The Looking Glass 2015
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Produced by Allan Turner
Directed by John D. Hancock
DVD, color, 110 min.
High School - General Adult
Family Relations, Adolescents, Senior Citizens
Date Entered: 01/17/2017
Reviewed by LaRoi Lawton, Library & Learning Resources Department, Bronx Community College of the City University of New YorkEvery once in a while, a film is produced, goes through the launch date and either becomes a smash hit or a colossal miss. This film concerns a young adult named Julie who is forced to live with her grandmother after the loss of her mother. There is no mention of the father who apparently has remarried but it is clear that Julie and the stepmom do not get along. So it’s off to grandma’s home in another state. This is a coming of age drama where two people, one very young, the other much older, learn to deal with the death of a loved one and each other. The grandmother/former movie star tormented with early Alzheimer's, is under the radar but the viewer can sense it with the actions of the grandmother from time to time. The Looking Glass is filled with affectionate moments, tough love as well as insight on how to succeed in the realm of stage and screen. Julie and her grandmother begin to bond over time and as Julie continues to see things through her experiences with her grandmother, she begins to realize that she has talent and has a very good singing voice. As human beings, we are by nature, social creatures. We crave time together and being with people we love gives us rest, hope, energy, laughter, a needed shoulder, joy and peace, among many other gifts. This film offers these and more. While some people may not remember On Golden Pond, The Looking Glass is reminiscent of that earlier film. With age, comes wisdom and with grandparents, a lot of love.