Hello, My Name Is Doris

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 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.

"She's definitely weird, but like a good weird." Doris Miller (Field) has just lost her mother and reason for living. She isn't sure what to do now, stuck in a job and spending her nights with her friend Roz and Vivian. One day while heading to work she sees John (Greenfield) and everything changes. She falls in love with him and wants to find the courage to talk to him. Little by little Doris opens up and finds her confidence, and begins to find herself again. This is a movie that flips the norm on its head. This movie deals with an older woman trying to pursue a younger man. Sally Field gives one of her best performances to date and really plays this character perfectly. You feel sorry for her but not to the point of pity, and really root for her but also cringe a few times at her actions. This is at its core a funny and moving romantic comedy, but it deals more with self discovery than the pursuit of love itself. That is refreshing to see and because of that it actually felt fresh. Overall, just a really nice movie with a great performance by Sally Field. I give this a B.

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.

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.