Legendary Actresses Team up in a Tale of Loss, Revenge, and Redemption

Read Time:2 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Moving On
–

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Paul Weitz
Writer(s): Paul Weitz
Cast: Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Malcolm McDowell, Catherine Dent, Sarah Burns, Richard Roundtree
Where To Watch: Releasing in select theaters from Roadside Attractions on March 17, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: The reunion of two cinema legends, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, in MOVING ON is a tale of revenge and finding closure. The film explores how characters move forward from their past, each handling their emotional baggage uniquely.

Claire, played by Fonda, desires revenge, driven by a terrible past, and Evelyn's (Tomlin) attempts to balance the story. The film goes far darker than I imagined; while it is a comedy, it tackles some heavy subject matter to earn its R rating. Fonda and Tomlin's chemistry is always on point; their four-plus decade-long friendship is evident in these roles.

Director Paul Weitz deserves credit for balancing the comedy and drama in this film; from the original “reveal” through the end, I still wasn’t sure what would happen. Fonda's performance as Claire is rock solid, showcasing the character's anguish and determination to seek retribution. Tomlin's wit shines, especially in her exchanges with Malcolm McDowell's character. Richard Roundtree's character is a welcome surprise that makes you question his ultimate motivations.

The film’s narrative is a little messy, jumping from the main story to a few “side quests” that ultimately feel tagged on. While I appreciate the stories being told, they don’t feel they belong to the same overarching theme.

Despite its flaws, MOVING ON is a testament to Fonda and Tomlin's enduring legacies. The duo's chemistry is delightful, and their performances speak volumes about what a genuine friendship can do within Hollywood.

MOVING ON offers a unique take on moving forward from one's past, with each character handling their emotional baggage differently. The film's most vital point lies in the performances of Fonda and Tomlin, showcasing their ongoing impact on the film industry. MOVING ON is worthwhile for anyone looking to see two legends work together on screen.

For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of AARON EPSTEIN/ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS]