ChanFamous I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Sameer Callahan It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Bryan Kluger 'Quartet' marks the directing debut for Dustin Hoffman, who is now five years shy of 80, and the two make a great pairing, just like a good wine and cheese. Hoffman took his cues from Ronald Harwood's play and from a documentary from the 80s that showcased a retirement home for famous musicians and singers. With its stellar cast, charming characters, witty dialogue, and amazing music ranging from The Mikado to the Rigoletto, 'Quartet' is not to be missed.The cast is mostly made up of actual musicians and singers and with the help of a few veteran actors, this story of aging and music should play to not only older audiences, but to younger ones as well. The film takes place at the luxurious Beecham House, which is in the beautiful countryside of England, and looks like it's from a fairy tale from its lavish rooms and fabrics to the many gazebos, ponds, and trails throughout the entire place. Hell, I'd want to live there. Here, music is life, and for it's residents who are all above 75 spend their days and nights playing music and singing still. You see, this is a retirement center for famous opera singers and musicians, which include a famous tenor named Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), who still sings and teaches a class to young kids every week on opera. He even mixes in rap to keep his young audience listening, all the while, he feels young too as he can be found listening to various rap songs in his room alone.As Hoffman's camera moves through the fancy house, we meet Sissy (Pauline Collins), a forgetful yet lovable singer who tries to make everybody's day brighter. Then there is Wilf Bond (Billy Connolly), who was once a singer, but now roams the hallways cracking jokes and trying to get laid whenever he can, but has no success ever. These two characters are so genuine and funny that you can't help but fall instantly in love with them.A bit of of excitement fills the Beecham House as the annual Verdi Gala is coming up, where most of the fund raising for the year is held to keep the home open and functioning. This is also where all of the tenants of the home get to put on their fancy dresses, get in full costume and make up and put on a show, just like they did when they were younger, all under the direction of Cedric (Michael Gambon), who might be the biggest diva in the room. The other bit of anticipation is that everyone in the house knows that a new tenant will be staying with them, and the rumor is that it is a big star.Well that star finally arrives and it is the famed opera singer Jean Horton (Maggie Smith), who is reluctant to at first to talk with her former colleagues or participate in any programs, let alone lunch or dinner. It is also much to Reginald's dismay that Jean is there as they were once married, but divorced due to Jean having an affair. However, as they say, the show must go on, and Cedric wants the original 'Quartet' to sing the Rigoletto once more for the Gala, which consists of Sissy, Reginald, Wilf, and Jean. Everybody has agreed with the exception of Jean, and the other three hope they can convince her in time before the Gala to perform once again.I really enjoyed the fact that Hoffman doesn't mess with the usual stories in telling a tale about retirement homes. There was no talk of the tenants being sad about family members not visiting or even family visiting for that fact. Everything is about the music here and is on a light note, which I loved. As for the performances, Smith and Courtenay are phenomenal. They both prove they still have what it takes to captivate an entire audience and their emotions when they first see each other for the first time in many years, you can literally see the heartache in their eyes and mannerisms. It was amazing. Connolly is my favorite character, as he is the most light hearted and funniest characters in the film. he takes everything in stride and just steals the show. Hoffman's direction is mostly by-the-books, but captures each performance with grace. And stay for the end credit sequence as it shows the actors paired with an old photo of themselves in their youthful prime. I can't wait to see this again.

xx131 What a brilliant idea Dustin Hoffman had to make a movie about old people. This can sound like a very boring and dull idea at first, but watching Quartet will prove you that there isn't actually more lively environment than a retirement house. The plot is really good and creative (I mean, a retirement house specially for old opera singers? who would've thought of that?), and Dustin Hoffman entirely deserves the award he got for Breakthrough Directing. The choice of actors was incredibly good. Dame Maggie Smith (Jean Horton) is really one of those actresses that'd be the right choice to play anything. I wouldn't even be bothered if she had to play Batman, and I'm convinced she'd be the right choice. Paulie Collins (Cissy Robinson) is absolutely adorable in her slightly-going-nuts rendition of an old opera performer. She's adorable and will her innocence will probably make you go "awww" a couple of times. And the idea of using actual retired opera performers as extras? Jesus that deserves all the credit in the world (plus you get to see what they looked like while performing in their career, another good reason to stick to the end). But actors aren't just what makes this movie awesome. Some shots are just magnificent. The way some scenes are filmed is mesmerizing. The setting is beautiful, typically British, and it will dazzle your eyes. Overall, Quartet is one of those movies that doesn't even remotely look interesting at first sight, but truly, once watched, your opinion won't be the same.

sergepesic If you ever desire to see age as a fact of life, not as shameful mishap, you'll have to turn to British. Something weird happened to the American culture. People never lived longer, but they were never more invisible as they get older. Faces pulled so tight that they resemble Halloween mask, moronic slogans about 60's being new 40's, and elderly shoved out of the way all around. Except, of course the elderly that never upset anybody about realities of aging. And here comes this gentle, predictable, but nevertheless deeply touching light comedy about getting to terms with the inevitable. A lively group of marvelous actors, some magnificent classical music, beautiful manor. Nothing too original, but still such pleasure. And now we can go back to being terrified of the thing we can't possibly avoid, aging. And we wonder at the state of the world.

ianlouisiana Apart from a couple of excruciating moments(the samba class and the patronising rap scene),"Quartet" is a very good film that differentiates between growing old and getting old. Yes a working knowledge of music made before the age of recorded sound is an advantage,but,as in Harwood's "The Dresser" where it helps if at least you've heard of Lear,it is not essential. Humanity is all that's required - a quality missing in some of the ageist comments on this site. You get old if you're lucky.If you're even luckier you retain some of the God - given talent that has set you apart from your fellows for half a century,and luckier still if you live amongst like - minded people. So "Quartet" is about a fortunate group of men and women who are still indulged and respected in their dotage - not a fate befalling many of the elderly in Britain today. "Beecham House" is alive with the sound of music,jazz,music hall,Bach,operetta and,mostly,gloriously,the grandest of opera. On Giuseepe Verdi's birthday it is the tradition to perform his music and some of the residents chose to sing the quartet from "Rigoletto" in all its soaring brilliance. I have reservations about the twinkly - eyed Mr B.Connolly but they are assuaged by knowing he was only third choice for the role. The other leads are perfect,particularly Miss P.Collins who hits just the right note as a sufferer from early stage dementia. It is unlikely to fit comfortably on the shelves of admirers of "Grand Theft Auto" or "Fast and Furious",but admirers of gentle boutique movies will appreciate its qualities.