CanuckGirl I'm willing to bet that "My Old Lady" was not the original title, but something tagged on by a producer or distributor. I wished they had chosen one that suited the mood of this film...which is much darker/tragic than "My Old Lady" would suggest. Kevin inherits a Paris apartment and is forced to live with Dame Maggie because a contract says she can live there until she dies. Kristin plays her uptight, suspicious daughter. Doesn't it sound like they're going to get into much ribaldry and hijinks? Aren't you expecting the snooty, sarcastic bon mots to fly out of Dame Maggie's mouth? Yeah. That does not happen. This movie is most definitely a drama about three tortured souls with a secret shared history. Dame Maggie is great in everything she does. Kevin Kline has solid dramatic moments that show the depth of his range. But Kristin Scott Thomas' character is poorly written and the least flushed out (not her fault). Then oddly, it felt like the screenwriter gave up in the last 10 minutes of the film, and just tacked on an ending. Heavy conflict between all of them for 90% of the movie, then, within minutes, they inexplicably resolve their differences, and everything is quickly wrapped up, and they all live happily ever after. These three magnificent actors have all done stellar work in much better films. There were some good moments. But they deserved a better screenplay.

Mrbrown43 After Lady in the van the family wanted to get more movies with Maggie Smith because Maggie Smith was kind of good in lady in the van to put it lightly. We got this along with Florence Foster Jenkins because of a deal. The box cover for My Old Lady seemed like a zany quirky comedy about a once wealthy man Mathias Gold(Kevin Kline) inheriting a apartment in Paris that unknowingly happens to come with Mathilde Girard(Maggie Smith) and her grown up daughter Chloé Girard (Kristin Scott Thomas). We did not get a comedy per say, but what we got did not exactly work either. Before I get into the negatives of this movie (there are a lot sadly) I want to say that the actors are not to blame. Maggie Smith when she is on screen performs as well as always same goes with Kristin Scott Thomas who makes the most of the material written to give a really great performance and Kevin Kline gives a decent job with what he is given. The film is not badly shot and Paris does always look nice. The film does have some story ideas that should make for an interesting story if they had been used better. The main trouble with this movie is the directing and writing which lead it to become a boring melodramatic film. It clearly wants to be the Oscar winning film with its quick shots of French architecture and landmarks. But there is no atmosphere to these shots, Paris feels lifeless and hollow with as much substance as a postcard. There is no real reason as to why the film is set Paris other then the fact that better movies have set themselves in Paris. The setting feels like it should be there because Oscar winning movies tend to set themselves in Paris. As mentioned the film does have some interesting ideas for a story regarding abuse and grief but none of it feel authentic despite everyone playing their characters well, it all feels lifeless and manipulative attempt to wring out tears from the viewer. The lack of sincerity in the writing again make me feel that the writers only put in darker elements because Oscar winning movies often put gritty elements into their movies. The comedy elements are not so much unfunny as just bland weak attempts at humor by Kevin Kline who just seems either bored or struggling with comedic timing. Again the film wants to make me laugh but not put in the correct timing to execute the joke correctly. Maggie Smith is seriously underused in this film, she does not do much, asides from sitting in chairs and talking long serious talks to either Kevin Kline or Kristin Scott Thomas about their problems which at the end of the movie just magically disappear and they all live happily ever after. The ending feels rushed and anti climatic because the conflict just vanishes. I would not recommend My Old Lady, it is wasted potential that focused too much on winning awards then creating a great story that would win awards.

Paul Evans New Yorker Matthias arrives in Paris to inherit a valuable apartment, and having money worries he thought it would be a quick fix to his problems. The trouble is he also inherited a tenant and her daughter, Mathilde and Chloe. The trouble is under French law, he's legally obliged to let her live there and pay her a pension, en viager. Any attempt to evict her or sell the property would result in legal action.This is a beautiful film, it's funny, poignant, moving, and at times frustrating when you consider things from the point of​ view of Matthias. The three leads are fantastic, Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, and of course the show stealing Maggie Smith. Matthias ends up in some fairly dark places throughout the film, Kline does a great job of convincing the viewer that Matthias has had a tough life. Some of the laughs are brilliant.Beautiful scenery, Paris is a glorious City, and if you've been you can't help but be in love with what you see. It's a magical place, and I think the film manages to show that.Some may find it slow, but if you enjoy a character study, you'll love this one 8/10

namashi_1 'My Old Lady' is a film blessed with talents & hence its A Brilliantly Acted Film! And even as a film, its sweet, with some towering moments.'My Old Lady' Synopsis: An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.'My Old Lady' triumphs in the acting department. Kevin Kline is unbelievable. Seriously, how can an actor be so consistent & fresh as Kline? The Thespian delivers a milestone of a performance, full of melancholy & yet bringing a humorous touch to his part. Maggie Smith is first-rate, enacting her part with great ease. Kristin Scott Thomas is in tremendous form. Its such a pleasure to watch this rather underrated actress cast in a role, that justifies her talent. Israel Horovitz's Screenplay focuses on relationship & its nicely done. There are some intense turns in the second-hour, which also, work. Horovitz's Direction is competently done, as well.On the whole, 'My Old Lady' is exemplary performance-wise. Just for the actors alone, give this one a shot!