Thelma ★★★½

“DO YOU even know how to use a gun?”

“How hard can it be? I see idiots using them all the time.”

That’s just one of the many humorous exchanges in Josh Margolin’s deft comedy Thelma, the story of a 93-year-old grandmother who takes on phone scammers.

The delightful veteran June Squibb has great fun playing the lead role of Thelma Post who still lives at home and, unlike many of her friends, is relatively healthy and sound-of-mind.

Fred Hechinger also gives a nice performance as Thelma’s grandson Daniel who, while trying to get his own life together, has become Thelma’s closest confidante.

The chemistry between the two leads and their characters provides the heart and soul of the film which is the first feature directed (and co-written) by Margolin.

Thelma’s quiet life is thrown into turmoil when she is confused by a frantic phone call from somebody acting as Daniel, claiming to have been in an accident, detained by police and needing money asap to get out of jail.

After handing over $10,000 in cash, Thelma realises she has been scammed. Rather than lick her wounds and move on, Thelma takes inspiration from watching a Mission Impossible film and decides to get her money back from those responsible.

Along the way she is joined by old friend Ben, played by the original Shaft, Richard Roundtree who died after filming had ended.

Ben has an electric gopher the pair use to reach the other side of the city where they finally get to confront the scammer and get Thelma’s money back…if only they can navigate the internet and electronic banking properly.

It’s one of those films that keeps a smile on your face throughout.

Watched at the cinema.