Review of Grandma (2015) by Higherstandards — 26 Sep 2015

This movie knocked modern feminism down a peg or two, which is a real shame. A humble budget should be no excuse for poor writing, directing, and acting. Apart from their financial irresponsibility, grandmother and granddaughter appeared to be united only by their shared hatred of the middle generation, which was relayed to us via energy-drink-guzzling, pink-blazer-wearing caricature.

The lesbianism was overplayed, the grumpiness was boring, and the use of a well-known transsexual actress in the cartoonish role of broke debtor was downright offensive, as she happens to be well overqualified for this cast, script, and story.

The one male character was simultaneously sleazy, good with money, and anti-abortion, which is a lazy combination of characteristics for a movie that appears to be desperately seeking some higher purpose.

Even without these major flaws, the film would still be nearly unwatchable, thanks to the sloppy acting. I’m sorry, and Tomlin may be legendary, but she still needs to pause between thoughts and change her tone of voice to match her sentences.

I agree with Stephen Holding: this was indeed a career-capping performance.