"Yes Mama. I've heard the one about you HJ-ing Mussolini."
What a splendid surprise of a movie. "Mid-August Lunch" took any and all pre-conceived notions that I, for the most part, have about the elderly. What starts as a truly terrifying premise for younger gentlemen like myself — middle age man is unexpectedly left with four grannies in his apartment — becomes a light and simple, yet thoughtful and sincere realist comedy of understanding and patience.
From Italy back in 2008, the Music Box is having a run of "Mid-August Lunch" these two weeks, and I must insist you see it if you can ... DVD, onDemand, God forbid you make it to Wrigleyville. Lovingly lackadaisical, "Mid-August Lunch" shows that the elderly can still have a good time too. God, that sounds condescending.
In short, middle-aged bum inherits four grannies for a night, and of course, catty callous behavior ensues and the man nearly has a heart-attack dealing with them. From sneaking contraband foods to TV possession problems and even losing a granny, shit happens. You know, the usual scary/funny stuff that comes with old folk.
But then something happens. Through the tribulations comes understanding, and respect and divinely so, a sense of whimsy as the characters co-exist. We begin to learn something, about understanding and respect and joy. Even if it is at a mild price.
A best for this year. Even if it was made in '08.
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