Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn topline the debut of writer/director Nik Fackler in Lovely Still, a whimsical romance tale that follows an elderly grocery-store bagger (Landau) who experiences his first pangs of love in the form of Burstyn. Elizabeth Banks portrays the woman's daughter, while Adam Scott handles the role of the store's owner. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
It concerns an older man, alone during the holidays, who unexpectedly finds love. It also features two strong performances from veteran actors Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn.
There are moments during Lovely, Still when it feels like you're trapped with Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn in a kitschy musical Christmas snowglobe that someone keeps shaking.
The places where Fackler has problems or allows things to get a tad too sentimental are smoothed over by the unmatched skills of the effortlessly superb Burstyn and Landau.
Don't be put off by the golden-hued, overly saccharine opening to this seemingly twee December (in both senses of the word) romance, because it hides a final quarter that packs an emotional wallop.
The performances from Landau and Burstyn are gobsmacking, and while there's nothing truly unexpected or surprising in the story, these two keep you watching regardless.
A conversation With Martin Landau: It was Bette Davis who said 'growing old ain't for sissies.' And this film reiterates that notion, framing old age as perhaps the greatest superhero screen manifestation of all.
It was Bette Davis who said 'growing old ain't for sissies.' And this film reiterates that notion from which no human being lucky enough to survive that long is exempt, framing old age as perhaps the greatest superhero screen manifestation of all.
Lovely, Still made me feel sorry for its venerable stars, despite my fondness for their legacies and my gratitude for their committed best efforts through most of the film.
With a beautiful story, great camera-work, interesting characters, and absolutely incredible acting from Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn, "Lovely, Still" is a great romance film that is initially heartwarming, but ultimately turns bitter-sweet. The characters were not as compelling as they could have been, and I felt
manipulated to cry, but "Lovely, Still" is lovely, still.
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