As far as I can tell, I’ll See You in My Dreams is Blythe Danner’s first real starring role. She’s been in many movies and TV shows, but not as the main event. And she totally nails it in this film. She paints a strong yet understated portrait of an older woman, longtime single who, not particularly intentionally, begins to re-create herself.
The movie opens with Carol drinking wine and caring for her aging and ill dog, Hazel. Hazel passes on, and Carol busies herself with card games with the “girls”. I might interject here that her group of friends includes Mary Kay Place, Rhea Perlman, and June Squibb (Nebraska). They are all really good, and are the bringers of a lot of humor that balances out the dramatic elements of the film.
The other supporting role is Lloyd, her pool cleaner, played by Martin Starr (probably best known for heavy hitters like Superbad and Knocked Up). Their relationship is interesting and can’t be exactly pinned down, but it adds quite a bit to the storyline.
So you get Speed Dating, a Karaoke Bar (by the way, Blythe can sure sing—better than her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow in Country Strong, for example), medical marijuana, an ugly black rat, and most importantly, Carol’s romantic interest, Bill– a marvelous turn for Sam Elliott.
I’m happy that Blythe got her chance to be a star, and at 72, she was long overdue.
This movie is going to mostly appeal to an older audience, maybe even a mostly female audience. But there’s plenty to like for a wider range of viewers, and this cast is sure not to disappoint. – [DVD] [Blu-Ray]
Comedy/Drama
Rated PG-13
DVD Release Date: 9/1/15
