Movie Review: Poms (2019) *Very Minor Spoilers*

Movie Review: Poms (2019) Very Minor Spoilers

I enjoy watching character driven movies, especially ones that feature stars that I've grown up with that are actually from my parent's generation more than mine.

Poms is one of those kind of movies. It stars Diane Keaton alongside iconic Australian actor, Jacki Weaver.

Promoted as an uplifting comedy about a group of female retirees who, despite several obstacles, form a cheerleading squad, the film also explores some more serious themes (albeit not very deeply).

Poms is a fine movie with some laugh out loud moments. The cast do their best with what little character development they are given, since the majority of the films focus is Diane's character, Martha, the driving force of the squad.

Overall I liked the film but the story is somewhat choppy with unearned character moments, and attitudes that seem a little outdated in a more socially aware era.

For example, in the beginning of the movie we meet Martha, who seems to have lead a very solitary life in her later years, selling her New York apartment and moving to a retirement village where she really hopes to continue being alone and keeping to herself.

Unfortunately her new, rebellious neighbor, Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), kind of crashes into her life, and before you know it they're firm friends, with Martha acting on her suggestion to get back into cheerleading with a much grander plan of forming a squad that will actually perform to an audience at an upcoming event.

Despite being more the rebel, it's Sheryl who is at first hesitant to go along with the plan.

For me it was a little bit of a missed opportunity where more character growth could have been gained by Sheryl being the driving force, with Martha being drawn into her enthusiasm (especially considering Martha's health issues, that would likely make her even more reluctant to get back into cheerleading).

There are other moments that I found a little jarring too, particularly where one character seems to literally turn on a dime in her attitude towards Martha and her squad.

Potentially this could have been a much better film but it feels like maybe the story took a real hit in the editing to keep it under time.

As I said I found it enjoyable but it doesn't really uplift you enough to be memorable. However it's a fun movie that you'll enjoy for the cast.

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