DORIS has a problem. Her mother just passed away and after years of caring for her, Doris’ life suddenly lacks purpose. She looks to her friends and a self-help guru for guidance, but only finds real hope in the shape of a much younger, male co-worker. Before long, Doris is completely obsessed and in totally over her head.

The best thing about Hello, My Name is Doris has to be it’s star, Sally Fields. She gives Doris a spunk and cuteness that makes her funky ensembles seem more artsy than old-lady. Fields also brings a pathos to Doris that makes you feel for her, even when you’re laughing at her. This, however, is also my biggest issue with Hello, My Name is Doris. We laugh long and hard at her dirty daydreams and sexual repression at the start of the film, then feel rotten about it when we see she has real problems. Isn’t it unseemly to chuckle at this woman, when she’s so badly in need of help? Continue reading →