Review Date:
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Writer: Michael Arndt
Producers: Albert Berger, David Friendly, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Ron Yerxa
Actors:
Greg Kinnear as Richard Toni Collette as Sheryl Abigail Breslin as Olive |
In other words, I realize that not all of these things can happen over a period of 48 hours, but you know what, life has a funny way of tossing curveballs your way when you’re least expecting it, and I think that point was made, quite eloquently, in fact. Despite the superficial cranky, unpleasant, morose and arrogant exteriors of some of the film’s lead characters, much like in real life, this flick peels off their layers as we spend more time with them, and ultimately, you know what…you realize that everyone has their own insecurities, but being part of a family, a “real family” that loves and cares and supports one another, is truly the most important thing when traveling through life. I hope that I’m not making this film sound too existential or anything, because it’s actually a fun little quick ride with a handful of interesting characters smeared over many a picturesque background, a delightful soundtrack and many a memorable moment – if you want to simply look at its surface, but I enjoyed it on both levels. I also have to provide some major ups to the lead cast with each member of the family really carving out a nice rendition of their person, especially Toni Collette, Steve Carell in a surprisingly understated performance, and the true glue that holds this entire movie together in both attitude and spirit, the uber-talented Abigail Breslin.
I wish I could bottle her character’s enthusiasm and blind optimism, turn it into a Cola and sell that shit online…I’d make a bundle! Seriously, this little girl gives us one of the more memorable performances of the year, not to mention, one of its funnier one-liners: “In the trunk of our car.” In the end though, it’s the movie’s heart that won me over completely with each character, even the heroin-sniffing gramps dropping their guard for at least a scene or two, and presenting the audience with the true meaning of family, despite any dysfunctions or basic disagreements that many members have with one another. People can learn a lot from this movie, if only they’d take the time to look beyond their own insecurities to see the…well, bigger picture. Bravo to all involved, particularly the obviously talented folks behind the camera, who were able to pull off the very difficult feat of combining real drama, emotion with farce and comedy. All in all, a true melancholic comedy delight!
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