Can THELMA save Hollywood?
A movie is about to receive a major release TOMORROW, on June 21st, in over a thousand theatres nationwide, that is so unlike anything Hollywood has released in the last few years that it has the potential of righting the sinking ship that the film industry has been rearranging the deck chairs on for the last 10 years.
That movie is THELMA. Written and directed by Josh Margolin, it is the kind of movie that the film industry has forgotten how to make: an ORIGINAL story that is both touching and hilarious, the rare “laughing through tears” film that is perhaps the most difficult kind to make.
In a sea of remakes and endless sequels, of super hero movies consisting mostly of green screens and steroids, THELMA gives us real heroes to cheer for and laugh with in Thelma Post, played by the irresistible 93-year-old June Squibb, and her friend Ben, delivered in hilarious and heart-breaking fashion by the late Richard Roundtree in his final performance.
I don’t want to say much about what this movie is about, because I don’t want to ruin a single one of the delightful surprises you are in for when you experience this brilliantly written and well executed directorial debut from young Mr. Margolin, but PLEASE do yourself a favor and go see it. And take the entire family. This is the rare film that you can take everyone from your 6 year old to your great-grandmother to see.
THELMA has no agenda, is not political or intentionally provocative or self-conscious in any way. And at the very heart of it is the love and friendship between a grandmother and her grandson. It is a film made for grownups that children can enjoy as well -- a very rare bird in today's culture.
There has not been a movie this funny, touching, and powerful -- and yes, you could even call it "sweet" -- to come out of Hollywood in a long time. Go to the box office and support it — because that’s how you get more like it.
You can find a theatre near you at thelmamovie.com.
And you can watch the trailer here: https://www.thelmamovie.com/videos/ ��
You are going to love it. I promise.
Nick Searcy