About Fifty

Last night I started a serious movie, but I was not in the mood. I wanted to watch something light and mildly comedic. I selected About Fifty to watch. About Fifty is a light comedy, but not a very good movie. It stars Drew Pillsbury, and Martin Grey, two actors that were new to me. 

In an effort to distract his miserable, just-separated buddy Adam (Grey), ladies’ man Jon (Pillsbury) arranges a trip to the Palm Springs for some golf therapy. Socially awkward Adam reluctantly accompanies his cool, confident buddy on the drive to Palm Springs.

Along the way, the guys bond, bicker, and encounter several women including Peggy (Kathleen Noone), a frighteningly horny sexagenarian; Alix (Michaela McManus), a gorgeous coquette who’s much too young for Jon; and Kate (Wendie Malick), who’s smart and funny — and happens to be Alix’s mom.

When Alix, hoping to set up Kate and Adam, arranges a dinner party, a memorable, awkwardly funny evening ensues. Cautious and skeptical, Kate and Adam don’t immediately click, but beneath their brittle exchange it’s clear they yearn to connect.

While this movie is somewhat like the really excellent, Sideways, it is not. I do not recommend this movie.