We Suggest: Lovely, Still

FilmSnobReviews is run by two people. William, and Phoenix. We can both have the same taste in films, but then again, we both have found our differing opinions and have accepted each others’ “guilty pleasure films.” This will be our chance to give you a suggestion. Need a movie to rent this weekend? A movie night with some friends? A comfort movie after a breakup because that heart of yours is broken? No matter what the reason may be, these are all films that come from OUR suggestion boxes. Whether you watch them or not is up to you. Whether you like them or not, is something we won’t generally criticize, to each his own.

These are our Snob Suggestions…

Title: Lovely, StillDirector: Nik FacklerYear: 2008Starring: Martin Landau, Ellen BurstynMPAA Rating: PG

Robert Malone is an elderly, lonely grocery bagger. His life as normal as you or I. Until one night he meets his new neighbor Mary, and the two instantly hit it off. Suddenly Robert is swept up in feelings someone of his age shouldn’t be naive too, but he is, and that’s the beauty in his every emotional nuance. In a whirlwind affair normally reserved for people not of AARP age. This film shows that no matter the age, nor situation love conquers all.

Lovely, Still was written and directed by first-timer Nik Fickler and stars Oscar winners Martin Landau (Best Supporting Actor 1994 for Ed Wood), and Ellen Burstyn (1974 for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore). With fine actors like this, you’d think this film is gonna be at least okay, well you're wrong because the material is excellent as well. This makes the feel a powerhouse of well-acted material that will have even the coldest of hearts warmed. Elizabeth Banks and Adam Scott provide really nice additional characters. In addition, the superb soundtrack spearheaded by Bright Eyes members Mike Mogis, and Nate Walcott. The soundtrack also features an exclusive track from Bright Eyes themselves, of should I say himself?

What makes Lovely, Still really stick out is its stellar denouement, which will have you in one of two moods, one of sheer surprise, or profound happiness. I lend a warning this one may end up a four-hanky film by its finish. And though one of its biggest knocks is its heavily loaded second act, I’m sure Fackler wouldn’t have it any other way. So, by all means, cuddle up with the girl (or guy) you love grabs some popcorn (or whatever you like) and enjoy a thoroughly well-thought out romance film that will give you a hope that love shall find you no matter what.