DIFF - 4/10

The Dallas International Film Festival is now in full swing at the Angelika Theater in Dallas, Texas. There are around 160 films playing throughout the 11 day festival, and I had a chance to see two of them today, two enjoyable geriatric-themed films, "I'll See You in My Dreams," and "5 Flights Up," both of which open in the DFW area in mid-May of this year. I'll have full reviews upon release, but will give you a short preview for now.

The entertaining "I'll See You in My Dreams" stars veteran Emmy and Tony-award winning actress Blythe Danner, who's a revelation in her first starring role and proves she's much more than Gwyneth Paltrow's mother. Directed and written by Brett Haley in his debut original feature, it's a bittersweet, often hilarious and charming, coming-of-age drama for the senior set that deals with some heavy themes while also having fun. In addition to the warm Danner who grounds the independent film so well (please cast her as the lead in many more after this), it has a remarkably talented cast for such a "small" film, including Martin Starr, Sam Elliott, Malin Akerman and especially memorable as her card-playing pals, Rhea Perlman, Mary Kay Place and Oscar-nominee June Squibb. Put this one on your list to see when it opens.

"5 Flights Up" is an enjoyable, well-acted yet somewhat exhausting dramedy starring two Oscar-winners, Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman (who also co-produced) and based on Jill Ciment's novel, "Heroic Measures." It explores the semi-adventures of an older Brooklyn, New York married couple (Keaton and Freeman) who "test the waters" in possibly selling their now valuable 40-year old apartment and finding something new. This distinctly urban film directed by Richard Loncraine ("My One and Only") has some good moments, and the couple's backstory is compelling, though the script, particularly in the last act, has some coherency problems. Keaton and Freeman are solid as always, but the climax is frustratingly anti-climactic considering the plot.