Customer Reviews

How About You

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I enjoyed this amusing UK production and recommend it to those who appreciate the acting of Vanessa Redgrave and such solid performers as Joss Ackland, Brenda Fricker and Imelda Staunton.

At first, the story seemed a bit disjointed, but, upon further reflection, I found the first and last parts of the story to be revealing about the 2 main characters, Kate and Ellie. The first part of the movie focused mostly on the relationship between sisters Kate (Orla Brady), the owner of a rural home for seniors, and young, rebellious Ellie (Hayley Atwell). Kate has worked hard to establish her "home" as an efficient, reputable place for seniors to live. Ellie has lived in more of a free-spirited way.

While the sisters portray rather convincingly that they have a long-standing bond between them, naturally their opposite lifestyles and values lead to conflicts. Kate gives her sister a chance to earn some much needed income by working at the senior-living home, but they find themselves at odds about how some of the more difficult residents should be treated, especially the 4 surly characters played by Redgrave, Ackland, Fricker and Staunton, and that leads to some of the more humorous scenes in this steady paced movie.

Some viewers might consider the pace of the movie to be too slow, but I did not. Rather it seemed that the first part helped to establish the personas of the main characters and to prepare viewers for what was to come in the rest of the story. In all fairness, the film's pace seems to help better understand the natures of the characters, but I think that could have been done more quickly.

The rest of the movie had a decidedly more upbeat tone and pace to it and provided several light-hearted, humorous scenes. Viewers get to see and enjoy some of Ellie's better qualities as she establishes a very different atmosphere and relationship with the 4 troublesome residents entrusted to her care during a sudden, unexpected leave of absence by Kate during the Christmas holidays.

That being said I did think the movie would have been more enjoyable if a few things had been done differently by the director and/or screenwriter. Kate's sudden leave of absence seemed to have been treated almost superficially. It just seemed to lack emotional impact, especially on the more "conscientious" Kate. I do not consider this to be a serious "flaw". In fact, it might underscore the main emphasis of the story to be about Kate's and Ellie's differences and their decidedly different influence on the residents.

Ellie's decision to move on in her life and part company from Kate at the end of the story again seemed a bit too abrupt to me. Perhaps the writer and director preferred to emphasize Ellie as the free spirit who derives as much or more enjoyment from the "fruits" of spontaneity and forthrightness and to further differentiate her character from Kate's as the more staid and emotionally involved with her work and the residents of the home.

The only part of the story that seemed to add little to the story was the persistent emphasis on smoking dope -- not only by the rebellious Ellie but also as a way of her encouraging the seniors to ease their struggles with aging, alienation and even impending death. This aspect of the story did not lessen my overall enjoyment of the movie, but I regard it as a simplistic and frivolous dimension to these more existential life issues.

All in all, I give this production 3.5 stars out of 5.

This isn't a movie about old people in a nursing home being sparked back to life by the edgy young person who reminds them what it means to be young- and thank goodness for that!

All the traditional ingredients are here for just that film, but this movie does something different- it lets old people be old people. The "edgy young person" doesn't get them to embrace life by reminding them what it is to be young, she does it by pointing out to them that they are awful human beings and to recognize the humanity in each other,and in her.

This is a gem of a movie and its only real weakness is that the end comes up on you a bit suddenly. Solid acting, inspiring, and with a good moral- fine for families as it only has a bit of rough language and most of that not of a variety that would bother American ears.

Different elements of the young and the old come into play in this movie and mesh wonderfully with a look at different families and the past and present lives of those in a "old person's home". Add in a young woman with a heart who takes time to listen and gets to know the residents and makes them face who they have become and what they are missing in each other. A feel good movie.

Would have been a much better Christmas tale for me with out all the profanity. It took away from the wonderful message of love, unity and acceptance within "How About You". Would not recommend it to others.

Very cute movie. You'll enjoy it. Worth watching on amazon prime and/or renting. Good acting from some stars I did not know.

This movie was adorable!,, definitely a movie that lifts the spirits in a profound way! Good movie to watch anytime, but especially during the holidays, puts meaning back into life. Has a little bit of everything, -Life, love and above all,- age-less friendship.

The writer of the original story is a talented woman - the cast of this movie is superb. Now put the two together and it's fabulous!

It's fun, irreverently funny without insulting, and yet makes you think while the feelings bubble around. It's not just about 'old people' and it's not just about the young protagonist - it's an ensemble piece that is well written - believably performed - and left us smiling. It's not perfect, a couple of spots where I wanted a bit more fleshing out to link scenes, but it's great and I would recommend to all ages.

Honestly, I enjoyed everything about this film. I can usually tell within the first few minutes if it'll be a good one for me. The music was great - totally geared to that generation and timeless in its charm. The acting by all - wonderful; especially since I've always thought a great deal of Vanessa Redgrave's talent. Good writing and beautiful countryside scenery. Loved the storyline and some poignant moments. Very enjoyable and sweet.

it's a charming story about how people evolve - it's not just a cliche story. I saw the movie and then saw who wrote the original story and no wonder I liked the movie. Very well acted.

This movie will touch your heart. It's funny, dramatic and gives you a great glimpse into the life of people over 60. I watched it before my mom died and it made me appreciate her more then I already did. I was my mothers care giver and this story shows the love for the aging. It is fabulous and I am so glad I bought it.
Enjoy