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Movies / On DVD / Assisted Living
Assisted Living

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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.

Rated: Not Rated

Runtime: 78 mins

Genre: Comedies

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

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Jan 10, 2006

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for Assisted Living

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1 - 17 (sorted by date)
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Full Review Source: Houston Chronicle | comment Comment
07/21/05
Houston Chronicle
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

The whimsy Greenebaum wants to construct can't match the terminal sadness that naturally takes over the film.

Full Review Source: Boston Globe | comment Comment
04/29/05
Wesley Morris
Wesley Morris
Boston Globe
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Assisted Living is a remarkably moving look at the prisons in our midst that most of us manage to ignore until we need them.

Full Review Source: Denver Post | comment Comment
04/22/05
Michael Booth
Michael Booth
Denver Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Authentically unconventional -- opening in the form of an almost convincing mock documentary -- but it gradually evolves into something more deeply affecting.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment Comment
04/14/05
Kevin Crust
Kevin Crust
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Works more than it doesn't, though it's easy to conclude that the film exploits some of the elderly in the movie.

Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | comment Comment
04/01/05
Jonathan Curiel
Jonathan Curiel
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

In this lovely and loving film, the comedy is mellow and the mood is intimate.

Full Review Source: Dallas Morning News | comment Comment
03/17/05
Philip Wuntch
Philip Wuntch
Dallas Morning News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This quiet, often meditative film is filled with observant, graceful touches that suggest the assured hand of a veteran filmmaker.

Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
02/04/05
Ann Hornaday
Ann Hornaday
Washington Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Tedious, film-school level exercise in self-indulgence and exploitation.

Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment Comment
02/04/05
Jack Mathews
Jack Mathews
New York Daily News
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Fascinating experimental film.

Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
02/03/05
Desson Thomson
Desson Thomson
Washington Post
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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.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
02/03/05
John Anderson
John Anderson
Newsday
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

What gives Assisted Living its unexpected weight is the spectacular turn by Riley, a former circus performer.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
02/03/05
Scott Foundas
Scott Foundas
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

He makes a few misguided choices, but the intentions are admirable and the film ultimately wins audience sentiment.

Full Review Source: Newark Star-Ledger | comment Comment
02/02/05
Lisa Rose
Lisa Rose
Newark Star-Ledger
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Elliot Greenebaum's hardheaded comedy has the guardedly facetious tone of a fake documentary.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
02/02/05
Stephen Holden
Stephen Holden
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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.

Full Review Source: Village Voice | comment Comment
02/02/05
Peter L'Official
Peter L'Official
Village Voice
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Playing jokes on old people isn't funny.

Full Review Source: New York Post | comment Comment
02/02/05
Debra Birnbaum
Debra Birnbaum
New York Post
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Parts of the film play like the world's slowest and most insensitive reality show.

Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly | comment Comment
02/02/05
Owen Gleiberman
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
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This art house fodder is just quirky and fresh enough to catch on with audiences.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
10/13/03
Joe Mader
Joe Mader
Hollywood Reporter
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