MovieChat Forums > About Schmidt (2003) Discussion > How Old Were You ?

How Old Were You ?

posted 17 years ago by JayScarp
25 replies | jump to latest

I came across this film last night flicking through channels it said 'Jack Nicholson comedy.' I'm not a big fan of rom-com (I guessed romance because he's trying to kiss Viki on the advert) but decided to leave it on, it is Nicholson after all.
There are not words to describe how I felt after watching this film. It's not a trying-to-be-something-it's-not film or pretentious or putting anything in just to hook in the idiots or get good reviews. It is what it is and nothing more. Why in the hell it was described as a comedy I don't know, some parts are comedic to some but the 'funny' parts just made me feel even more sad for Schmidt.
To get to my point I am 15 and many people on this board think a 15 yr old would not 'get it' so how old was everybody else when they first watched it or first 'got it' ?

[–] iwantedapeanut 17 years ago

18, watching it in the cinema with a friend who was also 18. It happened to be Valentine's day and there were about 100 people aged 40+ in the cinema. Judging by the reactions I heard from our fellow moviegoers, my friend and I were the only people who liked it.

[–] przgzr 17 years ago

Try to wander a little along threads of this board. You might be surprised how many teenagers appeared here and expressed satisfaction or even delight after watching this movie. I was pleasantly shocked because I'm closer to Nicholson age than your, and I haven't expected that so many members of young techno/rap generation (who mostly watches, as can be seen both in theaters&videotheques statistics and in these boards, movies like American Pie and action-blood-shooting) could understand and like Schmidt.

I wish that producers sometimes visit these boards and see that there are still reasons to keep making such movies.

[–] sethisawesome89 17 years ago

dude, quit

TALKIN BOUT MY GENERATION!

Geez, people try to put us down...

Sorry, I couldn't resist, the Who rocks! But seriously, I can see why people think that of kids today, but it's as much a stereotype as anything. It's not really a generational thing, rather most people, as in humans, don't go for these kinds of movies.

But yes, it's a wonderful film. Not as good as Payne's next film, Sideways, but it is indeed special. Glad it can bring young whippersnappers and old farts together. :)

(I think it was the "techno/rap" part that sent me off)

In 10 days I'm gonna set out to find the shark that ate my friend, and destroy it.

[–] przgzr 17 years ago

Sorry, never meant to insult anybody... I have several kids of my own that belong to your generation (maybe a bit older), and they are even not the extreme ones (comparing to their friends, other young ones that I meet on my job or just happen to hear on radio or by chance in shops, on streets etc) but they wouldn't even try to watch a movie like this.

And I am not talking about this generation (yes, I knew Who before you've been born) but rather supporting those among you who are willing to give a try to movies like this one. Also, I'm a bit selfish, because I am very afraid that the movies I could like won't be produced any more for there would be no audience to watch them (equal to no profit, what is not the main but almost only reason why would anybody make movies today, and what genre or style would he chose). If, however, enough young people care for such movies, maybe producers might find interest to let directors make them in future.

(But it's not just movies, your choice of music is also unusual. However, I'll support the shark anyway.)

[–] sethisawesome89 17 years ago

that's cool. I think I was just in a ranting mood, so sorry If I came off as a jerk :P I just really wanted to let you know that there are indeed young 'uns with good taste.

So basically I'm saying, don't sweat it, cool people still exist. :)

I'm glad you think my choice of music is "unusual," I would have to come up with a horrific and disturbing way to kill myself if I liked what is considered "popular" music. Check my profile for some of fave albums if you care to see just how unusual my tastes really are...;)

Oh, George, not the livestock.

[–] przgzr 17 years ago

I already did it, how else would I have known your preferences?

Why did I do it? If you're a friend, I want to know you better. If you are an enemy, I have to know you better. If you are a jerk, I'd better find it out in time to ignore you.

[–] oephellia 16 years ago

I'm a 'babyboomer', too. I watched this with my 85-year old mother which made me realize that the 'greatest generation', i.e., WWII generation that spawned the BB's, don't really understand 'our' movies. (I'm assuming you mean When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless, Jack Nicholson movies, etc. Like Jack Nicholson says in the movie (paraphrased) "when he dies and everyone who knows him dies, it will be as if he never lived". Something to think about for those who think they're better than anyone else.

For the younger people on this board - it (AGE) will happen to you. You won't see it coming but one day you'll look at yourself in the mirror and wonder where you life went.

We never thought 'age' would happen to 'us'. :)

O

[–] snowfairy123183-1 16 years ago

I'm not sure I can agree with that, Oephellia.

[–] Edward_de_Vere 15 years ago

And I am not talking about this generation (yes, I knew Who before you've been born) but rather supporting those among you who are willing to give a try to movies like this one. Also, I'm a bit selfish, because I am very afraid that the movies I could like won't be produced any more for there would be no audience to watch them (equal to no profit, what is not the main but almost only reason why would anybody make movies today, and what genre or style would he chose). If, however, enough young people care for such movies, maybe producers might find interest to let directors make them in future.

We certainly do seem to have a youth oriented entertainment industry, which is kind of surprising, because adolescents aren't demographically dominant, nor do they have the disposable income of 30 or 40+'s.

My own take on it is that puerile sex comedies and action flicks aren't just aimed at teenagers as at adults who never grew out of adolescence.

[–] yenna 17 years ago

I was 17 and thought I wouldn't probably like it, but I watched it for Jack Nicholson and I almost cried. I hardly ever cry.

A wonderful true-to-life film. Come to think of it, I should get a dvd.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] blueeyesentertainment 17 years ago

I watched it just recently for the 1st time - I'm 23. There are some funny scenes and quotes throughout the film and also some laugh out loud moments which prevents it from being depressing, but I agree with you - it's wrong to describe it as a comedy. I would probably describe it as a drama - but a drama with some funny bits.

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] wheels128 16 years ago

The people who recommended it to me said it was a comedy, and they loved it.

I was 19 when I saw it and hated every minute of it. I can see why people who like to think about the purposes of life when they sit down to watch a movie would enjoy it, but it did nothing for me.

[–] razorwinged_dragonfly 16 years ago

well, I'm 19 now, I was about 13 when I first watched it and absolutely loved it. I finished rewatching it just a few minutes ago and liked it even more, definitely a good movie.

-A real friend stabs you in the front-

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] Likes_Ninjas90 15 years ago

I was 12 when I saw it and I absolutely loved it.

[–] alonos 13 years ago

I was like 14 and I loved it!!..I still think that Nicholson deserved the Oscar tough Brody was really good too.

[–] TastyBeverage11 13 years ago

I'm 13 and just watched it and loved it.

[–] Serpico1988 13 years ago

20.. i think. maybe 21...not entirely sure.

One of my favorite films.

An ancient race... as Charles Bronson put it.