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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Wendy Ide

Thelma review – all-action ninetysomething hero brings comic revenge romp to life

Richard Roundtree and June Squibb walk away from a bin on fire inside a house, in Thelma.
Double trouble… Richard Roundtree and June Squibb in Thelma. Photograph: AP

At 93, Thelma (a likable, mischievous turn from veteran actress June Squibb), might not be as light on her feet as she used to be, but mentally she’s still sharp. Which is why, when she is conned out of her savings by a telephone scam artist, she decides to take action.

Driving across town on a borrowed mobility scooter, the indomitable Thelma seeks justice. Meanwhile, her panicking family shriek at each other in a way that is probably meant to be humorous but gets very wearing, very quickly. As a comedy, the film is a little light on laughs, but Squibb and her co-star, the late Richard Roundtree, bring considerable charm to what might otherwise be a by-numbers affair.

  • In UK and Irish cinemas

Watch a trailer for Thelma.
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