Queen Bees (2021)

After a fire destroys her kitchen, an independent senior (Ellen Burstyn) reluctantly locates to an expensive assisted living retirement community until repairs are done on her house. Directed by Michael Lembeck (CONNIE AND CARLA), this is yet another frustrating geriatric comedy (somehow Diane Keaton isn't in this one) that has its heart in the right place but can't help but fall into the usual ageist stereotypes. It's the kind of comedy where we're supposed to be amused when senior citizens get high on pot, play strip poker or have promiscuous sex with each other. Funny, yes? Funny, no! I suppose we should be grateful they don't go skydiving or ride motorcycles. While it's great to see such mature talents like Burstyn, James Caan, Ann-Margret and Jane Curtin (who gives the best performance as the resident bitter bitch) together on screen, it's also sad when this is (apparently) the best they're offered. The faults of the movie aren't theirs, they're troupers and they get the job done but they deserve better material. With Loretta Devine, Christopher Lloyd, Elizabeth Mitchell, French Stewart, Alec Mapa and Matthew Barnes.