[yasr_overall_rating]
A self-help seminar inspires a sixty-something woman to romantically pursue her younger co-worker.
Get out your neon clothes, strap on those latex tights and throw up your hair in a bow with Doris, who will take you on an exciting adventure of new life and unexpected wonder. Did I mention Doris is an old lady?
“Hello, My Name is Doris” drops you off at the house of Doris (Sally Field), who recently lost her beloved mother and struggles to cope with life while living in her house. Her life takes an unexpected route when she falls for the newly appointed art director, John (Max Greenfield), at her job. Sounds like a good love story, right? The only problem is that he’s much younger than her, much younger, maybe 30 years her senior if we’re being polite. However, it doesn’t stop Doris. She stumbles right into his life and begins an unlikely friendship. A strange concept like this is tastefully done and playfully portrayed. The visual comedy is top notch (thank you, director Michael Showalter) from the witty lines of dialogue to awkward interactions. It will truly make you laugh out loud, whether you’re 24 years old like me or much older. The older ladies behind me and my young companion and I were all laughing together. I admire a movie that can make that happen.
Sally Field is both delightful and incredibly moving, from her quirky personality to her honest struggle to find her place in life. “New Girl” fans will be excited to see Max Greenfield as he portrays a kind and thoughtful friend, who brings a newfound joy to Doris’ life as well as a graceful presence on screen.
The story of Doris is sweet and relatable, because she finds herself in a situation that feels utterly impossible. Can’t we all relate with that word? Doris finds herself at an impossible time of her life, in her feelings with John, in her new life without her mother, and looking for worth and satisfaction in a new season of life. When a motivational coach (the suave Peter Gallagher) tells her to turn the word “impossible” to “I’m possible,” she realizes she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. Yes. It’s filled with all the cheesiness and quirkiness your heart can take.
Attention men: this movie may be more of a chick-flick, although I think guys would still get a kick out of it. It’s funny and redeeming, but somehow really relatable for women who can easily identify with Doris as she searches for herself in a whirlwind of emotion, relationships and loss.
If you watch this film, I guarantee you’ll be in for a ride you weren’t expecting. It keeps you guessing and surprises you along the way, all while keeping a continual smile on your face. You’ll see Sally Field as you’ve never seen her before, and you’ll see Doris find herself in a new and profound way that she wasn’t even expecting.
In select theaters march 11th
