Take 4: Four Random Comedies
The Talent Given Us (2004) 
The Basics: A comedy/drama written and directed by Andrew Wagner, and starring his parents and two sisters. Kind of a strange casting decision, but I think he was looking for a realistic portrayal of an American family.
In 25 Words or Less: The parents of a reclusive Hollywood writer take a spontaneous cross-country trip to visit their son, dragging along their two daughters on the adventure.
Curt’s Take – Not a Priority: I didn’t realize until the end of the film that the writer/director threw his parents, Judy and Allen Wagner, into the main roles of this film…two folks who didn’t have any prior acting experience (that I can tell). Both of his sisters (Emily and Maggie) have had acting roles…and they all pretty much just play themselves in the film. To that end, this just kind of becomes an exploration of family issues, from fidelity and commitment to resentment and forgiveness…all while trapped in a minivan traveling across the nation from New Jersey to California. It feels real, I’ll give it that…and Wagner went to great ends to ensure that. But, was I entertained and sucked in? Not so much. I felt I was supposed to connect and empathize with his mom, Judy, but she is such a rollercoaster of emotions that she bounces back and forth between being relatable and slightly crazy. So, while it was an interesting approach…I can’t recommend it in good faith.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death at a Funeral (2007)
The Basics: A comedy starring Matthew MacFadyen and Keeley Hawes (both of the BBC’s MI-5). Also starring a bunch of other Brits, plus Alan Tudyk (of Serenity and Firefly) and Peter Dinklage (of The Station Agent). Rated R for language and drug content.
In 25 Words or Less: The death of Daniel’s father draws his extended dysfunctional family together, leading to one of the more interesting funerals any of them have ever attended.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: Hallucination; Parking Space; Midget; Aunt
And I Quote: Jane: “Would you like a cup of tea, Sandra?” Sandra: “Tea can do many things, Jane, but it can't bring back the dead.”
Curt’s Take – Worth Considering: Truth be told, I do kind of have a thing for subtle British humor, so this was bound to be something I would enjoy. It’s a very good ensemble film, with several interwoven plotlines, clever writing and a subtle brand of comedy that permeates everything. All I can say is that if these sorts of things generally appeal to you, check it out…you’ll have a good time and come away smiling.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeping Mum (2005)
The Basics: A dark comedy starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith, Rowan Atkinson and Patrick Swayze. Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity.
In 25 Words or Less: The Goodfellows hire a new housekeeper, an elderly woman whose past holds a dark secret that begins to hold sway over their family and community.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: Car; American Abroad; Blood; Animal in Cast Credits; Death
And I Quote: Petey Goodfellow: “Billy Martin's dead! Billy Martin's dead!” Gloria Goodfellow [whispering to Grace]: “Is Billy Martin really dead?” Grace Hawkins: “No, just unconscious. But don't tell Petey; he's very excited.”
Curt’s Take – Worth Considering: This was a lot of fun. Again, a British comedy, so that was a check in the “plus” column. And I also like dark comedies, so that’s two for two. The idea of an elderly woman you don’t want to cross, especially as played by the excellent Maggie Smith, was reminiscent of Arsenic and Old Lace, but with a bit more edge. Again, would recommend checking this one out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stranger than Fiction (2006)
The Basics: A comedy/drama/fantasy, starring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman and Queen Latifah. Rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity.
In 25 Words or Less: Harold Crick wakes up one day to find that a mysterious voice is narrating his life…and predicting his demise.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: IRS Agent; Brushing Teeth; Surreal; Car in Water
Random Trivia: While filming, Will Ferrell had an earpiece that fed him Emma Thompson's narrative line in order to ensure the other actors reacted more naturally to Ferrell's seemingly non-sequitur reactions and lines.
And I Quote: Dr. Hilbert: “Well is it possible at one time that you were made of stone, wood, lye, varied corpse parts? Or, earth made holy by rabbinical elders?” Harold: “No. Look, look. I'm sorry, but what do these questions have to do with anything?” Dr. Hilbert: “Nothing. The only way to find out what story you're in is to determine what stories you're not in. Odd as it may seem, I've just ruled out half of Greek literature, seven fairy tales, ten Chinese fables, and determined conclusively that you are not King Hamlet, Scout Finch, Miss Marple, Frankenstein's Monster, or a golem. Hmm? Aren't you relieved to know you're not a golem?” Harold: “Yes. I am relieved to know that I am not a golem.” Dr. Hilbert: “Good. Do you have magical powers?”
