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As the old saying goes, “Youth is wasted on the young.” The older we get, the more we appreciate the things we were once able to do. But in Poms, a group of retirees decides to recapture their youth in a way that causes aches and pains—and some controversy within their community.
Poms stars Diane Keaton as Martha, a retired teacher who’s spent most of her adult life living in the same big-city apartment. After she’s diagnosed with cancer, she packs up a few memories and decides that, instead of seeking treatment, she’ll spend her last days in a retirement community in Georgia. Encouraged by her outspoken neighbor, Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), she decides to start a cheer club, so she can finally make her dream of performing as a cheerleader come true. But their motley group comes under attack by the community’s queen bee, Vicki (Celia Weston).
This bittersweet comedy is, for the most part, everything you’d expect it to be. It tells the story of some sweet (and sometimes spunky) old grannies who shock and amuse by doing things that little old ladies just aren’t expected to do. At times, it’s over-the-top. At other times, it’s awkward and even cringe-worthy. But it also offers a cute story about finding friendship and having some fun after retirement age.
The writing here isn’t especially solid. The film introduces characters (like Sheryl’s teenage grandson) who don’t really have an impact on the story, and it picks up storylines (like the club’s conflict with the local high school’s cheer squad) that don’t really go anywhere. Most of the conflicts, in fact, are rather weak—more comical complications than real obstacles.
Really, though, Poms is just meant to be a bittersweet and silly feel-good comedy. Had it starred Helen Mirren instead of lovably bumbling Diane Keaton, it may have been a little more successful, but the cast members still bring their own kind of fun—especially Jacki Weaver, whose Sheryl provides most of the film’s quirkiest comic moments. And these cute characters, their friendship, and their dedication are enough to make audiences get up and cheer for them.
If you’ve got a spunky grandma of your own—one who favors comedies over superheroes—plan a date to take her out for dinner and this movie. It can be a little much at times, but it’s good for some laughs—and some togetherness time, too.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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