When I got to attend the screening of director Zara Hayes’ first narrative film, “Poms,” (which she co-wrote), I got to take my mother with me. Given that this seemed like the kind of story that mothers and daughters could share, I was excited for this opportunity on a number of levels.
The story here centers on Martha (Diane Keaton), who has decided it is time to leave New York and move into a retirement community. Upon her arrival, she learns that everyone must be involved in a club of some form, but none of the existing options pique her interest. With the help of her new next-door neighbor Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) and some reminiscing about the lost chance to be a cheerleader back in high school, the idea for a Cheerleading Club is started.
During open auditions, they meet Olive (Pam Greer), Evelyn (Ginny MacColl), Helen (Phyllis Somerville), Ruby (Carol Sutton), and Phyllis (Patricia French), all of whom show that they still have moves. When Vicki (Celia Weston), the community Queen Bee, advises them that they must have a minimum of eight members to qualify as a club, Martha and Sheryl track down Alice (Rhea Perlman), who signed up but did not show up due to the influence of her golf nut husband, who has a few thoughts on what a wife should and should not do. Add in Bruce McGill as the head of security who makes sure Christmas lights are down by New Years day and the residents are safe when he patrols in his golf cart you get the sense that life is for the young at heart.
Shane Atkinson and Hayes have done a good job with the script, making it relatable, believable and encouraging. This is not a romantic comedy or chick flick movie, so do not worry about any cringe worthy or adult scenes (which worked out nicely given the company I was in). Don’t get me wrong, a movie that takes place in a community that has more women than men will have a bit of that kind of humor, but this is more about friendship and living your life on your terms. The audience I was watching with was a really good cross-section of people, and it is a testament to this because of the amount of laughter and cheer (pun intended) in the right places.
With opening weekend being Mother’s Day weekend, “Poms” is a great choice to take the mom in your life out for a bit of fun.