… but it sure beats the alternative.

As I get older … and my friends get older … and some die … that simple fact is driven home more and more each day.

But few more than today.

After talking to a few friends who are dealing with health issues, I found myself in a place with people I did not know … who were also dealing with health issues.

Nothing like hearing people complain about all their aches and pains and problems to cheer up your day.

Now the whole purpose of this project is to do something joyful … focus on the positive … observe the ludicrous … laugh at the irony of it all … and get enjoyment out of life.

So … what better to do than go to a movie?

What were my choices?

Dark Skies … “escalating series of disturbing events, they come to learn that a terrifying and deadly force is after them”  Too much like things I am trying to avoid. Next?

Good Day To Die Hard … “seemingly wayward son, Jack, only to discover that Jack is a CIA operative working to prevent a nuclear-weapons heist” Oh right … death AND a nuclear-weapons heist. What else?

Snitch … “undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned” Everybody hates a snitch. Moving right along.

Phantom … “haunted Captain of a Soviet submarine holds the fate of the world” So, is the captain haunted, or the submarine … or both? Don’t need a Phantom today, thank you.

Last Exorcism, Part II … “evil force that once possessed her returns with an even more horrific plan” Sounds like my love life. Anything else?

Cold Body, Warm Heart … “After a zombie becomes involved with the girlfriend of one of his victims, their romance sets in motion a sequence of events that might transform the entire lifeless world.” Oh Goodie … a love story … for a lifeless world. A bit too old for zombies I am thinking.

Safe Haven … “young woman … mysterious past … North Carolina … confront the dark secret that haunts her.” Oh. I. Don’t. Think. So.

Quartet … “At a home for retired musicians, the annual concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday is disrupted by the arrival of Jean, an eternal diva and the former wife of one of the residents.” 

Men and women of a certain age? Sexy Irishman? Maggie Smith? Directed by Dustin Hoffman? 90 minutes of pure escapism?

Bingo.

And. I. Loved. It.

To begin with there was the theatre experience.

Large Drink. And popcorn. Two buckets of popcorn. With yellow foaming agent butter.

I was expecting there to be three other people in the theatre when we got there.

There were two. Both with white hair.

Bargain matinée prices and it was still light out when the movie was over.

And the movie itself?

Besides it having shades of the novel I am writing … oh, yes I am … it was a moving story. With lots of funny parts.

There was a beautiful set, scenery and wardrobe.

There was music which I had not heard in a long while.

There were people … my age and older … living life … despite the fact of their age and health challenges. Baby Boomer and beyond.

It filled my Downton Abbey withdrawal pains with a stellar performance by Maggie Smith. Does she do any other kind?

And … spoiler alert … in the final credits you see that many of the people who appeared in the movie are actual retired musicians. Appearing as themselves. And their picture today is shown … right beside their picture from “back when” … with a few words as to what they were known for.

Very touching. Very well done.

Not that I am a movie critic or anything, but if you are looking for a light way to spend an hour and a half … and are suffering Downton Abbey / Dowager Countess withdrawal … you might find it well worth your time to go see this movie.