Donna and I love our Netflix, and we can often be found flipping through the DVDs at our local library. We even take in the occasional film at the theater. In this section, we offer brief reviews of films we’ve enjoyed, including many that have helped us reflect on aging and retirement. We’ll be adding to this list, so check back from time to time. Please use the “Leave a Reply” box to mention your own favorite films.

Boynton Beach Club (2006).  A lighthearted look at seniors taking a second chance on love. It reminds us a bit of what we’ve read about Florida’s The Villages, though the dating scene in the film is perhaps a bit tamer. We found the tragicomic opening scene hilarious, but we won’t spoil it for you. Though a comedy, the film reminds us that seniors can be hurt by love as much as anyone else. Posted May 19, 2015

Quartet (2012). Featuring a fabulous cast, this film takes place at an English retirement home for musicians. A wonderful, if fictional, senior living arrangement indeed! A diva, played by Maggie Smith, isolates herself and refuses to re-stage a famous Rigoletto quartet performance for fear of criticism. The film underscores the importance of engagement and friendships for seniors. Posted May 7, 2015.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013). Revive your love affair with Mary Poppins! And learn how the film almost failed to see the light of day. This movie tells the touching story of the complicated relationship the author of the Mary Poppins books, P.L. Travers (Helen Goff) had with her father — and reveals that this relationship underlies the Mary Poppins stories. Walt Disney had to use all his charm to persuade Travers to let the stories be converted to film. Posted May 7, 2015.