Savannah: "Quartet" (****)

Maggie Smith and Pauline Collins star in "Quartet"

Dustin Hoffman ranks highly on both my list of favorite actors and my list of the greatest actors. After spending 50 of his 75 years in front of the lens, he finally decided to step behind the camera and direct his first feature. "Quartet" is a cinematic palmier; fancy and made with great care, but light and sweet. The quartet of Billy Connolly, Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins and Tom Courtenay exudes just as much class and saintly charm as you would expect.

The whole premise of "Quartet," centered around a luxury English country home for retired opera singers and the struggle to keep it financially afloat, comes across as a bit contrived. Hoffman and his cast work hard to pull it out of that trap, and eventually succeed in transferring your focus over to the relationship dynamics between the main players. While my overall enthusiasm for "Quartet" might seem a bit lower than it would for other films I've given four stars, the acting is completely responsible for the elevation. This isn't the best we've ever seen anyone in particular, but respect is required for such an assembly of proven professionals.

Maggie Smith is currently on track for a seventh career Oscar nomination (of which she has won twice), but not for "Quartet." Her name will likely pop up for her other British senior ensemble picture this year, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Her work here is much more worthy of awards recognition than her work in "Marigold," but as the lead in "Quartet," her campaign for a nomination would be a bit of an uphill climb due to stiffer competition. At this point in her career, the Academy just wants to nominate her for anything.  Pauline Collins has the best shot for awards traction, and rightfully so. Almost pixie-like, her deteriorating condition crossed with her adorable disposition tugs at your heartstrings all the more. Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay remind us why we've always liked them and Michael Gambon is content to hover obnoxiously nearby, but still as good as ever. Fresh-faced Sheridan Smith is the only "young person" in the cast and makes the most of the honor.

Unlike the India paint-by-numbers "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Quartet" comes across with much more ease, albeit still not completely naturally. Like a fine silk bouquet, too close of a look reveals the artificiality. However, it's still lovely and does wonders to dress the place up.

4 out of 5 stars.