Film reviews, entertainment news, and insight.
Posts tagged Comedy
Answer Man, The (2009)
aka “Arlen Faber”
Review date: 23-Sept-2009
Arlen Faber, played by Jeff Daniels, is an acclaimed spiritual author who’s success is derived from a book of his conversations with God. Arlen shelters himself from the public but soon enough his identity becomes known by a local book store owner (played by one of my new favorite actors, Lou Taylor Pucci) who begins to receive answers from Arlen in exchange for Arlen’s used books. Meanwhile Arlen’s love interest (played by Lauren Graham) slowly helps Arlen become truly enlightened. “The Answer Man” is the story of a man who has just as must More >
Away We Go (2009)
Review date: 23-Sept-2009
Away We Go, directed by Sam Mendes and written by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, follows two unwed parents-to-be on their journey across North America to hopefully find a new home (and perhaps themselves). Burt and Verona (John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) meet up with their unique and interesting friends and family across the states and Canada in hopes of having friends where they settle. What they get becomes much more than that as they find themselves learning how truly lucky and blessed they are, contradictory to the “fuck-ups” they claimed to be. The movie is More >
Dim Sum Funeral (2008)
Dim Sum Funeral is about an estranged Chinese American family brought together by the death of their mother. Directed by Anna Chi and written by Donald Martin, Dim Sum Funeral ends up being a very pleasurable movie. Light is shed on Chinese Americans and their heritage, which is the object of much of the film’s humor. Just about everyone can relate to some aspects of the family’s issues. The film is a little dry at times, and possibly overacted in certain scenes. Overall, the characters are likable and the actors did a decent job, and the story in general is very nice and enjoyable with a More >
Good Dick (2008)
Not your typical romantic comedy. It’s shot like the viewer is actually observing the characters first hand. The dialog was real, the story original, and just completely strange situations (a good thing). No cliches here, just two socially awkward characters (with whom we never get their names) with rough pasts that we assume account for their behaviors. One of the best independent films I’ve seen. Also recommended: In Search of a Midnight Kiss.
Rating: 6 out of 7
Leaving Barstow (2008)
Leaving Barstow gives us the true depiction of a real average teen growing up in a small town. No happy spoiled kids here. Just the real insight of a 18 year old struggling to make something of his life while dealing with a broken home. Our main character plays the part so well, you really think he’s had these experiences. This was a truly emotional journey that I’m sure many average American teens (or anyone who ever was one) can relate to on some level. A beautiful film.
Rating: 5 out of 7