'5 Flights Up': A Cut Above
 Popcorn Column
by Michael S. Goldberger
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Focus World
Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman are considering selling their New York apartment. |
I heartily welcome films about Baby Boomers, such as director Richard Loncraine's "5 Flights Up," concerning a sixty-something couple trying to figure out what course in life to take next. I mean, we are the second greatest generation, right?
Of course I'm not so sure how I'll feel when these niche interest movies segue into hospitals, nursing homes and beyond, assuming that I'm cognizant of said transitions. But, not to worry. Heeding the advice my sister Ann gave me when, at age 7, I first inquired about the possibilities of death, "That's a long time from now."
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It's the immediate future Ruth and Alex, now married 40 years, are concerned with, the options suddenly expanded when their hotshot realtor niece informs that the cute Brooklyn apartment they bought for a song and a dance is now worth about a million bucks. Oh, they're only going to test the waters, mind you, and let Cynthia Nixon's house broker extraordinaire show the place to just a few interested people. Suffice it to note, what was supposed to be an innocent inquiry into their home's value spawns a multi-headed life of its own.
The frenzy of assorted gawkers and general oddballs parading through the convivial pair's cozy little manse is mixed with touching and informative flashbacks ... little sentimental pauses chronicling their lives together. Noted but subtly evoked, Ruth and Alex, believably portrayed by Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman, are pioneers of sorts, their courtship disapproved by Ruth's parents. Otherwise, no Earth-shattering events punctuate the personal history. Rather, these are the simple passages that comprise the life experience of some good folks we soon get to like.
Alex is an artist who experienced an earlier popularity. However, as his longtime friend and agent awkwardly informs at dinner one evening, he is currently out of style. It's apparent that Ruth, a teacher and hubby's chief afflatus, was the breadwinner in more recent years. But no one's complaining. Not that these dedicated lovebirds don't fight. It's just not a matter of course, even if during one little spat Ruth adamantly maintains, "This is not a disagreement; it's a fight."
But you can't convince us, Ruth. In a society increasingly skeptical of connubial bliss, this devoted couple are the exception that proves the rule. In their hands, the war between the sexes has reached a peaceful resolution. When they quibble, it's good-naturedly, the witty, tolerant repartee evincing the fair-mindedness and devotion that has marked their union. Alas, in recent years, they've become increasingly invisible, except when it comes to their money. So now here's this real estate quandary to test their resolve.
You know the adage. When you say it's not about the money, it's about the money. While considerably less enthused than Ruth about picking up stakes, Alex, a bit despondent about his lack of financial success, confides that it would be nice to leave Ruth with a comfortable nest egg. Plus, let's face it: with no elevator available, after 40 years those steps alluded to in the title are becoming a bit of a challenge. Then again, can they find that New York City anomaly: an apartment every bit as nice as theirs, but for considerably less money?
Joining in the swirl of dilemmas suddenly confronting our intrepid duo, their dog is hospitalized with a serious ailment. Frequent calls to the veterinarian, who's suggesting surgery as the only option, intersperse the Sturm und Drang of the aforementioned characters traipsing through their pad, ushered in by the insufferably pushy niece. Adding to the injury of being invaded and scrutinized, there is no shortage of insults unfeelingly levied about their home sweet home. As backdrop, a suspected terrorist, reportedly loose in the area, could hurt real estate values.
The script, adapted by Charlie Peters from Jill Ciment's novel, is decidedly Neil Simon-esque ... full of resilient personalities, untimely predicaments and quirky events, albeit lacking true originality. But there is that astute delve into the complexity and depths of universal issues: specifically, the slightly tarnished but nonetheless golden years that Ruth and Alex are determined to enjoy. There is a valiant heroism in their travail and quest, a loving statement about commitment, partnership and the sharing of goals: i.e. — the stuff of good marriages.
A blend of seriousness and the self-effacing humor that ameliorates it celebrates the human condition with bittersweet empathy and a sighing acknowledgement of what's truly important. Younger viewers with either ambitiously eclectic filmic interests or who have walked into the wrong theater will get a glimpse of what life adventures may lie ahead. But it's the filmgoers who qualify for a 10 percent discount at Dunkin' Donuts who will be truly elevated by "5 Flights Up."
"5 Flights Up," rated PG-13, is a Focus World release directed by Richard Loncraine and stars Diane Keaton, Morgan Freeman and Cynthia Nixon. Running time: 92 minutes
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