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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen About Fifty yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – About Fifty (2011)

Trace every key event in About Fifty (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Adam's Struggles

In Los Angeles, we meet Adam, a 52-year-old unemployed commercial editor who grapples with life after separating from his wife Erin. Their shared love for their dog Fred provides some comfort as Adam navigates the challenges of co-parenting amidst his personal struggles.

Los Angeles
2

Long-Distance Communication

Adam maintains a distant relationship with his father, only communicating by phone due to the long distance between them. This limited connection adds to Adam's feelings of isolation as he seeks guidance and support during a difficult life transition.

3

John's Health Issues

John, another character in the story, struggles with his own health issues as he attends a doctor's appointment. He shares Adam's reluctance to embrace the realities of aging, which complicates his perspective on life.

4

Job Loss Announcement

During his appointment, John receives unwelcome news from his beautiful boss, Jessica, who is also his ex-girlfriend. He learns that he has lost a job opportunity to a younger candidate, adding to his frustrations about aging and career uncertainty.

5

Complicated Relationships

John is in a relationship with Becca, a dental hygienist, and they find themselves in a risqué situation involving dental floss. This comedic moment serves to highlight the unusual dynamics of adult relationships and John’s unconventional romantic life.

6

Finding a Match for Adam

Becca suggests her friend Michelle could be a good match for Adam, leading to further discussions about companionship and friendship. This sets the stage for Adam's journey toward finding love and connection.

7

Golf Getaway to Palm Springs

In an attempt to rekindle their friendship, Adam and John decide to take a trip to Palm Springs for a golf getaway. This trip serves as a pivotal moment for both men to explore their lives, relationships, and the pursuit of happiness.

Palm Springs
8

Encounters in Palm Springs

While in Palm Springs, they meet two older women, one of whom displays excessive confidence but reveals her vulnerabilities, while the other doesn't quite match their expectations. This humorous encounter adds to the unpredictability of their trip.

Palm Springs
9

Meeting Alix

The trip takes an intriguing turn when Adam, accompanied by Larry, meets the stunning Alix, who is both attractive and intelligent. Their chemistry sparks interest, suggesting the possibility of a deeper connection.

Palm Springs
10

Life at Alix's Uncle's House

Alix invites Adam and Larry to her uncle's house where she lives with Kate, a college freshman who prioritizes her studies. The atmosphere is lively yet studious, showcasing contrasting lifestyles and priorities among the characters.

11

John's Health Escapades

As the trip progresses, John faces a series of health issues, ranging from comedic to serious. These unpredictable events create a backdrop for their adventures, highlighting the absurdities of aging and friendship.

Palm Springs
12

Quest for Companionship

Throughout their escapades, the central question remains whether Adam and John will find true companionship with the right women. This backdrop of uncertainty adds an emotional layer to their journey, exploring themes of love and connection.

Palm Springs

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.

Unlock the Full Story of About Fifty

Don't stop at just watching — explore About Fifty in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what About Fifty is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

About Fifty Summary

Read a complete plot summary of About Fifty, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

About Fifty Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in About Fifty

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape About Fifty. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in About Fifty

About Fifty Spoiler-Free Summary

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About Fifty Spoiler-Free Summary

More About About Fifty

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