Hanging Up

Review by Nonia Bidness

Good Connection

We live in a little town. What there is to do here is go to movies, since we are too old to join the college kids at the smoky taverns and play pinball. We thought this one would fill up the evening, and maybe not much else, but were willing to take a chance.

Turns out we were both pleasantly surprised, on many counts. We were particularly shocked to find out this is NOT a fluffy movie of no substance - it hits HARD on some emotional issues that movies rarely go after so honestly.

The acting was first class, and if Mr. Matthau does not get an Oscar, I will be shocked. This might be the best thing I've seen Meg do, the most mature job she's done. Diane is stellar. Lisa pulls off the flaky little sister perfectly.

The story is a good one, about people in my generation, and our families, and the odd parents we had to live with... mothers who found out at an advanced age that motherhood is not what they were meant for, fathers who get drunk and say mean things, spoil the party. Love that is enduring, in spite of the good and bad in us all.

The sisterhood was wonderful. I have two sisters, and I know when the 3 of us get together, it is a special time and we laugh like nobody else in the world.

The filming was well done, great sets and houses, L.A. at its best. A real slice of successful life in LA, cell phones constantly ringing, millions of things to do, money oozing out through people's pores.

Do go see this, and don't you dare say it's a chick flick, unless you care naught about humans and the ways we all relate.

Pros: excellent acting, engaging story, emotionally intense and honest
Cons: too bad people will call this a chick flick
Bang for the Buck: Go to the half-price matinee
Movie Mood: Date movie
Recommends to friends? Yes

Nonia Bidness February 21^st, 2000