As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for tales that defy age and prove that life is never too old to be lived boldly, I can confidently say that Thelma, starring the incredible June Squibb, is a film that resonates deeply. Her portrayal of Thelma is nothing short of inspiring, reminding me of Betty White’s ageless appeal and resilience.
Today, October 8th, “Thelma” is available for purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD, and On Demand through Magnolia Home Entertainment. In celebration of its release, we’re revisiting our review of the film, a standout in this year’s crop of movies that we found incredibly enjoyable.
Move over Ryan Gosling and Tom Cruise, as a new action hero takes center stage. That’s June Squibb, the 94-year-old Oscar-nominated actress (from Nebraska) who brings joy to writer/director Josh Margolin’s lively action parody, Thelma. This remarkable woman demonstrates that age is no barrier to self-belief and embracing the unexpected, whether in real life or on screen. In fact, Squibb serves as an inspiring tonic in these trying times when another heated election year often stirs feelings of despair.
The character of Thelma Post, played by Squibb, is nothing like you might expect. At 93 years old, she’s a feisty grandmother who refuses to be victimized. When Thelma falls prey to a deceitful phone scammer posing as her grandson (with Fred Hechinger of The White Lotus portraying the real grandson), she doesn’t back down. Instead, she embarks on an adventurous and amusing mission across Los Angeles, accompanied by her elderly friend (Richard Roundtree from Shaft, in his final performance) and his motorized scooter. The aim of this journey is to not only outsmart the conman but also recover what was stolen from her.
Actors Parker Posey (from “The White Lotus” and “Party Girl”), Clark Gregg, and Malcolm McDowell join the cast, making one of the latest films an exceptionally captivating and touching cinematic experience that you won’t want to miss.
Thelma Offers a Fun Twist to the Action Genre
The movie “Thelma” is inspired by the true-life tales of Margolin’s grandmother and carries a clever twist similar to films like “Mission: Impossible.” The plot revolves around the character Thelma, who leads an independent life but still concerns her daughter Gail (Posey). Despite living independently, Thelma doesn’t alleviate Gail’s worries. However, she shares a special bond with her grandson Danny (Hechinger), who assists with technology matters, sparking Thelma’s endless curiosity. To sum it up, Thelma is no frail flower. In one instance, Thelma reflects, “If you start acting like a dependent, people will treat you as such.
With great determination, Thelma sets out on a challenging mission: Tracking down the crook who swindled her of $10,000. She knows she can’t do it alone, and turning to her daughter isn’t an option for her. Instead, she seeks aid from Ben (Roundtree), who is reluctant at first. Determined for her freedom, Thelma makes a quick escape, but Ben, a faithful companion, refuses to let her go on this perilous journey without him – literally joining her for the ride.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself captivated by this unique spin on the action genre, where laughter became as infectious as the plot itself. In the driver’s seat, Thelma and Squibb navigated the movie into a hilariously unpredictable escapade in its latter half. The occasional hiccups in Thelma’s scheme seemed to smooth over as she navigated through the heart of Los Angeles, only for another obstacle to rear its head – this time facing off against the cunning scammer. True to form for a story like this, unexpected turns began to unfurl, revealing details about how Thelma fell victim to the scheme and why. These twists propelled the narrative forward, and when word of Thelma’s disappearance raised red flags for her family, they embarked on a mission to find her, with Danny taking charge.
June Squibb Becomes a Nonagenarian Action Star
Around three months past, it’s safe to say many wouldn’t have envisioned a 94-year-old actress (Squibb) and an 81-year-old actor (Roundtree), zipping around San Fernando Valley, proving to be a fantastic source of therapy. The duo Squibb and Roundtree are simply unbeatable in their chemistry.
Josh Margolin, both writer and director, skillfully blends familiar elements of the action-movie genre with a heartfelt narrative that avoids emotional manipulation. Fortunately, the movie doesn’t hurry to deliver its message, instead presenting a balanced and coherent narrative. The direction is steady and realistic, reflecting Margolin’s control over the storytelling process. As editor, he also manages to craft action sequences that feel organic rather than excessive or exaggerated.
In this film, Margolin makes his first appearance in a lead role in a feature-length movie, while Squibb steps into the spotlight as the main headliner for the first time since she started out with supporting roles decades ago. From her debut in “Alice” in 1990 to “The Age of Innocence”, “About Schmidt”, and “Far from Heaven”, Squibb’s career has been marked by a series of supporting roles. The rest of the cast delivered solid performances, with Fred Hechinger’s character, Danny, proving to be a valuable ally for his grandmother.
Thelma Is a Movie for Everybody
The film “Thelma” beautifully explores the strengthening ties of friendship and family, while simultaneously encouraging one’s curiosity and freedom to explore. It also delves into the small risks that people encounter at different life stages. This could be what makes the character Squibb, and ultimately the movie itself, so captivating. In essence, “Thelma” is a film for all audiences.
Thelma isn’t merely about life’s conclusion; instead, it’s an exploration of living fiercely no matter where you are in the continuum of time and space. Prepare for a thrilling climax near the end of the movie, as Thelma experiences her very own Tom Cruise-style action hero adventure. Exceptionally crafted. In essence: Thelma delivers an impactful punch while also tugging at your heartstrings. Thelma hits theaters on June 21, 2024, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
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2024-10-08 23:01