Roommates (1995)

29% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
51% of users liked it
(1,426 ratings)

In the film Happy New Year (1987), actor Peter Falk donned old-age makeup to play a senior citizen. Eight years later, he did it again, twice, in the TV movie remake of The Sunshine Boys (1995) and this film, a comedy-drama. Falk stars as Rocky Holzcek, a cantankerous 76-year-old Polish-American… More In the film Happy New Year (1987), actor Peter Falk donned old-age makeup to play a senior citizen. Eight years later, he did it again, twice, in the TV movie remake of The Sunshine Boys (1995) and this film, a comedy-drama. Falk stars as Rocky Holzcek, a cantankerous 76-year-old Polish-American baker who insists, despite relatives' protests, upon adopting his young grandson Michael when the boy's parents pass away. Twenty years later, Michael (D.B. Sweeney) is a medical student who's forced to take in his still-spry grandfather when the old man is evicted from his apartment building. Although the crusty, outspoken Rocky gets along fine with Michael's Chinese college roommates, he is less enthused about his grandson's girlfriend Beth (Julianne Moore). Eventually, Michael and Beth marry, move away and have children, while Rocky continues working as a baker, passing the age of 100. When a tragedy befalls Michael and his kids, the old man once again comes to his grandson's rescue, but even a force of nature like Rocky can't last forever. Roommates was loosely based on the real-life experiences of screenwriter Max Apple and his grandfather. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Peter Yates
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Mar 3, 1995 Wide
On DVD: May 6, 2003

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
A pretty forgotten little movie that has some poignant moments.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Falk is good, but this is ultimately an exercise in shameless manipulation.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Wonderful film that salutes the vitsal connections between grandparents and grandchildren.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

Nice. Sweet. Moving. Peter Falk was great as the old geezer (though the makeup sometimes was questionable).
Dean M

Very good warmhearted and often humourous tearjerker about the relationship of cantankerous Polish-American baker and his grandson throughout 30 years.

Cast

            Peter Falk as Rocky Holzcek

            D.B. Sweeney as Michael Holzcek

            Julianne Moore as Beth Holzcek

            Jan Rubes as Bolek Krupa

            Frankie Faison as Professor Martin

            Ellen Burstyn as Judith

            Gerry Becker as Dr. Minceberg

            Bernard Canepari as Judith's Lawyer

            Scott Cohen as Attending Intern

            John Cunningham as Burt Shook

            Noah Fleiss as Michael at age 5

            Jeff Howell as Surgeon

            Joyce Reehling as Barbara

            Vickie Ross-Norris as Cecilia's Nurse

            Ernie Sabella as Stash

            Willard Scott as Himself

            Nelle Stokes as Recovery Room Nurse

            Eric Stoltz
            
            Rohn Thomas as Kevin

            David Tom as Michael (age 15)

            Courtney Chase as Lisa

            Kate Young as Nun

            John E. Blazier as Baseball Spectator

            Lisa Davis as Betty

            Raymond Wong as Deng
See full cast