Directed By: Paul Weitz
Starring: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Malcom McDowell, Richard Roundtree
Plot Summary: Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as estranged friends who reunite to seek revenge on the petulant widower (Malcolm McDowell) of their recently deceased best friend. Along the way, Fonda’s character reunites with her great love (Richard Roundtree) as each woman learns to make peace with the past and each other.
Moving On in a way is about ghosts. Not in the literal sense, of course. Rather, it is about the specters from our past that haunt us and tend to creep in and darken our bright days. Director Paul Weitz reminds us that small scale stories about love, loss and acceptance aimed at an older audience are still very much alive and kicking.
The concept behind this movie is solid, and the narrative is buoyed by a cast filled with stellar actors. Despite all of the things this movie does really well, Moving On is something of a mixed bag. Clearly, Weitz is an old pro at filmmaking with films like American Pie and About A Boy under his belt. His skill at crafting mood and intimate small moments are evident of that. It’s in these small moments that this movie is at its very best. Not to mention, he is able to keep his vision and themes clear and consistent. You never doubt that this was made by someone who understands and elevates the artform.
Sadly though, there is no getting around the fact that this movie suffers from a messy tonal disconnect. Some of these elements feel slightly under developed, and it leaves you wanting more. Yet, you have to respect the fact that the murder plot is played deadpan and not absurdly wacky. The film also attempts a meaningful yet misplaced subplot with Tomlin’s character and the grandson of a nursing home resident which does not mesh with the larger story at hand very well. It’s things like this that feel odd and derail what should be a more focused film. As enjoyable as the film is, it does feel like early draft material and could have benefited from a more polished approach.
This movie is truly held together by its amazing performances on display. Clearly, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin have been a winning combo ever since 1980’s 9 to 5, and more recently Grace and Frankie and 80 for Brady. The pair really do bring out the best in each other, and Fonda’s stuffy straight woman to Tomlin’s chaotic witchcraft is on full display here. Rounding out the cast is the legendary Malcolm McDowell who does what he does best: be a wicked bastard. Richard Roundtree is also very good and makes the most of his limited screen time. Seeing all of these seasoned actors is a real treat and serves as a masterclass in their field. Thankfully, no one ever feels like they overpower their scenes with one another, nor do we get any hammy over-the-top performances.
Moving On may have issues in tone and some underwhelming plot elements, but it remains engaging throughout. At a scant runtime of 84 minutes, the movie never overstays its welcome and it keeps you glued to the screen. You cannot deny that Fonda and Tomlin have amazing chemistry together, and that alone is worth the price of admission. It’s refreshing to have a film that is aimed squarely at an underserved demographic. Weitz does a good job at showcasing women at a crossroads in their lives; they can let the pain consume them their pain, or they can do something about it and move on. We see this growth that is adeptly portrayed by the leads.
Moving On is not the best project to star Fonda and Tomlin, but it is endearing enough to give this a recommend.
Moving On is currently playing in theaters courtesy of Roadside Attractions.
Moving On is not the best project to star Fonda and Tomlin, but it is endearing enough to give this a recommend.
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GVN Rating 6
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Big film nerd and TCM Obsessed. Author of The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema from Schiffer Publishing. Resume includes: AMC’s The Bite, Scream Magazine etc. Love all kinds of movies and television and have interviewed a wide range of actors, writers, producers and directors. I currently am a regular co-host on the podcast The Humanoids from the Deep Dive and have a second book in the works from Bear Manor.