Roommates

If your looking for a comedy you will be disappointed, however if you want a well acted, poignant drama with some funny lines, than this is worth your time. Peter Falk and D. B. Sweeney, are brilliant together. A sleeper that the critics missed. A word of warning, it is very sad and human.

This movie is all about Peter Falk, and what he's capable of when released from his Columbo role. Not that I have anything against Columbo -- it's one of the all-time great cop characters, along with Sgt. Friday and Sipowicz -- but in a police procedural we're mainly interested in what happens next, and any good director keeps that in mind. Here Falk gets to display the breadth and depth of his powers, and keeps us enthralled from the first scene to the last. He was "only" 68 when this film was released, but is convincingly aged during its course from something like 60 up to 107 (yes, really), which is a tribute not only to him but to the formidable makeup department (IMDb lists nine makeup credits). And just because grandfather is such an overpowering character, we shouldn't ignore the fine performances by D.B. Sweeney as his physician-grandson and Julianne Moore as the young social worker. In all, this is a moving story, well made and superbly acted. If you haven't seen it, do.

I personally found this to be a heartwarming and entertaining tale about a grandson and the grandfather who raised him spanning the course of 30 years. The two men love each other deep down, but clash often. Outside of their relationship other stuff happens. The grandson becomes a heart surgeon and has a family of his own while the grandfather meets various new friends and finds employment in a bakery at an old age, until illness forces him to retire. The roles of the two reverse and the grandson now finds himself caring for the grandfather who once cared for him when he was an orphaned boy. Definitely check this movie out and read the book but be warned it's a tear jerker that will tug at your heart strings.

Rocky Holzcek (Peter Falk) is a cantankerous Polish immigrant in Pittsburg. His grandson Michael becomes an orphan. He insists on taking in the young kid rather sending him to a home. Years later, Michael (D.B. Sweeney) become an intern doctor and takes in Rocky after the family home is condemned. Michael falls for Beth (Julianne Moore) who has a disapproving mother Judith (Ellen Burstyn). Growing old is sometimes a less appealing aging story. This is a pretty good one despite a few speed bumps along the way. Rocky's disapproval of Beth seems wrong in terms of story progression. At least, he should foreshadow that stuff by being more religious. I would have liked to see him deal with a black Beth or something more substantial. His fight with Beth comes out of nowhere. There is also an issue with Judith. It's unlikely that a court would pick her unless there is a better reason. These and other bumps keep this from being better.

I find it hard to believe that there are only 16 reviews of this film & that of those 16 all but one is positive, yet this film has such a low rating. I like a lot of Peter Falk's work. I truly LOVE Columbo. It was a great show that is still watchable due to the acting of Falk & the stories. I think the reason I love this film so much is that the character of Rocky somehow reminds me of my own father (who is old enough to be my grandfather) Like Rocky, my father is gruff, stubborn, snores incessantly, & loves his family albeit rarely says it. He shows his love with his actions not his words. Now that I have a son of my own & have my father living with me I hope that one day my son will be able to appreciate this film as I do.

I didn't think i could become a bigger fan of Peter Falk but this film has proved me wrong. I cant understand why this movie isn't more well known. Peter Falks acting is beyond brilliant in this movie making me laugh and cry uncontrollably. Peter Falks ability to take on different roles is shockingly amazing and until you hear his voice you would not know it was him. This film is definitely in my top 5 favourate films of all time. All of the acting is superb, the story line is detailed and gripping through out. This movie is one that will be remembered by anybody who watches it and one you will tell your friends about. Thank god for old classics such as this. In my opinion this is a must see movie.

Must n watch on any given day.. Its all about family ties.. Specially bout Grandpa.. Their are few cultures in world who still have a great family bonding.. Peter Faulk was so heart warming actor.. Every bit was either funny or close to heart.. What else can you ask for more..

Roommates is a warm, touching movie about family,love, and relationships. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for an entertaining and enjoyable family film. Peter Falk is excellent, as is the supporting cast. This movie was filmed in my hometown, and at the hospital where I worked at the time it was made. This adds interest for me, but anyone can enjoy this heartfelt movie, especially if you were lucky enough to know your grandparents. It is fun to watch relationships develop between two people from different generations. This is handled beautifully in Roommates. The characters are likable and believable, and you care what happens to them.