And then … Well, the title is “Finding Your Feet,” and unfortunately that title is somewhat literal. Sandra goes to her sister’s dance class, where everyone is in their 60s and over, and it’s through dance that … yes, and you know the rest, don’t you?
“Finding Your Feet” is the story of a woman who, at a fairly advanced age, finds herself having to build a new life. The movie is optimistic and predictable, neither of which are problems in themselves. Being optimistic and reassuring can even be comforting in a romantic comedy. The problem is that “Finding Your Feet” is both these things in ways that seem false and sentimental, and there are no surprises on the way to the inevitable.
Yet the movie remains safely within the realm of the pleasant and watchable, thanks to the skilled British actors — not just the sisters, but Timothy Spall as a rather unlikely romantic lead, and a cast of supporting players, including the always winning Joanna Lumley. It also deserves mention that, when the action moves to Rome, director Richard Loncraine films the city with such feeling for its atmosphere that you can almost feel the balmy air.
Rome has rarely been evoked with such unaffected ease, particularly the sonic landscape — the church bells, the chatter of passing tourists. So even when it sags, “Finding Your Feet” has something of the feel of being on vacation.
MOVIE REVIEW
“Finding Your Feet”
Grade: C+
Starring Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie. Directed by Richard Loncraine.
Rated PG-13 for suggestive material, brief drug use and brief strong language. Check listings for theaters. 1 hour, 57 minutes.
Bottom line: The title is a bit literal, but it can feel like being on vacation
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