MY OLD ASS
Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, Maria Dizzia, Al Goulem, Seth Isaac Johnson, and Carter Trozzolo
Director: Megan Park
PAIGE
My Old Ass shamelessly wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s such a charming and tender flick about cherishing the moments and people we have while we have them, and its themes truly struck a chord with me. I laughed. I cried. I laughed some more. The entire ensemble is beaming with charisma and has such incredible chemistry, but it’s writer/director Megan Park, who, no pun intended, hit it out of the park with this film. She once again demonstrates her ability to convey subtleties in a compelling and powerful manner. Regardless of age, anyone can appreciate this coming-of-age film.
AMARÚ
My Old Ass doesn’t feel like a movie. It, instead, is like hanging out with close friends and family, lounging through unscripted situations, especially during the visibly improvised scenes between Aubrey Plaza and Maisy Stella. So, my feelings are as hard to explain as the feasibility of the film’s main premise. It stands firmly on vibes, with much of its dialogue seeming awkward and non-cinematic. However, the emotions it evokes, encapsulating how important it is to live in moments and treasure time, are so powerfully relatable and incredibly sweet that chilling with these old asses ironically turned into one of my favorite movies this year.
QUENTIN
Although not without its charms, My Old Ass is a rote coming-of-age indie movie; the kind of movie that comes and goes without leaving much of a lasting impression, belonging in the same tier as somewhat forgettable (but not necessarily bad) options like Wildflower and Suncoast as opposed to the tier with real staying power like Eighth Grade or Lady Bird. Plus, fair warning, if you’re here for the sci-fi gimmick and Aubrey Plaza, both are almost an afterthought, with Plaza even being miscast a bit. Still, if this style of breezy story about finding yourself and youthful romance is your jam, it’ll serve its purpose.
NICK
Imagine you had a chance to speak to your older self… What would you ask them? What would you want to know? My Old Ass explores this idea, but unfortunately, it's a much smaller part of the film than you'd hope. The majority of the time is spent simply telling what is an admittedly sweet love story - one of familial love, romantic love, and self love, all told through the breakout performance of Maisy Stella. Had the initial concept made for a larger part of the film, it would have been better, but as it is, you only have a sweet (albeit formulaic) coming-of-age tale.
