June Squibb has danced around the edges of a number of films, stealing scenes with abandon.
Now, she gets the title role in βThelmaβ and nails it.
In the βgrandma gets scammedβ comedy, Squibb plays a 93-year-old who sends $10,000 in cash to con artists because sheβs convinced her grandson was in an accident.
Richard Roundtree and June Squibb use a scooter to track down thieves who scammed her out of $10,000 in "Thelma."Β
When relatives point out the error of her ways, Thelma decides to right the wrong. She chooses to βfollow the moneyβ and track down those who did her in. With the help of a friend in a retirement community, she drives a motorized scooter to the location and, well, anythingβs possible.
In writer/director Josh Margolinβs hands, this is a sweet valentine to grandmas and the grandsons they cherish. Her Danny (nicely played by Fred Hechinger) is just as frustrated with his parents as she. Both are misunderstood. Both think they can make this mistrust go away.
To her credit, Thelma takes along friend Ben (played by the late Richard Roundtree, who was βShaftβ on screen). He tries to convince her some of the moves are risky, but sheβs not deterred. Thelma gets to her destination and then itβs βHigh Noonβ for the thieves.
While bits of action seem over the top, much of the situation is believable. Thelma, for example, has problems with a computerβs mouse and canβt quite get the hang of doing business online. Advanced age also doesn't mean dementia's afoot.
Thelma doesnβt have the trust of her daughter (Parker Posey) and son-in-law (Clark Gregg) but she doesnβt solicit it, either.
June Squibb and Fred Hechsinger join forces in "Thelma."Β
When Thelma and Ben go on the lam, theyβre great fun β role models for the AARP generation. Danny is a burst of fresh air, too, simply because heβs capable of more than his parents are willing to admit. He and grandma bond and, in many ways, look after each other.
When the relatives in between discover that bond, theyβre appropriately surprised. (Sometimes when thereβs too much hovering details are overlooked.)
Margolin doesnβt dress this up with a lot of fancy photography, but he does have a delightful production of βAnnieβ at the retirement home that bears a second look.
A grandmother/grandson road trip would be a great sequel. Now, though, βThelmaβ is the one to enjoy.
Itβs a family vacation without the unnecessary relatives.
And Squibb? She can still steal films she stars in.
Movies in a minute with film critic Bruce Miller
Movies in a Minute: We Live in Time
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: Smile 2
UpdatedMovies in a Minute: "Saturday Night"
Is "Saturday Night," a genesis story of NBC's "Saturday Night Live," the best movie of the year? Sioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says it's a contender.
Movies in a Minute: "Joker: Folie `a Deux"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says "Joker: Folie `a Deux," a music-filled movie, was a good idea, but it had nowhere to go.
Movies in a Minute: "Megalopolis"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says "Megalopolis" is "classic, removed and, at times, overdone." (and those are his nice comments)
Movies in a Minute: "Transformers One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Transformers One" is an origins story that details how the whole idea came about. The film looks good, runs less than two hours and doesnβt make you feel like youβve entered some strange new world.
Movies in a Minute: "Speak No Evil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Speak No Evil" is visually messy and disjointed. It becomes one of those horror films that makes you want to scream at the screen.
Movies in a Minute: "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment editor Bruce Miller says that when Beetlejuice, Michael Keatonβs crazy-haired bio-exorcist, appears all is right in the crazy world of this sequel to 1988's "Beetlejuice." But be forewarned - if you're not familiar with the original movie, you may have some catching up to do.
Movies in a Minute: "Reagan"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Reagan" squeezes too much drama into one film. It's a CliffsNotes approach to history just hitting the highlights and quickly moving on.
Movies in a Minute: "Blink Twice"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment reporter Bruce Miller says if you put a bunch of people on an island just about anything can happen..... and, in "Blink Twice," it does.
Movies in a Minute "Alien: Romulus"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Alien: Romulus" isnβt afraid to throw in a good olβ popcorn surprise when you least expect it. You donβt have to know a thing about the earlier βAlienβ films to enjoy this one.
