The next set of reviews we’ll be publishing are some of the ones Roger Thomas has done exclusively for The Stanly News & Press. Roger has written movie reviews for The Stanly News & Press and other outlets for years, long before starting this blog. So we decided it would be good to give readers a sample of his previous work, in addition to posts of reviews of current films. Other reviews will run daily.
Pauline Collins & Maggie Smith
During the crowded January when I was catching up on all the Oscar-nominated films, I let “Quartet” slip by me. (The Academy ignored it the same way they did “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Bernie”). I knew it was playing in Charlotte, but there were other films that occupied my mind. In March, someone stopped me and asked if I had seen “Quartet.” I responded with something like, “I have not. Do you think I should?” With no hesitation they responded, “Oh yes, it is wonderful.” So I added it to the list for the following weekend.
To the individual who gave me that sage advice, I say “Thank you.” It was one of the best experiences I have had at the cinema this spring.
Of course, there are the many comparisons between this film and last year’s “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” I have to admit that I found “Hotel” to be more moving and more fun than “Quartet.” (Maggie Smith is priceless in both.) But even if “Quartet” is not equal to the marvelous “Marigold,” this film is still filled with a feast of fine qualities that make it worthy viewing.
First, there is the plethora of fine performances here. The four leads Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins are perfectly cast. I could listen to the banter between these four characters for hours. And there are many others, supporting roles, which add breadth to this story. The film is filled with memorable characters who have mere minutes of screen-time and yet contribute to the story, the humor or both.
Second, there is that beautiful setting of that nursing facility for retired musicians known as the Beecham House. After seeing British nursing homes in two recent films, “Quartet” and “Cloud Atlas,” I have decided that my children are going to place me in a British nursing home when that time comes. I suppose I should start telling them that now.
Third, this film is very funny and poignant and balances the two extremely well.
And then there is the great respect this story gives to music. All music. There is even a subplot that gives dignity to rap; something I would have said is impossible. A film that makes one reconsider a long held position is a film of significant value. (For the record, I will not be going out to buy rap, but I appreciated the insight of the screenplay and the actors who presented the thought-provoking ideas.
Whether it be rap or classical, instrumental, opera or whatever, this film was made with a love and passion for music, and it celebrates that precious gift with almost every frame. That alone would make the film worthy of a viewing.
Finally, I enjoyed the mystery of the film. I will not delve deeply into that. It should be discovered as the film unfolds. The ultimate truth of the past leads to a path of forgiveness and reconciliation, at least at some level. The film reminds us that hope for the future still exists, even in home for the aging.
So if you have not seen “Quartet” yet, I will give you the same advice I received, “Go see it. It is wonderful.” I could offer many more reasons to see it, but here is just one more: thus far, the film has only made $17 million domestically. That is a travesty when “Olympus Has Fallen” has made $71 million. Those numbers at the very least should be exchanged. So I hope you will help raise the profits by going to see the charming “Quartet.”
Box Office results
Domestic gross: $18,390,117
Foreign gross: $41,130,181
Production budget: NA
Opening weekend: $47,122
NOTE: Information from Boxofficemojo.com
Cinema Corner 