Okay, let's talk about I'll See You In My Dreams (2015). You know, that movie with Blythe Danner as a widow rediscovering life?
It's charming. Everyone says so. But is it amazing? I have thoughts.
It's All Very... Nice
Look, Blythe Danner is delightful. Her character, Carol, is dealing with loss. She's navigating new friendships and dating. It's all very... sensible.
And that's the thing. It's too sensible. Where's the chaos? Where's the mess?
The Romance Factor
Carol has two potential suitors. One is a younger pool cleaner, Lloyd (Martin Starr). The other is a suave older gentleman, Bill (Sam Elliott).
Lloyd is sweet, awkward, and a bit of a lost soul. Bill is… well, Sam Elliott. Enough said, right? He's got that amazing voice.
But even the romance feels a little… beige. I wanted more fireworks!
Unpopular Opinion Time
Here it comes. Brace yourselves. I think I'll See You In My Dreams is… slightly overrated.
Gasp! I know! How dare I? Everyone loves this movie! It's heartwarming! It's about finding joy after tragedy!
And I agree. It is. But it's also… a little bland. Like vanilla ice cream when you're craving chocolate fudge brownie.
The "Realness" Quotient
People praise the film for its realism. Carol's struggles feel relatable. Her friendships are genuine.
But is real life always this… tidy? This pleasant? I think not.
My real life involves spilled coffee, existential crises, and occasionally setting the toaster on fire. Where's that movie?
The Problem With "Feel-Good"
Sometimes, "feel-good" movies can feel a little… manufactured. Like they're trying too hard to make you feel good.
And while I appreciate a dose of positivity, I also appreciate a dose of reality. Even if that reality is messy and uncomfortable.
I'll See You In My Dreams is like a perfectly arranged bouquet of flowers. Beautiful, but a little… predictable.
Don't Get Me Wrong
I'm not saying it's a bad movie! It's well-acted, well-written, and has a lovely message.
It's just… not a movie that stuck with me. It didn't burrow into my soul and make me question the universe.
It was… nice. Pleasant. Forgettable. *gasp* There, I said it again!
Maybe It's Just Me
Perhaps I'm just a cynical grump. Maybe I need more explosions and fewer conversations about grief.
Or maybe, just maybe, I think we need more movies that are willing to get a little bit messy, a little bit uncomfortable, and a little bit… real.
So, go ahead, watch I'll See You In My Dreams. Enjoy it! Have a good cry.
But don't be surprised if, a week later, you can't quite remember what it was about. Or maybe that's just me and my terrible memory!
And please, tell me I'm not alone in this unpopular opinion. Anyone? Bueller?
"Life is too short to drink cheap wine." - Carol Petersen, I'll See You In My Dreams
I agree, Carol. And maybe, just maybe, life is too short for perfectly pleasant movies. Just a thought.