Movies in a Minute: "It Ends With Us"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "It Ends with Usβ becomes yet another protracted romance in which no one is honest and open. Itβs an OK relationship drama, it just didnβt need more than two hours to make its point.
Movies in a Minute: "Trap"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Trap" is an interesting concept, particularly since it plays on understandable fears.
Movies in a Minute: "Deadpool & Wolverine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Deadpool & Wolverine" is the Marvel film for everyone who has grown weary of superheroes and their overly long stories. Teaming with Jackman was a brilliant move. The yin and yang of the new Marvel Universe can take on everyone and still manage a smirk.
Movies in a Minute: "Twisters"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Twisters" whips up plenty of action to be one of the best movies this summer.
Movies in a Minute "Maxxxine"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Maxxxine" doesnβt accomplish much or really scare. Itβs a visual treat but a scary movie dud. Itβs merely an attempt for a director to walk in otherβs shoes, not blaze new trails.
Movies in a Minute "Despicable Me 4"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Despicable Me 4" is all over the map, looking for something to stick. Itβs fine for those with short attention spans but for everyone else itβs a mess to sort out.
Movies in a Minute "A Quiet Place: Day One"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says the joy of "A Quiet Place: Day One" is how well Lupita Nyongβo conveys every emotion without words. Sheβs a wonderful actress who makes you care about her, her cat and the law student, played by Joseph Quinn. When theyβre in danger, weβre in danger. When theyβre exhaling, weβre exhaling.
Movies in a Minute: "Thelma"
UpdatedSioux City Journal entertainment critic Bruce Miller says that while the action in βThelmaβ may not be all that realistic, itβs highly entertaining and just the ticket for audiences tired of three-part dramas.
Movies in a Minute: "Inside Out 2"
UpdatedMovies in a Minute "Bad Boys: Ride or Die"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" doesnβt try to deliver big messages, it's just a lot of fun.
Movies in a Minute: "Jim Henson Idea Manβ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "βJim Henson Idea Manβ shows how the puppeteer created the Muppets and Sesame Street. βIdea Manβ scratches at the surface of Jim Henson. It just doesnβt dig into the felt.
Movies in a Minute: "Summer Camp"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says βSummer Campβ doesnβt have a spark that could start a fire.
Movies in a Minute: "The Blue Angels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Blue Angels" documentary shows us what itβs like to be the best of the best. For fans of air shows, itβs a great βrest of the storyβ production.
Movies in a Minute: "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" includes the best motion capture performance weβve seen and, easily, the reason this film works so well. No matter how many βPlanet of the Apesβ films youβve seen, this is the one to embrace.
Movies in a Minute: "The Fall Guy"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Fall Guy" rolls out every jaw-dropping stunt possible and manages to pull the curtain back on the movie industry.
Movies in a Minute: "Challengers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Challengers" is a smart love fest for fans of tennis. The film is a closer than usual look at the emotional toll the game takes. When the action starts, weβre curious how itβs going to play out.
Movies in a Minute: "Abigail"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says that if you get an invitation to dinner from "Abigail" just say it got lost in the mail. She's a messy eater.
Movies in a Minute: "Civil War"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Civil War" seems like a film designed to scare audiences into attention.
Movies in a Minute: "Monkey Man"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Monkey Man" never sits still. The film is full of extreme close-up shots which are impossible to ignore and, often, easy to misread.
Movies in a Minute: "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" isnβt as good as previous mashups, but this, you might say, is the βOppenheimerβ of the monsterverse.
Movies in a Minute: "Late Night With the Devil"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Late Night With the Devil" toys with its audience and plays out much like an old-school talk show.
Movies in a Minute: "Snack Shack"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Snack Shack" is Profane, constantly in motion and very retro. Itβs the vacation you didnβt think you needed but sure were glad you took.
Movies in a Minute: "Cabrini"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Cabrini" is a noble look at the patron saint of immigrants, Frances Cabrini. The film reminds us there is not an even playing field then β or now. Itβs a stirring message at this time of year.
