Bozeman Magazine

In 'The Last Word,' Shirley MacLaine is Harriet Lauler, a once successful businesswoman in tight control of every aspect of her life. As she reflects upon her accomplishments, she's suddenly inspired to engage a young local writer, Anne Sherman (Amanda Seyfried), to pen her life's story. When the initial result doesn’t meet Harriet's high expectations, she sets out to reshape the way she is remembered, with Anne dragged along as an unwilling accomplice. As the journey unfolds, the two women develop a unique bond that alters not only Harriet’s legacy, but also Anne’s future. Sean P. Means, film critic for the Salt Lake City Tribune writes, “MacLaine delights as the hard-charging businesswoman still putting her stamp on the world,” while director Mark Pellington (The Motorman Prophecies, I Melt With You) cuts through the clichés, as best he can, by focusing on the relationship between Harriet and Anne, and giving both actors room to work their magic. Rated R, the film runs 107 minutes.