This is the kind of film in which the actors make the movie. The script shifts without ease from comedy to drama to teen angst, and the movie has a few moments of quirkiness that just scream "cute, topical indie dramedy, guys!". But the incredible cast spins gold out of this nonetheless. O' Toole is fabulous in the role of Maurice, an aging actor who strikes up a relationship with a troubled teen (Jodie Whitaker, a revelation), while trying to hold together his bonds with friends (Leslie Phillips and Richard Griffiths give a pair of brassy, funny performances that deserved awards season attention) and his ex-wife (Vanessa Redgrave, in a brilliant, understated performance). If you like to watch great actors do a great job acting, this is your movie. But no matter how great the talent is in front of the camera, it can't reach its full potential without equal talent behind it.
