Pauline Collins & Maggie Smith in “Quartet” (credit: The Weinstein Company)

(KCBS) – KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut in “Quartet,” starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and Tom Courtenay.

KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:

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QUARTET (PG-13)

From Midnight Cowboy to Rain Man and so many others, we are all aware of Dustin Hoffman’s talents as an actor. But, apparently he wants to direct as well.

Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut (credit: The Weinstein Company)

In this directorial debut, Hoffman presents us with the talented and musical residents in a home for retired opera singers and musicians. Suddenly, everyone gets excited because a true opera diva is about to move in. That would be Maggie Smith, getting a chance to play it glamorous, romantic and caustic.

Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins and the very funny Scottish Billy Connolly co-star with whimsy and charm mixed with the reality of aging with courage and humor. Dustin Hoffman has crafted a movie for those tired of gangsters and guns. This is human, musical, and a reminder that there may be great surprises as time goes by.

Three & 1/2 hats.

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Movies To See Right Now: Lincoln, Beasts of The Southern Wild, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty & Silver Linings Playbook

Home Viewing/DVD: Arbitrage, Trouble With The Curve & The Words

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl’s movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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