'Thelma' makes an action-movie star out of 94-year-old June Squibb — And it is awesome

Imagine yet another “Mission: Impossible” movie, only the star is 94 years old.

Actually, at the rate Tom Cruise is going, we may actually see that someday. In the meantime, there’s “Thelma,” writer and director Josh Margolin’s delightful film about a 94-year-old grandmother who goes on an action-adventure to reclaim the money she was swindled out of. June Squibb, nominated for an Oscar for “Nebraska,” plays the grandmother, and while she can’t pull off Cruise’s stunts, she certainly outpaces him in the sweet charm department.

Sweet but tough, that is. Nobody steps on Thelma.

If that’s all “Thelma” was, it would be a fun little movie. But Margolin places the goofball senior-citizen action alongside a family drama, a family whose oldest and youngest members are trying to sort out their place in the world, and how that place is changing. It’s a heartfelt film, and Squib, finally leading a film at 94, makes it that much better.

What is the plot of 'Thelma?'

Thelma lives alone after the death of her husband, but she’s visited frequently by her grandson, Daniel (Fred Hechinger). People don’t really use “slacker” much anymore, but it describes Daniel perfectly; his life has stalled out at 20. He and Thelma have a great relationship, however. He comes over and shows her how to use the computer and watches “Mission: Impossible” movies with his grandmother. Thelma is amazed that Cruise does all his own stunts.

When he leaves at night, Daniel has to talk Thelma into wearing a tracker bracelet, just in case. She hates it because it’s a reminder that she isn’t as independent as she once was. As if she needed a reminder; her daughter Gail (Parker Posey, good as ever) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg) regularly remind her of her frustrating limitations and create some new ones.

One day she gets a call from someone claiming to be Daniel. He’s in jail with a broken nose, something about a car accident and a pregnant woman. She needs to mail $10,000 to the address a lawyer gives her to get him out of jail.

Of course, it’s a scam, and Gail and Alan are convinced this is just further proof Thelma shouldn’t be living on her own. Thelma’s reaction? The hell with them and everyone else, basically. She sets out to get her money back, with a little transportation help from Daniel and more from her old friend Ben (Richard Roundtree, in his final role), who has a speedy scooter. He nags Thelma to let him tag along and after a thwarted attempt to leave him in the dust (as much as you can leave someone in the dust on a scooter), she relents.

'Thelma' is an impressive debut for Josh Margolin

From there it’s a matter of tracking down the address where she sent the money and finding out where it leads them. But they have to get there, motoring slowly across Los Angeles, always a step ahead of her family. There’s a lot of funny poking at action-movie tropes — the slow-scooter getaway, the suspenseful attempt to reach a box with a gun in it, the use of hearing aids as communication devices (that one is particularly clever).

Margolin juxtaposes this with a guilt-wracked Daniel and an ineffective Gail and Alan dealing with Thelma’s disappearance. There are some touching moments of self-awareness and recognition between them. The movie is, in fact, filled with small moments that the cast pulls off beautifully — like when Thelma is explaining to everyone about the call for money. Well, everyone says, at least you’re safe, that’s what’s important.

But I sent the money, Thelma says. Posey’s performance of Gail’s reaction is a hilarious small miracle: “Oh,” nothing more. It’s the way she drags out the word, and Margolin’s quick cut away from it. The movie is filled with little gems like that. It’s an impressive feature debut for Margolin.

The fear of losing one’s independence looms over everything — and everyone. Squibb’s performance alone is a reminder not to sell anyone short. And if Cruise is looking for a new co-star for the next “Mission: Impossible” movie, look no further.

I rewatched 'Alien' after 45 years: It still kills

'Thelma' 4 stars

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Director: Josh Margolin.

Cast: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree.

Rating: PG-13 for strong language.

How to watch: In theaters Friday, June 21.

Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. X: @goodyk. Subscribe to the weekly movies newsletter.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today. What are you waiting for?

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Thelma' review: June Squibb gives Tom Cruise a run for his money