USA 2017
Opening November 23, 2017
Directed by: Hallie Meyers-Shyer
Writing credits: Hallie Meyers-Shyer
Principal actors: Reese Witherspoon, Michael sheen, Candice Bergen, Pico Alexander, Jon Rudnitsky
It’s difficult to feel sorry for single mother Alice (Witherspoon), who has moved to Los Angeles with small daughters Isabel and Rose. After all, she resides on a huge property in a beautiful house, which she inherited from her deceased father. There is also a guest house, just waiting for three good-looking young guys to move into it. Alice has left her music-recorder husband Austin in New York City, in order to start a new life. The three guys, Harry, Teddy, and George are creating a film called Mad Youth; all they need is financing. Alice’s mother Lilian finds them invigorating, not only because they are young and sexy, but also because her own husband, father of Alice, was a well-known filmmaker. They spend evenings together watching vintage films. Eventually, Austin comes to Los Angeles to see his daughters and the boys find a producer named Justin. Alice, age 40, is attracted to Harry, age 27. Perhaps the only glitch in a happy patchwork family is that Alice is not that successful in her job as interior decorator.
Reese Witherspoon is back and seems to have no problems playing an “older” woman in this feel-good movie. Director and script writer Hallie Meyers-Shyer grew up in the film business. Her mother Nancy Meyers is the writer/director of such films as Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday, or What Women Want, all about couples’ relationships. She agreed to co-produce this film, or, as she says, “Suddenly my daughter was my boss.” Hallie was interested in presenting present-day relationships, and says, “People cope with separation and divorce differently these days than in the times of my parents.” This patchwork family of at least eight people in three generations works well because all seem to be active in related businesses. Even daughter Isabel seems, finally, to fit into her new school when she takes on a role in a school play. Filmed on site in Los Angeles. ()