Diane Keaton (Morning Glory, 2010) plays a single retiree who begrudgingly moves out of her New York City apartment and into a retirement community in Georgia for active seniors. To capture some of her lost youth, and to annoy some of the established leaders of the well-groomed retirement community, she starts a cheerleading squad with some of her fellow female retirees. After enduring awkward rehearsals, riding in fancy golf carts, and bonding with unlikely sensitive teenagers, the cheerleaders learn to love themselves, their bodies, and their lives.
I feel like Diane Keaton is the electric automobile or the solar power of mainstream Hollywood in that she's a highly underrated, and surprisingly untapped, resource. She's been in so many great film roles throughout her career. Comedies like Baby Boom (1987), Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993), The First Wives Club (1996), and Something's Gotta Give (2007). Dramas like The Godfather (1972), Mrs. Soffel (1984), Marvin's Room (1996). Poms made me sad to think this is one of the best current film roles for a woman of her age. Yes, Diane Keaton and all the supporting actresses are funny in the lighthearted moments, and Keaton is a terrific genuine force of emotion in the dramatic scenes. Poms celebrates the importance of friendship, fun, and courage to try new things, especially in your golden years. And it's great to see actors on screen that are rarely given the spotlight.
I just wish these actors would be given a film opportunity that's not predictable, overly-sweetened, or plain. Seventy-two-year-old Diane Keaton could do so much more with a meatier, more dynamic, more interesting story. For me, Poms isn't so much a celebration of old age but rather a reminder of Hollywood's stubborn or prejudiced attitude against it.
