5 Flights Up (2014)

Directed by: Richard Loncraine
Country: USA

Movie Review: Film director, Richard Loncraine, author of extraneous films such as “Wimbledon” and “Firewall”, takes boring routes to tell the story of an aging couple - the painter Alex Carver (Morgan Freeman) and his wife, Ruth (Diane Keaton) - who are arduously giving the first steps in order to sell their Brooklyn’s apartment and move to a more convenient one in another borough. Living on the fifth floor of a walk-up building for forty years, they’re relying on Ruth’s selfish niece, Lily (Cynthia Nixon), a talkative real estate agent who sees the transaction as a lucrative opportunity for herself. However, the couple is shrouded in doubt, experiencing a tender nostalgia invading their days. Will they be able to sell their cherished place where there are only joyful memories? If this wasn’t trouble enough, their old dog needs a delicate surgery and might not be able to walk again. Simultaneously, and out of their scope of action, the authorities join efforts to nab a menacing terrorist who’s causing the panic in the streets. With an unalterable pace, futile humor, and a narrative with no stilts or effective surprises, “5 Flights Up” feels moderately stale and unsuitable for young audiences. Morgan Freeman, whose career fell flat a long time ago with recurrent participations in silly movies, leaves the tough mission to Diane Keaton, slightly better, but still far from the required harmony we were looking for. The one to deserve accolade is Cynthia Nixon, an agreeable surprise as hyperkinetic, sly opportunist. The other positive aspect was the illuminated shots of Manhattan, where the vibrant, colorful life was amazingly captured. Charlie Peters, who also co-produces, wrote this allegedly feel-good drama based on Jill Ciment’s novel “Heroic Measures”. I wouldn’t bid on this one!