Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith

Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith is a feel-good comedy-drama movie that initially aired in 2009. Highly regarded actress Cybill Shepherd, known for her roles in Moonlighting and The Last Picture Show, is brilliantly cast in the lead role, alongside up-and-coming talent Corri English and Pat Crawford Brown, both known for their versatility and engaging performances. Together, their remarkable chemistry provides this film with a resounding heart and soul that is truly captivating.

Cybill Shepherd plays Alice Washington, an empty-nesting housewife who experienced a fairly dramatic change in her life when her husband unexpectedly divorces her. Left to pick up the pieces and find a new direction in her life, Alice gets enrolled at Smith College, a renowned educational institution that her two daughters already attend. This decision proves the beginning of a heartening journey where Alice must not only face the challenges of education after decades of absence, but also navigate the emotional landscape of continued personal growth despite the world seemingly against her.

As Alice's story unfolds, we are introduced to Zoe Burns, effortlessly portrayed by the talented Corri English, a student young enough to be Alice's granddaughter, who becomes her roommate. Navigating through college life, Alice and Zoe make for one of the most unlikely yet adorable pairings, serving as a refreshing depiction of intergenerational friendship that is both heartwarming and amusing. Zoe is a prime contrast to Alice; she is youthful, vibrant, full of ambitions, but also battling her own share of challenges.

Underneath the light-hearted comedy, Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith holds its ground in addressing prevalent societal issues with both humor and sensitivity. A widowed senior woman trying to redefine herself, Alice's character makes for a deeply inspiring embodiment of perseverance, resilience, and determination. It shines a spotlight on age discrimination, education for older adults, and the challenges that come with restarting life after a significant age. At the same time, it highlights the importance of the bonds we form, regardless of age differences, as Alice and Zoe become sources of support for each other.

Cybill Shepherd shines as Mrs. Washington, humanizing her character with a perfect balance of vulnerability, strength, humor, and grace. As Zoe, Corri English earnestly portrays a young woman navigating her own trials, making the relationship between Alice and Zoe believable and relatable. Pat Crawford Brown also delivers a praised performance, enhancing the mayhem and comedy within the story.

The movie goes beyond being a simple comedy about women entering back into education. It's a celebration of strength, reinvention, and the power of friendships that can potentially cross generational boundaries. The narrative is interspersed with moments of hilarity and bouts of serious introspection, making it a delightful watch that isn't afraid to be thought-provoking.

The portrayal of the college environment is immersive and engaging. The beauty of a picturesque New England campus, the quirks of dorm life, the stress of deadlines, and the intense fervor of competitive academia are vividly depicted, providing the perfect backdrop to this coming-of-age story of sorts, but with a twist.

Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith manages to beautifully explore the intricacies of life through Alice's experiences. It speaks to not just a demographic that can directly relate to Alice or Zoe, but to anyone who has faced unexpected changes, adversity, or has stepped out of their comfort zone at any point in their life. It is an easygoing yet meaningful watch, and a testament to the age-old saying "It's never too late to start again".

Cybill Shepherd's Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith is an unforgettable movie experience that embodies the power of resilience and change. Wrapped in humor, genuine emotion, and surprising depth, this film is both entertaining and moving, serving as exposure to the experiences of older adult learners. Highly recommended for those after a feel-good story of growth and friendship, Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith beautifully teaches one core message: life may not always go as planned, but it's our reactions to these unexpected events that truly define us.