The Nana Project is a film that piqued my interest, apparently due to its uncommon premise: an older woman competing in a chess tournament with her two grandsons' support.
On paper, it seemed like the kind of warm, family-oriented story that would offer a bit of everything, from funny moments to heartwarming and emotional ones. However, when I finally watched the movie, I couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.
I find the idea of an elderly woman in this case, Helen "Nana" Lewis played by Mercedes Ruehl-at the center of a chess competition, intriguing.
The setup seemed to have been more than enough to merit countless comedic and heartwarming situations, mainly where the strained relationship between her two grandsons, Andrew and Cody, comes into play.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to expectations. Rather than develop the richness of this main plot, the film tangles itself inside stories and offbeat nursing home antics that are divorced from the movie's main storyline.
Theoretically, the mockumentary format should have somewhat worked in adding an extra coat of humor, but here, it just feels a little more distracting.
While the film tried to steer a fine balance between quirky humor and depth of emotion, it lost direction altogether.
The heart of the story-the family road trip and the chess tournament only arrived after what felt like an eternity.
I'd give The Nana Project a 6/10.
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