"About Schmidt" is a very good but also frustrating film. While I score it an 8, this is mostly for Jack Nicholson's acting--as for the plot, it left me feeling a tad unsatisfied. I understand that, in many ways, this was the point of the film--a vague sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction that hit a man soon after his retirement. I also know that existential crises are hard sells for a movie--most folks just want to be happy and entertained--not think about death and the meaning of life. Plus, the very slow and somber style will no doubt make this a hard sell to many folks.

Jack Nicholson plays Schmidt--a man as much unlike Nicholson's other characters as you can get. In fact, because of his usual brash and odd persona, seeing him play normal was tough--as I kept expecting him to snap and become a cauldron of pent up emotion. However, Warren Schmidt was a very nice guy--one who NEVER allows his darker side to come forth. And, if you are waiting and waiting for this to happen, you will be disappointed. This Nicholson role is much more like Mr. Rogers than the guy he played in "Five Easy Pieces"! The film begins with Schmidt retiring from a modestly successful career in the insurance business. Now that he's home with his wife, he is feeling a vague sense of loss and confusion. Who is he? What does he see in his wife? What about his daughter and his relationship to her? All these confused feelings come out using the plot device of a boy in Africa that he is sponsoring. You see, the sponsors are told they can write letters to these children--and Schmidt finds himself pouring out EVERYTHING to this 6 year-old stranger! It's a strange but very effective plot point. Soon after he begins writing these letters, the unthinkable happens--his wife unexpectedly dies--sending him on an even more deep crisis of who he is and the meaning of life. And, to get answers, he embarks on a strange and SLOW journey across the country to see his daughter for her wedding.

None of the stuff that happens in this film is earth-shattering or amazing. But, it is like real life--with, for once, Nicholson being married to a woman his age who is NOT a model but a real person. And, like real people, the Schmidt character doesn't have all the answers or any great wisdom. Along the way, the film is occasionally funny but mostly sad. Be sure to have LOTS of Kleenex nearby--you'll need it. But I do recommend you see it simply to marvel at the acting of Nicholson, as he shows a greater range and depth than you'd ever expect. Seeing him cry and emote was refreshing. However, DON'T watch this film if you are struggling with depression! It might just push you over the edge.

Having watched Sideways and absolutely loving it for very similar reasons to this, I watched About Schmidt, and I was bowled over. It is a brilliant film, beautifully directed and filmed with lovely photography and scenery, with an engaging story and characters and perfect writing that adeptly balances charm, humour and poignancy.

The cast are wonderful. There was no weak link as far as I could see, but for me Jack Nicholson's performance was heads and shoulders above his co-stars. They were very good, Nicholson, who I think is a great actor, is wonderful in this film.

All in all, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson) is retiring from his VP job at an insurance company. He's had a safe uneventful life. Facing a life change, he is feeling what might best be describe as a belated midlife crisis. After his wife's death, he takes an RV journey to attend his daughter's wedding in Denver even thought he thinks the groom is a big disappointment.

Director Alexander Payne creates yet another slightly off kilter character. It's great to see low key Jack Nicholson. Sometimes he does his Nicholson persona too many times. The story do get a little slow at times. It's quirkiness doesn't always deliver the laughs. But it's a nice story that'll get you to smile. Hope Davis has never looked sadder, and Dermot Mulroney has never looked balder.