About Fifty

About Fifty

Year: 2011

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Thomas Johnston

Comedy

Two friends, facing middle age, decide to escape to Palm Springs for a rejuvenating getaway. Hoping to recapture the youthful exuberance of their earlier years, they embark on a lighthearted journey. However, their attempt to relive the past leads to unexpected self-discovery and a humorous exploration of aging and friendship.

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About Fifty (2011) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of About Fifty (2011), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In Los Angeles, we meet Adam, a 52-year-old unemployed commercial editor who is grappling with the realities of life after separating from his wife Erin. Their shared love for their dog Fred provides some comfort amidst the challenges of co-parenting. Adam maintains a distant relationship with his father, communicating only by phone due to the long distance. An aspiring screenwriter, Adam’s project is still in its infancy, starting with just the phrase “Fade in.”

We also encounter John, who struggles with his own health issues as he attends a doctor’s appointment early in the story. He shares Adam’s reluctance to embrace aging. His beautiful boss, Jessica, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend, delivers unwelcome news that he lost a job opportunity to a younger contender. Meanwhile, John is in a relationship with Becca, a dental hygienist whose work brings about an unexpectedly risqué situation involving dental floss. Becca has a friend named Michelle, who John believes could be a good match for Adam.

To rekindle their friendship, the guys decide to take a trip to Palm Springs for a golf getaway. There, they encounter two older women—one of whom exudes too much confidence but ultimately reveals her vulnerabilities, while the other isn’t quite the right fit for them. The search for companionship takes an unexpected turn when Adam, accompanied by Larry, who resembles a not-so-talented version of Tim Conway, meets the stunning Alix. She is not only attractive but also intelligent and half his age. Alix invites them to her uncle’s house where she lives with Kate, a devoted college freshman who prioritizes her studies over socializing, yet remains quite appealing.

As the trip unfolds, John faces a succession of health issues—some comical and others more serious—creating a backdrop of unpredictability throughout their escapades. The central question remains: will these two friends finally find true companionship with the right women?

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 08:51

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Lighthearted Midlife Comedies like About Fifty

Humorous stories of friends confronting aging with wit and self-discovery.Explore movies like About Fifty where humor meets the realities of aging. If you enjoyed the lighthearted journey and comedic friendship dynamic, you'll find similar stories here about characters navigating midlife with self-deprecating wit and a search for youthful renewal.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a clear, straightforward arc: characters recognize a midlife rut, often embarking on a trip or new venture to recapture their youth. This leads to a series of humorous encounters and small-scale conflicts that force a gentle, often humorous, self-assessment. The journey concludes not with a dramatic transformation, but with a renewed perspective on life and relationships.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here based on their shared focus on the comedic side of aging, a light emotional weight, and a steady, character-focused pacing. They all blend humor with reflective moments, creating an experience that is both entertaining and thoughtfully relatable.

Friendship Getaway Comedies similar to About Fifty

Comedic journeys where a trip together strengthens the bonds of friendship.Find movies similar to About Fifty that feature friends on a transformative trip. These lighthearted comedies focus on the bond between characters as they share humorous misadventures, leading to personal growth and a stronger friendship.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is straightforward: friends, often facing a personal or shared crisis, decide to go on a vacation or road trip. The new environment introduces comedic obstacles, new people, and situations that test and ultimately reinforce their friendship. The central conflict is usually internal or interpersonal, resolved through shared experience and humor rather than external drama.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core structure of a friendship-centric journey, a light and humorous tone, and a focus on character interaction over complex plotting. The similarity lies in the feeling of a comforting, funny trip with friends that leaves you with a warm, positive outlook.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in About Fifty

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Characters, Settings & Themes in About Fifty

About Fifty Spoiler-Free Summary

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