Unfinished Song - B

Rated PG-13, 93 minutes

Bittersweet, sentimental "Unfinished Song" hits the right notes

Terence Stamp

Charming, funny and touching, the British comedy "Unfinished Song" proves you're not too old to try something new. The story is familiar and you won't have a doubt about where it ends up, but it's so pleasantly assembled you'll have a good time getting there. Arthur (Terence Stamp) is a curmudgeon old soul perfectly content with sticking to his dull daily routine until his beloved but terminally ill wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) introduces him to a spirited local singing group of senior adults led by the youthful and charming Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), who has them singing some fast-paced pop songs. "Unfinished Song" is a remarkably upbeat, lyrical but often unconventional film with a few good notes provided by a cast who outshines the predictable script. Known as "Song for Marion" across the pond and already a hit there, nominated for several British Independent Film Awards, "Unfinished Song" is held together by the charming Stamp as one grumpy old man, and the delightful Redgrave in an effervescent performance that is the film's centerpiece. Interestingly, it's directed by British horror film director Paul Andrew Williams, but it's enjoyable (yet different) in seeing older folks prance around, having fun singing some '80s and '90s pop tunes like Salt-n-Pepa's "Let's Talk About Sex" and The B52's "Love Shack" (especially memorable). Arterton ("Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters") is also strong as the young choir director who inspires Arthur, as well as Christopher Eccleston as Arthur's estranged son. "Unfinished Song" wears its sentiment on its shoulder, and on that note you'll want to keep plenty of tissues handy, particularly in the film's best scene as Redgrave sings Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" in front of a big audience. Satisfying and uplifting, "Unfinished Song" isn't perfect, but it has heart and is worth a look, especially for Redgrave and Stamp, who have an unmatched chemistry together.

Wes's Grade: B