| Dear Ndugu | ||
| About Schmidt | ||
| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
|
Warren Schmidt (Nicholson) is an excruciatingly average American. The film opens with him in a faded-photograph-blue-tint city office. No windows, files all boxed up, he waits patiently for the clock to strike five and walks tentatively away to his also muted retirement party where his best friend gives an oddly haunting speech about what really matters in life. That's pretty much what Warren spends the rest of the film trying to find out, without really knowing he's trying to find it out. I loved this film. Warm in its loving yet unforgivingly inconsistent depiction of everyday people, relaxed in its perfect quiet pace and proud in its message. Though Jack is a big name, this little film is more of an indie in its simplicity both in the audio and visual. Simple but exacting. Exacting, but colorful, despite the washed-out skies. By the poster, I'd expected to see Jack once again play the lunatic, but that charismatic demented poster misleads. Warren is excruciatingly average. (This film viewed at Alhambra's Edwards Renaissance Stadium 14) |
||
|
|
||
|
||
Grade..........................A |
||
|
||
|
Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
