Sally Field, outfitted like a retro bag lady, plays an elderly data entry operator from Staten Island who lives like a hoarder in her deceased mother's house and has few friends; everything changes, however, once she becomes close with the handsome young man she works with--and secretly loves. Writers Laura Terruso, expanding her short film "Doris & the Intern," and Michael Showalter, who also directed, build the second-half of their movie on the dramatic crux that Doris has inadvertently broken up her crush and his girlfriend after creating a phony Facebook account, and it's not enough. Nor is it convincing when Doris' brother and hateful sister-in-law try to rearrange her life (and, eventually, Doris comes around to see they're right!). There are fantasy interludes which intrude upon the narrative that are a cheat, and also a photo session for a music group that should be a fantasy but isn't. Field is terrific in an unbelievable role; the actress shows us many different sides of Doris and makes her endearing, even though the conception of this character is basically unreal. **1/2 from ****
Review of Hello, My Name Is Doris
Hello, My Name Is Doris
(2015)
Amusing and observant moments in the service of a dishonest movie...
21 August 2016