Rating of
3/4
Quirky Indie Comedy
Franz Patrick - wrote on 12/17/08
Every character in this movie is pretty high-strung but somehow it all works. I've never seen Lisa Kudrow so broken down, including her darker characters in other indie movies, so I absolutely loved her in this. Even though she did not get as much screen time as I would have liked, she made the most of her character in each scene and by the end I felt like I got to experience her complexity even for just a little bit. Scott Prendergast, who starred, wrote and directed this film, was very good as a slacker who ultimately cares for his family even though they're not related by blood. He's far from perfect but I ended by really liking his character because he's the kind of guy who continues to go on living even though his efforts aren't good enough time and time again. His bit with the blue mascot was creative, funny, and symbolic. I thought it was interesting when Prendergast is under that mascot, he gets all the (mostly) positive attention, but when he's just his regular old self he never gets noticed or is often picked on. I also enjoyed the soundtrack because it was deflty used during the more sensitive moments. As for its ending, it's touching but not sappy and well-deserved by the characters. Unlike "Margot at the Wedding," this one actually had a glimmer of light at the end of the road so I felt like the characters' suffering had a purpose. Lastly, I'd like to note that this is the kind of movie that thrives on its imperfections--little "pointless" things like people on the bus talking or rich mothers gossiping, made this movie more interesting and unpredictable. If one is in the mood for taking a chance with a small movie, I recommend picking this up.
