Health & Fitness
Movie Review - "Quartet"
A delightful, muscially theme comedy-drama that will take you away and leave you smiling (even with a few uncomfortable moments all in the spirit of human interaction).
I'm pretty well know for all my work and interfacing with the "kids of Red Bank". Today, in a rarity, it was quite "Senior Citizen" day and very fun.
Played 2 hours of tennis from 6:30-8:30am with my 67-year-old friend from Pt. Boro (inside). Then went to a funeral for an 89-year-old Little Silver lady (Norma Parker) who I knew from Blaisdell Lumber and was great Prown's customer (plus a regal woman). Then ran my monthly Trivia Competition at the Red Bank Senior Center (at their Super bowl party).
Then went to see the movie "Quartet" which revolves around a British home for retired musicians. Plenty of comedy along with tender moments. I really didn't like the previews (except for the scene stealing Billy Connolly) and had low expectations.
This movie absolutely swept me away. Can I use the word "delightful" It was and
it was Dustin Hoffman's directing debut. We are talking a home run, a grand slam. This movie will do very well in theatres....just watch the word of
mouth.
Stars Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Mr. Connoly and Pauline Collins as a spectacular operatic quartet who reconnect at the Beecham House and after some mini drama, sing at their annual gala/fundraiser (think small scale) but helps raise proceeds to save the home. (Plus Michael Gambon)
This was an extremely fast movie (98 minutes) which zips by and leaves you wanting more. The music, sound track was delicious and actually one never hears the quartet perform singularly, as a duet or in a foursome. No matter, lots of other little, enjoyable musical interludes all about the house and the grounds.
Also the cast is made up of a fabulous ensemble of operatic, theatre and musical
artists (from their day) that are also in their twilight years. The film clearly visits
uncomfortable scenes involving a multitude of physical and mental health issues.
However they just touch on them to perfectly intertwine and support the story (but not overwhelm it).
It was magical and touching in so many ways.
Run, Run, run to this movie and enjoy the magic (regardless of age). There is a
wonderful scene involving one of the stars lecturing a group of students and
interfacing back and forth about opera, & hip hop.
Folks - Great, enjoyable movie on many levels. Wow!!!
