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Review #231 of 365
Film: The Boynton Beach Club (2006) [R] 105 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $9.75
Where Viewed: Landmark Chez Artiste, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 30 August 2006
Time: 9:40 p.m.
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
Originally entitled The Boynton Beach Bereavement Club but later shortened to The Boynton Beach Club, they should have kept the original title for it more accurately reflects the story of the film. Beginning with the tragic, death-by-cell-phone-talking- while-backing-out-of-the- driveway of Marty (Mal Z. Lawrence) dear, long-time spouse of Marilyn (Brenda Vaccaro) and her subsequent first appearance at the Boynton Beach Bereavement Club (BBBC) at the invitation of club member, Lois (Dyan Cannon), the story focuses on the lives, lost loves, and new lives of the mostly 55+ crowd in the Boynton Beach area of Florida. The BBBC serves the dual role of support group for those that have lost their life partners and also as a venue for the formation of new relationships. After having lost his dear wife three and a half months ago, Jack (Len Cariou) finally gets up the courage to attend the BBBC. He is immediately befriended by one of the few gentlemen members, an elder smooth devil named Harry (Joseph Bologna) who is thrilled that there is fresh meat for the women and he will no longer have to be the lone object of every woman's desire. The two do become good friends as Harry tries to help newcomer Jack through the unknown waters of dating again after 30-40 years. Jack immediately is drawn to widow, Sandy (Sally Kellerman). Meanwhile, as Lois and Marilyn get closer, Lois is wooed by a real estate developer named Donald (Michael Nouri) who seems to be the perfect dream man, but he's clearly hiding something.
"…a warm, helpful, light-hearted, at times charming look at the lives of our silver citizens as they, soon enough to be we, struggle to deal with family, friends, and the loss of loved ones. "
The film turned out to be a warm, helpful, light-hearted, at times charming look at the lives of our silver citizens as they, soon enough to be we, struggle to deal with family, friends, and the loss of loved ones. The grief and fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. So, the BBBC serves an incredibly invaluable role in their lives. Susan Seidelman, working from a story by Florence Seidelman and David Cramer, has done a wonderful job working with some very talented actors who prove that aging has the same effect on people as it does, so I've been told, on fine wine. The plot flows as their lives intersect back and forth like the tides off the Florida shores. Basically, it's a bit like an episode of the late 1970s Dallas spin-off, Knots Landing, on a Metamucil® and Viagra® cocktail—wonder what that would actually do to you? [Don't try that at home and never without consulting a physician.] The film caused me to chuckle quite a few times, and it made me fear aging quite a bit less. These people have turned out just fine (both the actors and their characters). Dyan Cannon has barely ever looked hotter—pardon the expression, but it's true--in her life. Still, unfortunately, I would classify this film as light hearted rather than compelling or powerfully inspirational. It consciously avoids taking a hard look at some of the more potent aspects of aging: arthritis, Alzheimer's, and atrophy. These are all active, vibrant people living their lives while grieving their losses. There is also a fair degree of dishonesty among the members as to their true professions and ages. The lessons learned are not hammered home, just allowed to simmer. All transgressions are forgotten by the end. After all, life is too short.
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Featuring Members of the Cast: Joseph Bologna
Dyan Cannon • Len Cariou • Sally Kellerman • Michael Nouri • Brenda Vaccaro
Other Projects Directed by: Susan Seidelman
The Boynton Beach Club (2006) Review-lite [150-word cap]
Beginning with the tragic, death of Marty (Mal Z. Lawrence) dear, long-time spouse of Marilyn (Brenda Vaccaro) and her subsequent first appearance at the Boynton Beach Bereavement Club (BBBC) at the invitation of club member, Lois (Dyan Cannon), The Boynton Beach Club focuses on the lost loves and new lives of the 55+ crowd in Florida. The BBBC serves two roles: support group for those widows and widowers and a venue for the formation of new relationships. Susan Seidelman, working from Florence Seidelman's and David Cramer's story, has done a wonderful job with some very talented actors who prove that aging has the same effect on people as it does on fine wine. The plot flows as their lives intersect back and forth like the tides off the Florida shores a bit like an episode of the late 1970s Dallas spin-off, Knots Landing, on a Metamucil® and Viagra® cocktail.
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