Movies in a Minute "Dune: Part Two"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Dune: Part Two" plops you in the middle of the action and never slows up. This sequel is beautifully photographed and powerfully scored.
Movies in a Minute: "Drive-Away Dolls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Drive-Away Dolls" is isnβt as complete as youβd like it to be but it does have moments and isnβt afraid to let familiar faces play unfamiliar roles.
Movies in a Minute "Bob Marley: One Love"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Bob Marley: One Love" has plenty of music and a subdued vibe but it doesnβt tell us a lot about the reggae legend himself. The film leaves out plenty of key information β the kind of stuff a fan would like to know.
Movies in a Minute: "Lisa Frankensteinβ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says βLisa Frankensteinβ is a light romp in a dark, dark world. But it could have been a wild wallow in an era that was packed with possibilities.
Movies in a Minute: βThe Greatest Night in Popβ
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says βThe Greatest Night in Popβ is a wonderful slice of history that shows what happens when stars check their egos at the door and produce something iconic.
Movies in a Minute: "Poor Things"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Poor Things" may be one of the most bizarre films of the year, but it's also a springboard for some of the best acting work of the year.
Movies in a Minute: Best Actress nominee Sandra Huller
UpdatedSandra Huller, who stars in two Best Picture nominees, "Anatomy of a Fall," and "The Zone of Interest," is also nominated for Best Actress for her role in the former. Movie critic Bruce Miller calls Huller's performances incredible and says her Best Actress nomination is one of the most deserving honors of the year.
Movies in a Minute: "Mean Girls"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Mean Girls" has a problem with the translation to the big screen. Here, itβs darker and, somehow, more serious.
Movies in a Minute: "Anyone But You"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Anyone But You" isnβt as fun or as snarky as you want it to be. Itβs just a chance for it stars to try something new without making a huge mistake.
Movies in a Minute: "The Color Purple"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Color Purple" is an all-singing all-dancing extravaganza that sometimes overshadows the story of Celie, but it's a powerful film that packs a punch.
Movies in a Minute: "The Iron Claw"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Iron Claw" is a fascinating slice of life that suggests all the fame in the world may look great but it canβt replace a little parental love.
Movies in a Minute: "Wonka"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Wonka,β the prequel to βWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,β is just as delightful as the original.
Movies in a Minute: "May December"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "May December" goes deeper than any investigative story and hurts more than a well-timed social media post.
Movies in a Minute: "Wish"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says Disney's "Wish" has so many mediocre references to past animated films it canβt help but pale in comparison.
Movies in a Minute: "Next Goal Wins"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Next Goal Wins" is largely a matter of how you define βwinning.β Unfortunately, the story is so scattered itβs hard to find the momentum.
Movies in a Minute: "The Marvels"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Marvels" is not very interesting. The three crime fighters take on a baddie looking for a second bracelet but universal domination shouldnβt be the goal of everyone in a superhero movie.
Movies in a Minute: "The Holdovers"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "The Holdovers" is a holiday movie with some rougher edges. Despite being bathed in the glow of nostalgia, βThe Holdoversβ is brutally real about human relationships.
Movies in a Minute: "Five Nights at Freddy's"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Five Nights at Freddy's" is like something youβd find on Nickelodeon over Halloween weekend. It isn't a chilling gore fest. It tests the nerves but it doesnβt fry the brain.
Movies in a Minute "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" is spectacular and easy to watch, though it may be a long sit for some viewers. Swift's lyrics hit the target right in the heart.
Movies in a Minute: "Killers of the Flower Moon"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Killers of the Flower Moonβ is true cinema. Itβs art in its highest form that never fails to entertain.
Movies in a Minute: "The Exorcist: Believer"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller calls the "The Exorcist: Believer" a respectful reboot but definitely not a head turner.
Movies in a Minute: "Fair Play"
UpdatedMovie critic Bruce Miller says "Fair Play" is easily one of the most compelling films of the year.
