Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romance about aging and love is tender but falls flat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Elsa & Fred
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Fred (Christopher Plummer), a recent widower, moves into a new apartment somewhat reluctantly, where he's taken under the wing of his nosy, flirtatious neighbor, Elsa (Shirley MacLaine). Both are retirees -- and at an age when many people might not be thinking about new love. But Elsa's zest for life renews Fred and eventually overpowers his biting demeanor.
Is It Any Good?
First, applause for veterans MacLaine and Plummer. As the titular couple, they're funny and interesting and effortlessly appealing. Sadly, the script isn't as impressive. ELSA & FRED is supposed to show a couple falling in love, but we don't actually see it happening. One moment they're bickering neighbors, and then they're suddenly head over heels. And while Elsa is depicted as a carefree, charming spirit, the audience discovers that she's far more complicated, perhaps disturbingly so -- but the movie doesn't seem to put it into the context of Elsa and Fred's relationship, a glaring omission. Elsa and Fred are interesting, but interesting enough? That's still a question.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Elsa and Fred's relationship. Why are they drawn together? Do you think they make a good pair? Are they relatable characters? Is their relationship believable?
What do you think about Elsa's loose relationship with the truth? Why does she lie? How does Fred react to it? How would you react?
Can you think of other movies that depict new love between seniors? How are love and sex between older people typically depicted in the media? Which do you think is more honest?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 7, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : December 30, 2014
- Cast : Christopher Plummer , Shirley MacLaine
- Director : Anna Pavignano
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Millennium Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : brief strong language
- Last updated : July 23, 2022
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