Hanging Up

First off, don't expect a light comedy. This isn't one. But it IS a heartwarming movie which focuses on the complexities of dealing with an aging parent, one with memory issues (but anyone caring for a parent, memory issues or not, should relate to this one). Meg Ryan plays Eve, one of three daughters. Eve has the lion's share of responsibility for her father, Lou (Walter Matthau) - and that is an understatement! Meanwhile, Diane Keaton, as Georgia, is a self-centered, ambitious woman while Lisa Kudrow plays Maddy, a bit of a free spirit who is currently working in a soap opera.She has a small role but one she takes seriously and feels slighted by her sisters for not praising her acting efforts.My take on why this one got so many bad reviews is that I think viewers have to have gone through similar situations to relate to it. Younger viewers, those without elderly parents, might not connect with it. At a certain point in my life, I probably would have found it yawn-worthy. But not now.I have no idea why this movie seemed aimed at viewers who expect comedy. Some parts, especially scenes where Eve struggles to reconcile her parent's breakup as well as her father's drinking, his chaotic actions, and faltering memory...can be emotionally draining to view but worth the effort.Eve is clearly overwhelmed, as are many who have to care for aging parents, but she keeps striving to balance her father's needs with the demands of her business, her marriage, and son. In spite of her best efforts, Eve isn't holding things together very well and the cracks begin to show. She is edgy and tired and can't even imagine "hanging up" or disconnecting when she needs a break. Relating to the theme of hanging up...there is one remarkable scene in the movie where an empathetic stranger gives a gift of enlightenment to Eve, although it isn't THE ultimate solution, just a bit of grace during a turbulent time. This scene is worth viewing the entire movieThose who are the primary caregiver for an ill parent or one with Alzheimers should relate strongly to Eve's situation. But - as noted - don't expect a comedy. There are some humorous moments but they teeter on the edge of sadness and sometimes - as in life - actually turn into truly painful events. And yet...not so painful that the movie seems melodramatic.I can see from the other reviews of this movie that many viewers don't share my take. But I've watched this one again and again. It has brought comfort and solace ("A toast to your bravery and a toast to your grief") as well as plenty of moments that had me reaching for tissues. Perhaps it seems TOO real for some viewers?I have to admit that there was an aspect that seemed unbelievable to me. No matter how rough things got, Eve's house always looked lovely, nearly perfect. But she might have had one incredible housekeeper, right?

Don't remember purchasing.Amazon prime movies became confusing,Many movies shows in options as watch it for free, included with prime,But in the next step need to chose the free option again, what isn't the first, automatic option?!After seen the charge, quit watching prime all together.When I get home tired, and need a break, the last thing on my mind to read fine prints on the bottom of the screen..On the bright side, I got more sleep and time by quit prime tv.I m sure the movie was ok maybe even great. I slept through it, will watch again when comes to Netflix.

I love Meg Ryan but boy in this movie, she was really annoying. the whole movie was annoying to be honest. I should've known by the title that they'd be on the phone constantly but....Not realistic portrayal of father's decline.

This was a good video to watch, somewhat sad. Good vendor - packaged nicely and arrived when it was supposed to. I recommend the vendor.

Very hard movie to watch after watching my own father struggle with illness and having two very different sisters to walk through it. Ugh! I wept through most of it....cathartic

Mirrors the situation many families face with aging parents though perhaps not all came from a dysfunctional family like this one.Shows how in most families pretty much one child ends up shouldering the bulk of responsibilities because others are "too busy" to be bothered.The cast is excellent. Meg Ryan good as usual, Walter Matthau plays his part to perfection. It's funny, it's sad, it's frustrating, it ends well.

Funny! Funny! It touches home. I was Meg Ryan when I worked & had 5 children, volunteered. Gave my job my all. Now my daughter fits the part...job, children, big house etc. Ginger fits my older sister...she was always LATE AND A "ME" PERSON. Lisa K. was serene..and showed how she cared. (like one of my friends! I have given 2 videos away and will give a third to a friend...enjoyed the film and any that Meg Ryan is in.I'm a romantic and enjoy ROMANCE!

I ordered this movie on Amazon Instant Video, because I hadn't seen it in a long time and I remembered liking it the first time around. It's a good movie, but it's sad. So, you might need to be in the mood for a sad movie before you watch it.

Only Walter Matthau keeps the movie watchable. The three females, especially Meg Ryan, are less than mediocre.

As a great fan of the late walter mathau, this was an insight into three very busy daughters trying to slot their father into their lives as he becomes ill with dimentia. Wonderful performances by Diane Keaton, Meg Ryan and Lisa Kudrow, this is a touching film, full of humor and comedy, but also the sad reality of losing a parent.

Found very boring and not funny. Thought with cast would be hilarious.

I loved this film

Heart warming silly fluffy type of movie which is perfect for a sunday! The film involves 3 sisters as they navigate their busy lives and deal with all sort of family issues!