Silver Skies (Written Review & Trailer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review by John Delia

Kind of an off-beat comedy the film Silver Skies brings a little more nostalgia to the screen with a cool blast from the past cast. Much like the recent review on the film Wild Oats, this little movie delivers a warmhearted memory of actors that show their stuff even in their senior years. It’s mainly targeted to the older set, but 35 and up should get a kick out of it.

In the Sherman Oaks area of California the senior living hotel Silver Skies has been the home of many seniors for decades. It’s had its day yet the residents are happy with their everyday life and the camaraderie. Phil (George Hamilton) a long time bit actor has a touch of Alzheimer’s and most of the time thinks he’s Dean Martin. His care companion Nick (Jack McGee) who works at the nearby race track selling programs makes sure he gets around.

Eve (Barbara Bain) and Mickey (Jack Betts) are a married couple who are well liked and Frank’s (Alex Rocco) a recent widower who likes betting on the horses. He has an eye for Ethel (Valerie Perrine) a single woman who’s living on a very low income. While that completes the immediate circle of friends that dine every Sunday morning on a free breakfast, a newcomer Harriet (Mariette Hartley) has caught their attention. It seems that Harriet is well to do and they are wondering why she chose this hotel to spend the rest of her life.

Now that you know the main characters, there has been a setback for the residents as the owners have sold the Silver Skies to a financial corporation who will be remodeling it for expensive condos. So begins a wacky story about fighting the greedy owners, finding romance, and becoming a hero. Director and writer of Silver Skies Rosemary Rodriguez (TV’s “The Good Wife”) turns her film into a homage for older folks who have found themselves on the short end of the stick. Her characters are enjoyable to watch as they try to find ways to salvage their homestead and avoiding the inevitable, losing everything.

Making the film exceptional however, are the actors who portray the seniors that have hit a dead end in their lives. Most of them have familiar names, have taken on bit roles and still work in film. Here are the main cast with the number of film and TV credits and a couple of memorable performances. George Hamilton (117 credits including The Godfather 3 and TV’s “Dynasty”), Valerie Perrine (67 Credits including Lenny and Superman I & 2), Barbara Bain (76 credits including TV’s “Mission Impossible” and Skinheads), Mariette Hartley (131 credits including TV’s “The Incredible Hulk” and “Peyton Place”), Jack McGee (196 credits including The Fighter and TV’s “Rescue Me”), Alex Rocco (168 credits including Mo Green in The Godfather and TV’s “The Famous Teddy Z”), Howard Hesseman (152 credits including TV’s “Head of the Class” and “WKRP Cincinatti”).

Silver Skies has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains language, explicit sex, a depreciating sexual act, and nudity. This is NOT a family film so be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the movie as it does have many scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents including older teens. The clichéd plot and production value have some concerns, but the musical score, costumes and cinematography do help the mood and setting.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A nice blast from the past. (C+)

Additional Film Information:
Cast: Cast: George Hamilton, Valerie Perrine, Barbara Bain, Mariette Hartley, Jack McGee, Alex Rocco, Jack Betts, Howard Hesseman
Directed By: Rosemary Rodriguez (TV’s “The Good Wife”)
Genre: Drama, Comedy
MPAA Rating: Not rated, Contains sex, nudity, rape, language,
Running Time: 1 hr. 36 min.
Release Date: October 7, 2016