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Assisted Living (2005)
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Reviews Counted:17
Fresh:12
Rotten:5
Average Rating:6/10
Consensus: An unconventional, heartfelt blend of fact and fiction.
Theatrical Release:Feb 2, 2005 Limited
Synopsis: In this surprisingly moving film, the growing trend of assisted living facilities for the elderly is examined through a lighthearted drama. The main character is a young man named Todd (Michael... In this surprisingly moving film, the growing trend of assisted living facilities for the elderly is examined through a lighthearted drama. The main character is a young man named Todd (Michael Bonsignore) who works as an aide in such a facility. For the most part, he struggles to cope with the day-to-day challenges of the job including Alzheimer's-afflicted patients, demanding nurses, his nagging supervisor, and the sadness that is an inherent part of working with very old people nearing death. Amazingly, he finds a way to keep everybody laughing with a combination of his slackerish pot-smoking attitude, his penchant for playing practical jokes on the residents, and his generally carefree outlook on life. The friendship he forms with one resident, Mrs. Pearlman (Maggie Riley), leads him to eventually move on, however. Writer-director Elliot Greenebaum finds a truly artistic way to communicate the difficulties that face seniors in 21st century America. Repeating imagery of hands, touching conversations about the afterlife, and general empathy for each person's unique situation add valor to this sensitive film. Most of all, ASSISTED LIVING is about helping people, and trying to make the best of aging, which is rarely an easy process. [More]
Starring: Michael Bonsignore, Maggie Riley, Nancy Jo
Starring: Michael Bonsignore, Maggie Riley, Nancy Jo
Director: Elliot Greenebaum
Director: Elliot Greenebaum
Producer: Archie Borders
Screenwriter: Elliot Greenebaum
Producer: Alex Laskey, Elliot Greenebaum, Alan Oxman
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Reviews for Assisted Living
The whimsy Greenebaum wants to construct can't match the terminal sadness that naturally takes over the film.
Assisted Living is a remarkably moving look at the prisons in our midst that most of us manage to ignore until we need them.
Authentically unconventional -- opening in the form of an almost convincing mock documentary -- but it gradually evolves into something more deeply affecting.
Works more than it doesn't, though it's easy to conclude that the film exploits some of the elderly in the movie.
In this lovely and loving film, the comedy is mellow and the mood is intimate.
This quiet, often meditative film is filled with observant, graceful touches that suggest the assured hand of a veteran filmmaker.
Tedious, film-school level exercise in self-indulgence and exploitation.
Much more drama than fact, but it is the addition of real-life elements that give it such an unusual sense of authenticity and truth.
What gives Assisted Living its unexpected weight is the spectacular turn by Riley, a former circus performer.
He makes a few misguided choices, but the intentions are admirable and the film ultimately wins audience sentiment.
Elliot Greenebaum's hardheaded comedy has the guardedly facetious tone of a fake documentary.
The problem with Greenebaum's approach is that in courting the confusion between real and constructed realities, he allows our emotional response to become similarly confused.
Parts of the film play like the world's slowest and most insensitive reality show.
This art house fodder is just quirky and fresh enough to catch on with audiences.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 78% 78% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
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