Film Review: Ewan McGregor Needs More Seasoning in ‘Beginners’

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CHICAGO – When the matriarch of a family dies, the void can create dynamic shifts or imbalance for those left behind. Pair that turmoil with the announcement that a surviving father is gay, and the atmosphere is created for the new film “Beginners.”

Rating: 3.0/5.0

The title refers to both Ewan McGregor (the son) and Christopher Plummer (the Dad). They are both beginning again, Dad with his new lifestyle and the son with the realization that the past he knew will never be the same. Although writer/director Mike Mills creates an utterly unique scenario (based on his own true story), the narrative simmers when it should sizzle, and throws up a mishmash of randomness that doesn’t quite feel true.

Oliver (Ewan McGregor) begins his story with a bit of history. His family pursues the American Dream of the mid-to-late 20th Century. His parents are married in a church in San Francisco in 1955, mere blocks away from the apartment where Alan Ginsburg writes his seminal poem “Howl.” It is revealed that his mother has died recently, and shortly after that event his father Hal (Christopher Plummer) comes out of the closet as a gay.

Oliver accepts the shocking news, although he does muse about his parent’s relationship through a series of flashbacks. He is also experiencing some career issues and relationship problems of his own, including taking up with Anna (Mélanie Laurent), an actress who feeds on the mystery behind Oliver’s current tinge of sadness.

Meanwhile Daddy Hal, despite dealing with a potentially fatal illness, is out and proud. He immediately takes to his new life, experiencing a new happiness along with it. He partners with Andy (Goran Visnjic, unrecognizable from his role on TV’s “ER”), a lover with his own baggage and father issues. Together, Hal and Oliver propagate a new era in their connection in the time they have left, precious seconds that turn into valuable moments.

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Beginners”

The Golden Years: Hal (Christopher Plummer) in ‘Beginners’ Photo credit: Focus Features

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Beginners”