Hello, My Name Is Doris

Norma Rae, Edna Spalding, Mrs. Gump, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Doris Miller. Sally Field's most recent role, Doris Miller, is a worthy addition to her amazing gallery of film performances, given since she emerged as Gidget a half century ago. An eccentric, lonely woman of advancing years, Doris has sacrificed her life to care for her now-deceased mother. Mother and daughter have evidently been hoarders, and Doris's brother and sister-in-law eagerly want her to clean up and clear out, because they want to sell the Staten Island house. Meanwhile, Doris fixates on John Fremont, a much younger man, who is the new art director in her Manhattan office, and, inspired by a motivational speaker named Willy Williams and by countless bodice-busting romance novels, she decides to pursue romantic involvement with the good looking young guy. While "Hello, My Name is Doris" plays out somewhat predictably, the film provides a showcase for Sally Field in yet another Oscar-worthy performance.

In the hands of a less gifted actress, Doris could have been little more than a caricature; a bespectacled woman who wears wigs, has a large bow in her hair, decorates her cubicle with cat calendars, and lives alone in a cluttered house with a cat. However, Fields brings restraint and depth to the character, and she convincingly conveys the shy woman's re-emergence from a decades-long cocoon. Although her pursuit of the young man borders at times on cringe worthy, Fields manages to retain her dignity and audience sympathy. Fremont, played by Max Greenfield, who is about three decades younger than Fields, kindly returns Fields's overtures of friendship, but fails to grasp that she wants more than he is prepared to offer. Doris's "Walter Mitty" like day dreams about Fremont are often amusing, but her foray into Facebook stalking takes a dark, unsavory turn.

The supporting cast is good, although none overshadow Field's star turn. Greenfield is fine as Doris's fantasy-love interest, and Tyne Daly is her usual tough-shell warm-inside self as Doris's best friend and confidante. Peter Gallagher nails the Willy Williams part and actually imparts some helpful, if clichéd advice to Doris. Directed and co-written by Michael Showalter, "Hello, My Name is Doris" may have been intended as a fantasy- exploitation film for older women, who seem to dominate the movie's audiences. Generally, May-December romances involve older men with younger women, and Field herself starred in one such film, "Murphy's Romance" with James Garner, although the age difference in that film disappeared through the stars' chemistry. However, the chemistry fails to develop herein, and Doris and John reverse the gender/age roles, which places them close to Harold and Maude, a possible turn off for some viewers. Nevertheless, the exceptional performance by Sally Field is well worth seeing and the proceedings are often amusing, even if a few scenes between her and Greenfield may make some uncomfortable.

This is a romantic comedy in the sense that someone is madly in love with another and they play all these fantasies in their head and it changes their lives. The catch is that the love bird is a 70 year old woman and the object of her infatuation is a twenty something guy that works in her office.

Sally Field plays the role great and you can understand that when you watch the movie and you feel weird, when you are both rooting for her and feel a little grossed out. You totally buy her acting in the role.

I am not a fan of romcoms and, frankly, I won't recommend this movie, but it had some good moments and it is one romantic comedy that feels real, not those prefabricated guy meets girl, hits a snag and then they get together. If I absolutely had to watch a romcom, this would be in the top of my list.

Doris Miller (Sally Field) has cared for her mother until her recent death. Her brother Todd (Stephen Root) and his wife Cynthia (Wendi McLendon-Covey) want her to clean out and sell her Staten Island house. Dr. Edwards (Elizabeth Reaser) is treating her hording. She falls for the much younger new co-worker John Fremont (Max Greenfield). Her best friend Roz (Tyne Daly) takes care of granddaughter Vivian (Isabella Acres) who helps Doris set up a fake Facebook profile to friend John. This leads Doris to John's favorite band as they get close. Then she discovers he has girlfriend Brooklyn Henderson (Beth Behrs).

This is a quirky indie with an unusual point of view. The light fun tone is odd at first with the premise. I kept thinking of an odd geezer hound dogging a young girl. It wouldn't work as a light comedy. However, Sally Field makes this infinitely better. She oozes charm and is full of fun. It takes a powerful sadder side trip with her hording. There are quirky turns that don't completely work for me but Sally Field is undeniable here. She is the shining star that energizes this movie.

Hello, My Name is Doris (2015)

*** (out of 4)

Sally Field shines playing Doris, a 60-something woman who hears a motivational speaker and soon builds up the courage to go after her much younger co-worker (Max Greenfield).

HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS isn't a masterpiece but it was obviously intended to be a showcase for Field. Lets face it, the sad reality is that most great actresses can't get great roles after they reach a certain age, which is a real shame because film buffs are always robbed of seeing great performances. Field proves why she's an Oscar-winning actress with a wonderful performance in a film she pretty much carries on her own.

The film's comedy lies with Field having to act hip to things like Facebook and different sorts of music. There are some very funny moments throughout the picture but there's no question that the main draw is watching Field perform her magic. She really brings this character to life and there's no question that it's not just a one note job. She has to play different layers with this character including a couple dramatic moments that come out of no where yet the actress nails it.

Greenfield is also extremely good in his part and really brings a warmth to his character that perfectly blends with Field. The two share a terrific chemistry and certainly carry the film. HELLO, MY NAME IS DORIS isn't ground-breaking in any way, shape or form but it's an entertaining little gem that shows Field hasn't lost a beat.

This film tells the story of a older woman, who falls for a handsome and charming young man in the office. She tries to develop a relationship with him, but things are not as easy as it seems.

The story of "Hello, My Name is Doris" is really sweet. I think it is great that a romantic comedy portrays a woman that is older, tapping into a market and into hearts that have largely been neglected. Doris is lovable, happy and full of energy. John, the handsome colleague, is very charming both within and without. It is easy to see how ladies fall for him. The story is funny in a good and positive way, without being offensive or gross. It is refreshing to see a romantic comedy to rely on the charming personalities of the two leads, without having resort to low level humour. The ending makes me gasp, as it seems rather open ended! I enjoyed watching it, and I will recommend others to watch it too.