When we think about old age, wisdom (charitably), or frailty (“less charitably”) are the images that come to mind. The weathered faces of our elders can help us see our future. Another way is to think about the aging process from a more pragmatic perspective: Consider colorful scarves, oversized knits, and other evocative examples. You might also like silk robes, high-collared shirts and silk robes. Perhaps a glass of red wine on the ice?
This is the paradise that retirement age has to offer not our society’s aged, but rather Mack, the frazzled “old soul” at the center of Katie Aselton’s age-swap comedy “Mack & Rita.”
Written by Madeline Walter (both alumnus of) and Paul Welsh “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), the gentle film takes quirky introvert Mack (Elizabeth Lail, “Ordinary Joe”) out of her comfort zone of books and linen clothing and into her best friend Carla’s (Taylour Paige, “Zola”) bachelorette party. It’s there that Mack realizes just how unlike other girls she really is, balking at the non-stop parade of selfies and mimosas. If only she could hang out with Carla’s laidback mom (the always welcome Loretta Devine) and her wine club.
One thing leads to another — a past-life regression tent in the middle of Palm Springs run by a disheveled huckster (who else but Simon Rex) — and Mack emerges from a busted tanning bed not in her own body but inside that of a 70-year old woman (Diane Keaton). Naturally, there are some hilarious incidents.
“Mack & Rita” — Mack calls herself the latter when she’s in Keaton’s body, pretending to be her own non-existent aunt — falls victim to some broad cringe comedy and moments of squirmy second-hand embarrassment. Keaton, though enduringly charming, is perhaps not the knockabout comedienne she once was (and should perhaps avoid sequences in which she has to pretend she’s on hallucinogens). But “Mack & Rita”It is a strange, sweet, and sometimes even deranged film that features charismatic performances and a sincere message about being yourself.
Mack can finally be Rita; she is free to do what she likes and no one will ever question her because we respect the elderly (to an extent). Jack, her adorable neighbor (Dustin Milligan), can join her for midday lunch. “Schitt’s Creek”). She can chat with her wine club anytime she likes. Even Carla grows to accept Mack as Rita, and she discovers a newfound joy in her friend’s otherwise strange taste in clothing and leisure activities.
“Mack & Rita”You could easily join their ranks “Book Club”Oder “Poms,”There are other Keaton comedy about aging, which milk her long career for laughs. But it feels much more like Ol Parker’s work.“Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,”The “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” films). There’s a nuance to its view on getting older, treating it as a complicated matter, not always enjoyable but often dictated on one’s own terms. There’s also some relatively astute insight on the use (and soullessness) of social media and the ways in which bodies, regardless of age, are put on display online for the enrichment of corporations to. Sometimes, the Instagram comment in “Mack & Rita”Feels far more cutting-edge than other satires.
There’s plenty of oversimplification in “Mack & Rita,”A movie that believes that an old woman’s nature boils down to wearing chunky jewellery is a strange one. “Freaky Friday”–esque premise further, ignoring obvious jokes about Rita’s ability to do pilates or the drape of her elderly breasts. The movie’s success is only part of the reason why the film makes us want to be tough.
“Mack & Rita”The film is full of heartfelt, beautiful performances. Particularly by Taylour Paige and Loretta devine, who are perfectly cast as mother/daughter. Patti Harrison, in particular, as Mack’s vicious, business-minded agent Stephanie is a laugh a minute, always popping up at the most inopportune (or opportune) time.
Stephanie is the film’s closest thing to a villain. And beyond her, there are many other characters in the film. “Mack & Rita”It is a wonderful place to be. People are positive, supportive, winning, full of positivity, acceptance, and glamour. Mack considers herself an outsider and a major mistake in her generation. However, Mack’s friends love her anyway. They find her funny and smart, and though they may chastise her for having no interest in seeing a pop-up Bad Bunny concert, they’re quick to support her when she needs them. Rita finds solidarity with her wine club and even her budding romance with her neighbor feels plausible.
“Mack & Rita” is silly, but it’s a strong, necessary kind of silly, a warm and embracing kind of silly. Keaton has never been more bubbly and bright. This reminds us that, regardless of our age, being true is all that matters. You will find love no matter what.
“Mack & Rita”August 12th in US cinemas