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Lily Tomlin: "80 for Brady"

 I'm a real believer in titles. I think a strong title sends a message: "This work knows what it's about." Breaking Bad, Follies, Casablanca, The Lion King, Yellowjackets, Pride and Prejudice: These are punchy, confident titles. You feel you might be in good hands.


Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark is a weak title; American Dirt is a weak title. These titles say: "Maybe think twice before you trust the writer. Maybe consider the thought of heading for the hills...."

I believe that 80 for Brady is a terrific title; it's fresh, it tells you what the movie is; it's funny. And it's attached to a good movie. The movie tells a "quest" tale: The Holy Grail is a set of tickets to the 2017 Super Bowl. 

Lily Tomlin pleads with a radio DJ for the quartet of free tickets. "My friends and I are 80. We all love the Patriots; we bond over this, and the games help us forget cancer, death, a divorce...."

We're led to think that Tomlin wins the contest; however, the movie is craftier than it seems to be. The crises that ensue help to teach a few lessons: (1) Carpe diem, (2) Stand up for yourself, (3) Always trust Rita Moreno to have the best ideas.

I don't think this movie is destined for immortality, but I appreciate that it tried a few things I hadn't seen before. And the image of Jane Fonda sleeping in a double with Lily Tomlin--one hand tossed casually over Tomlin's waist--seems priceless to me. Jane Fonda knows what she is doing in front of a camera.

Recommended.
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  1. rebeccaFebruary 14, 2023 at 9:17 AM

    I can't wait to see it!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ReaderFebruary 15, 2023 at 5:55 AM

    If you liked "Booksmart" ..... Don't want to oversell it, but I think it's fun!

    ReplyDelete

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