"The Life Ahead" is a remake of the 1977 film "Madame Rosa," which won that year's Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. I haven't seen the original so have nothing to compare this version to. But I do know that "The Life Ahead" is missing a spark that would have made it really good.
And though it pains me to say it, I think that spark is Sophia Loren. Loren plays a world weary former prostitute who takes in the children of other prostitutes and cares for them. Loren is lovely, and it's great to see her still working after such an illustrious career. But she seems too tired to make this movie work. There's a difference between a vibrant actress playing a tired character and a tired actress playing one, and that's the distinction that prevents "The Life Ahead" from ever really taking off.
There are nice and touching moments here and there, but mostly this film is a misfire.
Poor Diane Warren was nominated for her twelfth Oscar for writing this film's end credits song, but lost again. She's the Susan Lucci of the Academy Awards.
Grade: B-
And though it pains me to say it, I think that spark is Sophia Loren. Loren plays a world weary former prostitute who takes in the children of other prostitutes and cares for them. Loren is lovely, and it's great to see her still working after such an illustrious career. But she seems too tired to make this movie work. There's a difference between a vibrant actress playing a tired character and a tired actress playing one, and that's the distinction that prevents "The Life Ahead" from ever really taking off.
There are nice and touching moments here and there, but mostly this film is a misfire.
Poor Diane Warren was nominated for her twelfth Oscar for writing this film's end credits song, but lost again. She's the Susan Lucci of the Academy Awards.
Grade: B-