Absolutely magnificent portrayals of the main character's parents by Judd Hirsch and Carol Kane will make this film indelible in my mind even as memories fade in my own sunset years. Judd Hirsch is so robust at 87, it's awe-inspiring. And at 87, He was absolutely perfect to play Mordecai - whom we were privileged to meet in person in a Q & A with the director and cast member after the showing. We also got to learn just how much of it was based on real life. The answer, unsurprisingly after seeing it, was most of it. The exemptions had to do with amalgams created from different Apple Genius Bar trainers, here known as Einstein Nina and Einstein Jared. A novice actress did a great job as Nina.
Sean Astin was terrific playing cigar entrepreneur and father/husband/son Marvin Samel who directed and wrote the film during the period he had learned his mom had Alzheimer's. The supporting cast members were also excellent and complementary to he film.
Coming from the boroughs (Queens and Bronx) and now living as a senior in Florida, I really related to the film and considered the leading characters, antics and conflicts to be both quite realistic and very cathartic - not to mention hysterically funny at times. Hirsch's ability to extract empathy from his audience has never been utilized better. Kane's portrait of the mother slipping in and out of Alzheimer's slow but relentless takeover of the mind was totally awesome. The serious themes were well handled and fit into the death is a part of life perspective.
The film's uses of music, including Klezma, and the obligatory montage bridges, were extremely well interspersed and editors. It rather shocked me when I found out that it was his first time ever on a live movie set. It wasn't quite Kazan or Lumet direction but was excellent in helping to execute this story.
If you can relate to Florida Jews who escaped Nazi-Poland and made their lives in New York then later retire to FLorida, this is a must-see. If not, see it anyway. You'll feel good and bittersweet at the same time.
Sean Astin was terrific playing cigar entrepreneur and father/husband/son Marvin Samel who directed and wrote the film during the period he had learned his mom had Alzheimer's. The supporting cast members were also excellent and complementary to he film.
Coming from the boroughs (Queens and Bronx) and now living as a senior in Florida, I really related to the film and considered the leading characters, antics and conflicts to be both quite realistic and very cathartic - not to mention hysterically funny at times. Hirsch's ability to extract empathy from his audience has never been utilized better. Kane's portrait of the mother slipping in and out of Alzheimer's slow but relentless takeover of the mind was totally awesome. The serious themes were well handled and fit into the death is a part of life perspective.
The film's uses of music, including Klezma, and the obligatory montage bridges, were extremely well interspersed and editors. It rather shocked me when I found out that it was his first time ever on a live movie set. It wasn't quite Kazan or Lumet direction but was excellent in helping to execute this story.
If you can relate to Florida Jews who escaped Nazi-Poland and made their lives in New York then later retire to FLorida, this is a must-see. If not, see it anyway. You'll feel good and bittersweet at the same time.