Movie Review
Crystal plays Charlie Burns, a veteran comedy writer who submits some scripts for the SNL-like show. Haddish is Emma Paige, a New York street singer who wins dinner with her ex-boyfriend’s writing legend. The two are adorable and have instant chemistry together. But this is a film about friendship, not romance, this is not another Frankie and Johnny type of film where two fall in love despite their age difference.
Directing here for the first time since 1995’s Forget Paris, Crystal has created an enjoyable film that will please those looking for something polite and warm.
Despite having two great comedy stars, this isn’t a particularly funny movie. Charlie’s sketches for his show aren’t that funny either, although the studio audience is having a good time.
Laugh Out Loud Moments
Still, there are laugh-out-loud moments, like Paige’s predicament when she has an allergic reaction to shellfish at the restaurant where she first meets Charlie. It’s also the catalyst for their friendship, because instead of just saying goodbye when lunch breaks, Charlie goes to the hospital with Paige and even pays for her treatment.
He then goes the extra mile and anxiously injects the hapless woman with an EpiPen in her boot after taking her home. So while it’s not the kind of funny comedy, the film isn’t without humor as the two characters bond and grow over the course of their very difficult friendship.
But even if you don’t shed tears from laughter, you might shed a few tears at the events unfolding on screen. It’s a film about loss as much as it is about friendship, as Charlie is still trying to get over the death of his wife after a car accident. He’s not the only thing he’s lost.
As a result of his death, Charlie also lost the respect of his children, who partly blamed him for what happened. He’s also losing his memory as a result of dementia, which becomes a key part of the plot when Paige decides to support her newfound friend so she doesn’t have to deal with her illness alone.
Sad Theme
Thankfully, despite the sad themes inherent in the script, the film never gets too bad. When things are in danger of getting too boring, there’s always a scene to add relief, so don’t expect a lot of doom and gloom when you watch. This is not to say that the film glosses over the serious issues it presents, as it still manages to explore the reality of dementia, such as when Charlie has a great deal of confusion on his way to work. But thanks to the performances of its stars and the lighthearted tone of the script, you’ll still have a reason to smile through your tears.
Cinematography
Despite the film’s strengths, it falters in some places. The cinematography is a bit flat so it looks more like a TV movie than a cinema. The musical score isn’t memorable, though that’s not a big deal when the dialogue is more important than the notes playing in the background. And the broken relationship between Charlie and his daughter is very easily fixed, so this plot line is a bit contrived.
But despite the film’s shortcomings, it’s by no means a waste of time. It’s not a dementia drama on the scale of Father and Supernova, but I don’t think it’s trying to be. It’s more about a friendship between two people who need each other but also enjoy each other’s company. Because of this, it is a lovely film that is warm and inviting for most of its running time.
Humor And Sentimentality
Here Today has the right balance of humor and sentimentality to make for a decent time watching. Haddish gives one of her best performances here, and Crystal is as reliable as ever. It’s not a movie that will stick in your memory for long, but it can lift your spirits because it’s light and hopeful.