Meryl Streep in It's Complicated

Top Five Movies Starring Women of a Certain Age

Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give
Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give

Now that I’m a woman “of a certain age,” I love watching movies starring other women “of a certain age.”

Now before you surmise that I’m comparing myself in any way to Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton or Michelle Pfieffer, let me tell you – I’m not. Not by a long shot. Not by a million light-years into space long shot.

But if there’s anything that’s a great equalizer, it’s being a woman “of a certain age.” Here are my top five movies starring those fabulous women who are a guiding light for me every day:

Meryl Streep in It's Complicated
Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated

1. It’s Complicated. Meryl Streep stars in this comedy about a woman who re-connects with her ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) while attending their son’s college graduation. Ok, so that’s not such a bad thing, except for the fact that he’s re-married to a much younger woman with whom he really has nothing in common. Likewise, she’s drawn to a really nice architect (played by Steve Martin, so you know he has to be nice) who’s working on her house. By the way, this movie was directed by Nancy Meyers, who’s known for her fabulous movie houses, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

2. Something’s Gotta Give. Here’s another Nancy Meyers movie with yet another fabulous house. This one stars Diane Keaton as a writer who ends up in a complicated relationship with a swinger (Jack Nicholson) who’s on the cusp of being a senior citizen — and who also has a taste for younger women. But when a heart attack sidelines him at her house for a while, something’s gotta give. Kudos to Keaton’s unabashed bravery for a nude scene. 

3. New Year’s Eve. Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy follows the lives of several couples and singles in New York City as they intertwine over the course of New Year’s Eve. Michelle Pfeiffer plays Ingrid, a woman who decides to quit her job after having a near death experience. She asks a young messenger (Zac Efron) to help her fulfill her resolutions, and the two form a sweet friendship.

4. The Kids Are All Right. Annette Bening and Julianne Moore play a lesbian couple with two teenage kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) who decide they want to meet their biological father. Never mind that he’s never been a real father to them, having only supplied the sperm that made them possible. It’s a new kind of family with many of the same issues as a more traditional family.

5. Brave. This animated movie from Disney Pixar follows young Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) who’s determined to make her own path in life. In doing so, however, she brings a curse upon the village where she lives and inadvertently ends up turning her mom into a bear. The girl must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo the curse and restore order.

Look, every woman goes through the same stuff in life, but thanks to companies who know that and design products specifically for us, life can be a whole lot easier. Like Poise brand’s Body Cooling Towelettes, Personal Lubricant, Panty Fresheners, Feminine Wash, and my personal favorite, Roll-On Cooling Gel, which is a life-saver when it comes to hot flashes (yes, I’ve tried it).  You can get free samples here or download a coupon here. Also, hear stories from real women “of a certain age,” share your own and pledge to join The 2nd Talk at Poise.com.

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Here’s the question: How are you approaching life’s changes confidently? Answer in the comments below! 

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Be sure to visit the Poise brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Comments

97 responses to “Top Five Movies Starring Women of a Certain Age”

  1. Mami2jcn Avatar
    Mami2jcn

    I’m taking extra vitamins and herbal supplements.

  2. Mami2jcn Avatar
    Mami2jcn

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/293774055163695104

  3. Vera Marie Badertscher Avatar

    Just keep on living. We’re (thank goodness) long past the days when women are supposed to just surrender to their fate and stay in their room out of the way.

    I loved Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give, and It’s Complicated was almost painful to watch it was so true.

  4. Elena Avatar
    Elena

    I am taking vitamins and evening primrose oil

  5. Lisa Brown Avatar
    Lisa Brown

    I am approaching life’s changes with some concern, but I am eating right, getting a bit of exercise, really trying to take care of myself, to make the change easier.
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  6. Lisa Brown Avatar
    Lisa Brown

    2nd entry tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/293797139157495809
    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

  7. Brette Avatar

    I’ve the first two and the last. Loved the first two! Hope Springs is another movie I would put in this category.

  8. […] Reel Life With Jane […]

  9. Irene S. Levine Avatar

    Just take it a day at a time.

  10. steph Avatar
    steph

    i focus on the positive!

  11. Kelly D Avatar
    Kelly D

    I am approaching life’s changes confidently by staying in shape, eating well and staying open-minded.

  12. merr Avatar
    merr

    I haven’t seen any of these! Now I know some good ones to rent.

