Sioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in “Thelma” may not be all that realistic, it’s highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Move over, Diane Keaton. June Squibb’s in town and she’s got a better take on retirement life than you, Jane Fonda AND Lily Tomlin.
In her charming “grandma gets scammed” comedy, “Thelma,” Squibb plays a 93-year-old who sends $10,000 in cash to con artists because she’s convinced her grandson was in an accident.
When relatives point out the error of her ways, Thelma decides to right the wrong. She chooses to “follow the money” and track down those who did her in. With the help of a friend in a retirement community, she drives a motorized scooter to the location and, well, anything’s possible.
June Squibb and Fred Hechsinger join forces in "Thelma."
Magnolia
In writer/director Josh Margolin’s hands, this is a sweet valentine to grandmas and the grandsons they cherish. Her Danny (nicely played by Fred Hechinger) is just as frustrated with his parents as she. Both are misunderstood. Both think they can make this mistrust go away.
To her credit, Thelma takes along friend Ben (played by the late Richard Roundtree, who was “Shaft” on screen). He tries to convince her some of the moves are risky, but she’s not deterred. Thelma gets to her destination and then it’s “High Noon” for the thieves.
While bits of action seem over the top, much of the situation is believable. Thelma, for example, has problems with a computer’s mouse and can’t quite get the hang of doing business online. Advanced age also doesn't mean dementia's afoot.
Thelma doesn’t have the trust of her daughter (Parker Posey) and son-in-law (Clark Gregg) but she doesn’t solicit it, either.
Richard Roundtree and June Squibb use a scooter to track down thieves who scammed her out of $10,000 in "Thelma."
Magnolia
When Thelma and Ben go on the lam, they’re great fun – role models for the AARP generation. Danny is a burst of fresh air, too, simply because he’s capable of more than his parents are willing to admit. He and grandma bond and, in many ways, look after each other.
When the relatives in between discover that bond, they’re appropriately surprised. (Sometimes when there’s too much hovering details are overlooked.)
Margolin doesn’t dress this up with a lot of fancy photography, but he does have a delightful production of “Annie” at the retirement home that bears a second look.
A grandmother/grandson road trip would be a great sequel. Now, though, “Thelma” is the one to enjoy.
It’s a family vacation without the unnecessary relatives.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
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