The BOYNTON BEACH CLUB is a bereavement club.  The audience is given the introduction and walk around just as two new members Jack (Len Cariou) and Marilyn (Brenda Vacarro) are.

Directed by Susan Seidelman, who has directed more radical films during her day including SMITHEREENS, DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN and my favorite lesbian comedy GAUDI AFTERNOON (never released in Canada), BOYTON BEACH CLUB is a relatively mild affair (considering her filmography) more about senior folk coming to terms with death, old age and falling in love again.

It is the kind of feel-good-movie for the old folk. Just like non teens avoiding teen comedies, all others not in the targeted film’s age group should likewise stay away.  BOYNTON BEACH CLUB is an over-sentimental, trite and often melodramatic clichéd little film.

Why must Hollywood films about older folk always show them as wanting to be youthful and horny? There are other glories in the golden years like stability, experience, achievement, free time and grandchildren. None of these are touched upon in the film.

It is excruciating watching actresses Dyan Cannon (it was just as awful during her heyday as well in DOCTORS’ WIVES and THE LAST OF SHEILA but Dyan Cannon will always be Dyan Cannon), Sally Kellerman (Hot Lips in M*A*S*H*) and Renee Taylor trying to look young less better their lives.

Only Brenda Vacarro (MIDNIGHT COWBOY) carries her role with dignity.  That is only because her character Marilyn is content with her life and pet and did not get any man.

The men (Joseph Bologna, who co-wrote the 70’s hit comedy with wife Taylor LOVERS AND OTHER STRANGERS, Len Cariou and Michael Nouri (looking like a cross between Burt Lancaster and Peter Lawford) fair better.

Still, BOYNTON BEACH CLUB should attract and appease its target audience.  At least it succeeds in its goal without too much distraction.