  13. Jennifer Marie Avatar
    Jennifer Marie

    I am approaching life’s changes confidently by trying to ea healthy and take care of my body by exercising.

  14. stephanie Avatar
    stephanie

    im staying positive! 🙂

  15. courtney b Avatar
    courtney b

    by staying positive and staying away from negative people

  16. Living Large Avatar

    I want to see “it’s Complicated.” I really love seeing women age gracefully in Hollywood. I want to be Meryl Streep when I grow up!

  17. ruth pennebaker Avatar

    Confidently? Me? I don’t think I’ve ever approached anything — and especially life’s changes — confidently. Instead, I do what I can to take care of myself and keep my fingers crossed. But I’d never confuse that with confidence.

  18. rachel Avatar
    rachel

    Being a woman of grace is my goal. And eating better — more veggies and fruits.

  19. amy pugmire Avatar
    amy pugmire

    I take a daily vitamin and exercise regularly. I try to stay positive and embrace life!

  20. Tiffany Winner Avatar
    Tiffany Winner

    same as always, just rolling with the punches, life is always changing!thismomwins@gmail.com

  21. Erika Avatar

    I just hope to take it a day at a time.
    chambanachik at gmail dot com

  22. Debra C Avatar
    Debra C

    I had others things going on at that time so I really did not notice much different!

  23. Debra C Avatar
    Debra C

    Glad it is over. I didn’t do anything different.

  24. Miranda Avatar

    I loved Meryl’s wrinkles in It’s Complicated and the fact that her ex husband liked her better than his beautiful young wife (played by Lake Bell, who by the way is a director herself in the real world).

    Accepting middle age was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done…I first focused on what was now lost and was shocked at the health issues that arose. But now I realize that with the wisdom and perspective and skills mastery I have at this age, I’m “poised” to live my best life ever. I am not even kidding!

  25. Sophia Avatar
    Sophia

    As with most challenges, I just try to take things one day at a time. (p.s. great movie suggestions, thanks)

  26. Debra C Avatar
    Debra C

    I came through but not confidently.

  27. Debra C Avatar
    Debra C

    I made it without doing anything different.

  28. Rich K Avatar

    What scares me is Michelle Pfeiffer is now of a certain age.

  29. atlantagalknows Avatar
    atlantagalknows

    My biggest life change right now is having my first child (so no menopause just yet!)! I’m finding confidence in preparing for that by taking time to research it and work through my feelings/fears beforehand, so that when the time comes, I’ll (hopefully) be more ready for it!

  30. Maureen Avatar
    Maureen

    I have not had an easy time of it. I am still going through it. I have contacted my doctor regarding different issues and each time she says that what I am experiencing seems to be a symptom of perimenopause with menopause coming on. Some days are good and others really not so good. I just have to take it as it comes. I am not taking medication due to a health issue (unrelated) so I have to do things naturally. I am taking it as it comes.

  31. Amy Tong Avatar

    I am approaching life’s changes confidently by focusing on the positive things. It might be easier said than done.

    Amy [at] utry [dot] it

  32. Kerry Avatar
    Kerry

    I’m just taking it one day at a time – and hoping that my symptoms aren’t as bad as my moms were!

  33. Sonya Morris Avatar
    Sonya Morris

    I am trying to approach it with a little laughter and try to be confident about it. My mom started early and I think she is still going through it! Hopefully it will not be as bad for me!

  34. HeatherL Avatar

    I am working on my bucket list, traveling as much as I can and avoiding surgery whenever I can.

  35. Mendy Dinsmore Avatar
    Mendy Dinsmore

    I try to relax and not stress about what’s happening. It’s hard, but there is nothing you can do except handle it and try to be comfortable. These cooling products sound wonderful.

  36. Jessie C. Avatar
    Jessie C.

    I keep up with daily exercises and have balanced meals to prepare for life’s changes.

  37. Donna Hull Avatar

    I stay active and work on being healthy. Without health, your life isn’t much fun.

    Also, I’m not much of a movie goer but you’ve given me five reasons to become one.

  38. Melanie Avatar

    I love “It’s Complicated.” Meryl Streep is absolutely wonderful in it.

  39. sy Avatar
    sy

    Great list of movies! Talking to my mom about how she went through changes always give me confidence, it’d be nice to read more stories on poise.
    songyueyu at gmail

  40. cw Avatar
    cw

    I am taking vitamins (especially vitamin D) to help with mood changes and I go for acupuncture every once in a while to help with night sweats. I have lost weight recently and am exercising every day to keep it off, gain confidence, and help with mood.

