Hollywood boys who just don't want to grow up
Lifestyles
"It was such a hit that it led to something of a fad of casting aging actresses in grotesque or horror-type movies," said Maltin. "Even Olivia de Havilland, Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters did them."
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Maltin noted that in youth-oriented Hollywood, few films with big Hollywood budgets and wide releases are being written for 60- to 70-year-old actors. Even Nicholson, 71, "did an Adam Sandler comedy and his 'The Bucket List,' was the most sentimental movie he's ever made," notes Maltin.
Still, "Bucket List" proved to be a box office hit, and Nicholson has been able to mix big Hollywood films like "List" with award-winning fare such as "About Schmidt."
Meryl Streep also has survived poor movies and managed to expand her already formidable range. She gamely appeared in the Farrelly Brothers' farce "Stuck On You," and then effortlessly stole scenes from young star Anne Hathaway in "The Devil Wears Prada," earning wide critical acclaim.
"An actor likes to act," Maltin adds. "One might even say he HAS to act, and for many of them I reckon it's a question of taking the least objectionable choice at a given moment, in order to stay in the public eye and stay in the game."
Maltin sees another factor in the equation. "Hollywood movies are getting dumber and dumber by the year," he said.
That news doesn't bode well for stars in their 40s like George Clooney or Brad Pitt or nearing that age, like 37-year-old Matt Damon. Unless, that is, they move onto directing, producing or, like former "Terminator" Arnold Schwarzenegger, go into politics.
Ask Clooney, who is about to direct his fourth film, if he plans to direct more and act less in the future, and he doesn't hesitate. "Yes, I hope to. I like directing and it's infinitely more creative than acting," he said.
Or they could take a cue from the legendary Cary Grant, said McCarthy.
"Even though he still looked great, he just stopped and walked away at 62 when he realized he was 40-plus years older than his leading ladies. He just wouldn't do it anymore."
Terra/Reuters
