Hampstead

I had serious doubts about Hempstead but with Keaton, Gleason, and a relatively short run time, I thought I'd give it a try. There are some predictable and sappy moments throughout but, in the end it's an easy, and pleasant film. It's based on a true story. Check it out for something light and breezy.

So lovely to see Diane Keaton play a character who thinks she doesn't do anything. I think that feeling is common among givers. They give without realizing they're giving. She's getting to the end of her life and suddenly she realizes she doesn't have anything or anyone. I was moved to see in Keaton's eyes that youthful realization of love. This charming surprise of a film has other hidden pleasures, Brendan Gleeson for instance, his tender wild human is a delight, not to mention Lesley Manville - her scenes are filled with a comic energy that never goes over the top, a real treat. And then Simon Callow as the judge is the icing on the cake. Enjoy.

This is very different from most films, not sure I would call it a comedy, but no foul language, interesting characters from the irish chap living on the heath to the leading (American) living in luxury she cant afford across from the Heath. Most enjoyable, very different and highly recommended. Brendan Gleeson is a joy to watch

I watched this under the mistaken impression it was Woody Allen's 'Match Point' and was called 'Wimbledon'; a misapprehension compounded by the presence of Diane Keaton.

Very much an American's eye view of Blighty, teaming with caricature Brits and with the usual fluttering music score. But Keaton has outgrown those mannerisms that made her work post 'Annie Hall' such a trial, and her performance and that of Brendan Gleason keep you interested until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion.

23 June 2017 Film of Choice at The Plaza Dorchester Tonight - Hampstead. Why do people find it so hard to reconcile themselves to the fact that it's OK to be different. This story takes us on a journey of burgeoning love between a widowed American and a man who deliberately chose to remove himself from society. Putting nothing into society, yet taking nothing out, he is persecuted for his lifestyle and when he is being threatened with eviction he finds support from an unexpected source....namely Emily, played the the wonderful Diane Keaton, who brings her flighty style to this put upon, widowed character. Almost forced into rebelling by Fiona, her busy body head of the tenants association neighbour, Emily discovers Donald Horner, a man who has been practising his lifestyle for 17 years, yet is facing eviction by the developers who want to utilise his plot of land. Based on a true story this film shows the unpleasant side of some people's characters and the nicer side of those who are drawn out from their shells. A feel good film which only had one uneasy moment for me, that was when Emily seemed to change her personality momentarily leading me to wonder where things were going. A good rainy Sunday afternoon film.