Customer Reviews

Roommates

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

 

 

I must put in a word of defense for this excellent movie, which was sadly underrated by both critics and audiences. The true story - of a Polish baker in Pittsburgh who raised his orphaned grandson at the age of 70+ and put him through medical school - sounds like a formula for sentimentality and cliches. However, the movie transcends that to become a moving story of the strength of family, with many wonderful touches of humor. Peter Falk's portrayal of the irascible, curmudgeonly, and indomitable Rocky Holzcek dominates the movie. We are made to care about all the people portrayed. I don't understand the criticism about the movie "not having a story" to tie it together. The changing relationship of Rocky and his family as the years go by has plenty of elements of drama. This movie touched me deeply. It's a real sleeper.

Unfortunately, this gem is one of those movies where people look at the box and just pass up. A big mistake. Although "Roommates" starts out as what appears to be light comedy. Peter Falk's portrayal of a cantankerous old man is just great throughout. But as the movie progresses, and down-to-earth hardships such as the loss of family members becomes part of the story, the characters become deeper, and the truly touching love of an old man for his family, and the love of a man for his grandfather come through. It is a beautiful film that will make you laugh out loud, make you cry buckets of tears, break your heart and then repair it again. You cannot help but get absorbed in the characters and relationships in "Roommates". Recommended viewing!

We watched this on a quiet night and didn't expect much. We were pleasantly surprised at how touching it was. I recommend it to anyone sick of blood, guts, sex, etc. but yet doesn't want to watch a Disney cartoon.

...The art of film-making distinguishes itself from other art forms
because it lends itself quite easily to being experienced by many people at one time. This
quality becomes greater when you experience a great movie with a loved one. That film
then becomes one of your fondest memories. For me, this is the case with "Room-mates."
I will forever remember the first time I watched this movie and who I watched it with.
There are certain movies where you quite willingly turn a blind eye to it's supposed
"imperfections" and enjoy it purely because it left you with a good feeling in your heart
and a memory you will forever cherish. It is very odd indeed that "Room-mates" would
fall into this category. Despite the fact that you know one of the film's saddest moments is
inevitable, it still affects you deeply. Even then, you are left with hope in your heart, and
know that these character's will endure. I love the subtle yet important messages it
imparts. As a small boy, the son has to contend with the old man's incessant snoring yet
when he finally is out on his own and free of it he finds he can not sleep for the lack of it.
(This proves, in a unique and unforgettable way that you do not appreciate what you have
until you've lost it.) Every member of the cast gives stellar performances without
exception. I even enjoyed the moments that some critics would argue went over the top.
Above all else I will remember what this film means to me personally. It was a rare sunny
day (my fellow Oregonians will appreciate the understatement.) My mother and I, refusing
to worship the sun decided to take in a movie. This was that movie, it is a rare gem that
manages to be genuinely heartwarming, without being sugary. It is a film I will never tire
of because it themes are universal. And it will forever be associated with the day my
mother and I shunned the sun, and saw a film that to us is unforgettable. It is a film I am
proud to have in my collection.

In agreement with the other viewers, and contrary to the critic's review, this is a wonderful movie that deals with many issues regarding aging in America. Although it takes place in the 70's and 80's it is not dated. It deals with relationships within families, between generations, as well as health and social issues. I use it in my classes on aging and dentistry/medicine as a trigger film for class discussion of a wide variety of areas regarding aging in America. The vast majority of students (dental) find it meaningful and worthwhile. It is very moving, but not maudlin. As one of our students said "It is nice to see the guys in the class show emotion for once." I wish it would be rereleased.

It's a shame that this movie's largely overlooked by critics and audience alike. However, many people who happen to "stumble" across this movie will be pleasantly surprised. OK, I'm biased because I'm in the movie. But as an avid movie-goer, I have to say this is one of the better family movies in the past 10 years. The relationships are real and touching. Even though I knew -- from the filming -- how it was going to end, the tears that came down my cheeks caught me by surprise. I wish more people would see it and realize what a great movie this is. Peter Falk and D.B.Sweeney have great chemistry. You also get to see other great actors such as Julianne Moore (unfortunately, for some reason, they always fail to mention this film in her bios).

We always hear about "chickflicks" and such but never a similar type of movie for a man. Well this is one of those movies that is just that. It is a guy version of a chick flick and believe me, this movie has heart.

While most people have never heard of this movie, it is a touching story about a man who raises his Grandson and remains there for him throughout his life when he needs him.

This movie is about their relationship and the bond they share. The love that is shown but as a man would. While on the outside they might appear tough and gruff, it is in their actions and sacrifice that we see their true love shine.

The acting is just top notch as well as the script. It comes across as very real and authintic.

This is one of my personal all time favorite movies. It is real, it is touching, and no matter how many times I have seen it... I cry like a baby at the end.

I would recomend this movie to anybody but especially men who had a father or grandfather that was very close to them. The best "guyflick" ever.

This is the best movie I have ever seen. It couses you to think how you want to live your life. Peter Falk is at his best. The End of the movie is a bit surprising and you may need a box of tissues so if you don't like sad movies I wouldn't reccommend this one.

Full of warmth and good old family values, with a twist of old meets the new. Where the new finds out that it takes more then a few new ideas to hold a family together then just money. Light comedy and good old humour sets the scene for this life built comedy. Very insightful and stiring. I fully recommend this movie for laughs and romance. Age is more then a number or something to discard, it should be revered because of the roles it plays in all of our lives as well as the lessons it has to teach us.

I've seen this movie twice, but each time it touched me. I agree with previous review that this movie is overlooked and underapreciated. This movie is about simple, hardworking Polish immigrant grandfather who takes responsiblity for raising his grandson. His ways, quirks,strong influence on granson to better himself and strong love that makes grandfather and grandson sacrifice for each other, love and care that touches heart and makes us see what life is really all about.