kimberley Partridge plays a young heiress and the mark of two conmen out to pretend they're her long-lost grandfather and therefore entitled to all her money. David Niven and Art Carney are the two old farts, both down on their luck, and bickering all the way. Kimberley is a mischievous little imp who likes practical jokes and getting her own way no matter the cost. She has a female cat named Albert, and when asked why she chose the name, she replies, "Because she doesn't like when I call her George." Maggie Smith, Kimberley's tough, sassy governess, is adorable. She keeps both potential grandpas on their toes and adds some "family friendly" sex appeal to keep the grown-ups happy. When The Niv invites her to accompany him to a topless beach, she declines. "If you can't lick them, don't join them," she smirks.
However, there is a very large elephant in the room, and Better Late Than Never isn't enjoyable. Our Beloved Niv was ill during filming, and it's very sad to see him looking so frail. I considered not watching the film, but because I love him so much, I decided to support him. If he had to suffer through filming it and exposing himself in his condition to his public, the least I could do was watch the end result.