  41. Susan Smith Avatar
    Susan Smith

    I’m just trying to stay positive about the changes I’m going through by taking good care of myself by eating right, exercising, getting enought sleep and taking vitamins.

  42. Bethany A Avatar
    Bethany A

    I’m not there yet, but it is something I’m already starting to think about since my mom had early menopause. Nice to see that there will be products to use!

  43. Wild Orchid Avatar
    Wild Orchid

    I am accepting that change is a way of life, good or bad. We must embrace change and not try and fight it. That is the attitude I am trying to take anyway!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com

  44. Wild Orchid Avatar
    Wild Orchid

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/299164995713896448

  45. Debbie B Avatar
    Debbie B

    Haven ‘t gotten to menopause yet – will take it one day at a time.

  46. sherri crawford Avatar
    sherri crawford

    i do my stretches and stay happy

  47. One Frugal Girl Avatar

    Find humor and enjoyment in the little things in life and keep smiling.
    onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com

  48. Rebecca Graham Avatar
    Rebecca Graham

    I just go on with my day to day activities and don’t think about it.

  49. Kelly Massman Avatar

    I have to admit that I’m not really approaching it with confidence, but it sounds like these products would be a great help! Thanks so much for sharing and for a chance to win!!!! kmassman gmail

  50. LAMusing Avatar
    LAMusing

    I’m through it now – a sense of humor helps a lot 🙂

  51. latanya Avatar
    latanya

    eating healthier, taking vitamins, and taking it one day at a time.

    dlatany at gmail dot com

  52. maria cantu Avatar
    maria cantu

    I’m reading and learning all I can about menopause.

  53. Jessica F Avatar
    Jessica F

    I’ve been taking better care of myself both physically and mentally – I’ve been working out and telling myself to take a break every once in a while!

  54. Olivia Rubin Avatar
    Olivia Rubin

    I am approaching life confidently by knowing that these changes are going to come, so enjoy life know and stay healthy so I am healthy when they are present

    Oliviatheservicedog at hotmail dot com

  55. nannypanpan Avatar
    nannypanpan

    love somethings gotta give
    ia m approaching it positively by saying that once i get through it…i will be free of my monthly friend

  56. Betty C Avatar
    Betty C

    Trying to be prepared with as much information as possible help boost my confidence.

  57. ewhatley Avatar
    ewhatley

    I’ve already had the worst of it but still have hot flashes so I might try the cooling gel.

  58. Samantha Remington Avatar
    Samantha Remington

    I’m eating healthy and taking care of myself for an active lifetime ahead.
    ssremington (at) gmail (dot) com

  59. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    quite honestly, I am 55 years old and still having my period on a regular basis…I take one day a time…and try to keep my attitude positive.

  60. anash Avatar
    anash

    i like to take it easy, not get stressed over things! hopefully when i approach menopause i will have it easy and if not these products seem like they would be helpful

  61. anash Avatar
    anash

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/303842189488820224
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

  62. Erica Best Avatar
    Erica Best

    i change the way i eat and just enjoy life

  63. Jammie Avatar

    just by making small changes so when the time does come it isn’t that bad. I have heard horror stories, and I am just hoping it is a fast process. sweepmorey at gmail dot com

  64. Tabathia B Avatar
    Tabathia B

    I moisturize my skin daily, drink lots of water and walk several times a week

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  65. Eugenie Avatar
    Eugenie

    To feel confident I try to keep my skin healthy looking by using lots of moisturizer and sunscreen.

  66. Emily N. Avatar
    Emily N.

    I’m trying to eat organic food and exercise to be confident.

  67. sandra Avatar
    sandra

    just trying to stay healthy

  68. Madeline Avatar
    Madeline

    I try to stay consistent with exercise, and I dress in layers for those days when I’m hotter than usual!

  69. Georgia Avatar
    Georgia

    I get plenty of sleep and do it one moment at a time.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  70. Georgia Avatar
    Georgia

    Tweeted here

    https://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/327018360762142720

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

  71. maria cantu Avatar
    maria cantu

    I’m doing it one day at a time and learning all I can about menopause.

  72. LAMusing Avatar
    LAMusing

    I’m through it now – keeping my sense of humor helped!

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