Review by John Delia
After a long absence from the leading role, Sally Field returns to the big screen and it’s her film from opening line one to the logical ending. And what a performance by Field. Never losing her sweet cool, she shines in Hello, My Name is Doris, a romantic comedy with a little drama thrown in for good measure. It may get a little superficial, maudlin and bizarre, but that’s what makes the film the perfect couple’s night out. Ladies, it’s only a one tissue movie, but bring another for back-up.
As the film opens we find Doris (Sally Field) at the funeral of her mother. While deep in memories you can see the wear and tear on her face. The next day somewhat frumpy with a huge wig, she heads from her mother’s Statin Island home to her job in New York City. As she’s about to enter the building in which she works, she spots John Fremont (Max Greenfield) a handsome young stranger and gets smitten. In the back of the elevator people are pushing in on her with John ending up face to face with Doris. Finding out he’s the new art director for her company, makes her heart beat even faster.
So begins a tale so romantic it can only be called bizarre, but that’s a good thing. Director and screenwriter Michael Showalter keeps his film moving at a fast pace showing a gradual change in his main character. Doris has had a hard past taking care of her ill mother for many years and has not had much socialization outside of interaction at her office. The trip on the ferry from Statin Island, one train and then the office and back home has been her whole life. As Showalter starts to strip Doris’ cocoon from her body after getting infatuated by John’s vision, we start to see the butterfly busting through the chrysalis.
The film gets a lift from several successful and heartwarming movies over the past few years. If you enjoyed movies about elderly people like Lilly Tomlin’s Grandma and Paulina Garcia’s Gloria, then be first in line to see Hello, My Name is Doris. Of course it’s the actor that makes the film and Sally Field takes the lead as Doris and owns the film. She’s funny, daring, forward and charming, yet she can shed a few tears as well.
In support, second lead Max Greenfield gives a fine performance as the guy who can have any woman. The chemistry, believe it or not, is fascinating between Doris and Max and actually works. He’s successful, young, in management and outgoing, not the kind of guy who would even look twice at Doris. As for the young and successful ladies he’s been dating Brooklyn (played aptly by Beth Behrs) a gorgeous New Yorker. But, when it comes to that special feeling, his life gets cloudy taking him on a romantic adventure he didn’t expect.
Hello, My Name is Doris has been rated R by the MPAA for language. The fun film plays best to the ladies, but for men it may be the one movie this year that surprises. A couple’s night out or a group of girls heading for fun after a wine tasting are the best bets for this romantic comedy.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A film that proves you’re never too old to go after a slice of life. (A)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Sally Field, Max Greenfield, Tyne Daly, Natasha Lyonne, Peter Gallagher, Beth Behrs, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Stephen Root, Elizabeth Reaser, Isabella Acres
Directed and Written by: Michael Showalter
Genre: Comedy, Romance, with Drama
MPAA Rating: R for language
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Release Date: March 18, 2016
Distributed by: Road Attractions