By Travis Johnson
Based on a true story, Hampstead sees Diane Keaton’s American widow start to fall for Brendan Gleeson’s irascible old hermit after she gets drawn into the legal battle to save his ancient shack on the titular London parkland. Director Joel Hopkins (Last Chance Harvey) calls the shots, working from a script by Robert Festinger (In the Bedroom, Trust)
You may mock, but this movie is going to make a mint. While the younger crew may prefer to stream their media or save their discretionary budget for more spectacular big screen fair, there’s a veritable army of elder viewers out there, with plenty of time and concession cards, who will absolutely swamp the matinee screenings of something like this for weeks – it worked for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, it worked for The 100 Foot Journey, and it’ll work for Hampstead.
Which is not to dismiss the material: Keaton and Gleeson are no slouches in the acting department, a “little guy against the system” narrative is generally good grist, and Hampstead Heath is absolutely lovely, if a little more appropriate for a horror movie after dark. “Charming” is the most appropriate adjective to throwing around here.
Hampstead hits Australian cinemas later this year. Maybe take your mum along.