Curt’s Take – Must See: Saying I’m not a Will Ferrell fan is like saying that PETA wouldn’t exactly take to Cruella DeVille’s approach to fashion. A bit of an understatement. To that end, choosing to sit through this was a big step for me. Many folks had recommended I check this out, though, so figured I’d give it a shot. And they were right. It was great to see that Will Ferrell could tackle a somewhat serious role. The story was fantastical and surreal enough for me to really get into, and you come to really care about the characters...and to question whether or not to think of them as “characters.” It’s really quite meta. And you should see it.
The Basics: A comedy/drama written and directed by Andrew Wagner, and starring his parents and two sisters. Kind of a strange casting decision, but I think he was looking for a realistic portrayal of an American family.
In 25 Words or Less: The parents of a reclusive Hollywood writer take a spontaneous cross-country trip to visit their son, dragging along their two daughters on the adventure.
Curt’s Take – Not a Priority: I didn’t realize until the end of the film that the writer/director threw his parents, Judy and Allen Wagner, into the main roles of this film…two folks who didn’t have any prior acting experience (that I can tell). Both of his sisters (Emily and Maggie) have had acting roles…and they all pretty much just play themselves in the film. To that end, this just kind of becomes an exploration of family issues, from fidelity and commitment to resentment and forgiveness…all while trapped in a minivan traveling across the nation from New Jersey to California. It feels real, I’ll give it that…and Wagner went to great ends to ensure that. But, was I entertained and sucked in? Not so much. I felt I was supposed to connect and empathize with his mom, Judy, but she is such a rollercoaster of emotions that she bounces back and forth between being relatable and slightly crazy. So, while it was an interesting approach…I can’t recommend it in good faith.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death at a Funeral (2007)
The Basics: A comedy starring Matthew MacFadyen and Keeley Hawes (both of the BBC’s MI-5). Also starring a bunch of other Brits, plus Alan Tudyk (of Serenity and Firefly) and Peter Dinklage (of The Station Agent). Rated R for language and drug content.
In 25 Words or Less: The death of Daniel’s father draws his extended dysfunctional family together, leading to one of the more interesting funerals any of them have ever attended.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: Hallucination; Parking Space; Midget; Aunt
And I Quote: Jane: “Would you like a cup of tea, Sandra?” Sandra: “Tea can do many things, Jane, but it can't bring back the dead.”
Curt’s Take – Worth Considering: Truth be told, I do kind of have a thing for subtle British humor, so this was bound to be something I would enjoy. It’s a very good ensemble film, with several interwoven plotlines, clever writing and a subtle brand of comedy that permeates everything. All I can say is that if these sorts of things generally appeal to you, check it out…you’ll have a good time and come away smiling.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeping Mum (2005)
The Basics: A dark comedy starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith, Rowan Atkinson and Patrick Swayze. Rated R for language and some sexual content/nudity.
In 25 Words or Less: The Goodfellows hire a new housekeeper, an elderly woman whose past holds a dark secret that begins to hold sway over their family and community.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: Car; American Abroad; Blood; Animal in Cast Credits; Death
And I Quote: Petey Goodfellow: “Billy Martin's dead! Billy Martin's dead!” Gloria Goodfellow [whispering to Grace]: “Is Billy Martin really dead?” Grace Hawkins: “No, just unconscious. But don't tell Petey; he's very excited.”Curt’s Take – Worth Considering: This was a lot of fun. Again, a British comedy, so that was a check in the “plus” column. And I also like dark comedies, so that’s two for two. The idea of an elderly woman you don’t want to cross, especially as played by the excellent Maggie Smith, was reminiscent of Arsenic and Old Lace, but with a bit more edge. Again, would recommend checking this one out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stranger than Fiction (2006)
The Basics: A comedy/drama/fantasy, starring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman and Queen Latifah. Rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity.
In 25 Words or Less: Harold Crick wakes up one day to find that a mysterious voice is narrating his life…and predicting his demise.
Top IMDB Plot Keywords: IRS Agent; Brushing Teeth; Surreal; Car in Water
Random Trivia: While filming, Will Ferrell had an earpiece that fed him Emma Thompson's narrative line in order to ensure the other actors reacted more naturally to Ferrell's seemingly non-sequitur reactions and lines.
And I Quote: Dr. Hilbert: “Well is it possible at one time that you were made of stone, wood, lye, varied corpse parts? Or, earth made holy by rabbinical elders?” Harold: “No. Look, look. I'm sorry, but what do these questions have to do with anything?” Dr. Hilbert: “Nothing. The only way to find out what story you're in is to determine what stories you're not in. Odd as it may seem, I've just ruled out half of Greek literature, seven fairy tales, ten Chinese fables, and determined conclusively that you are not King Hamlet, Scout Finch, Miss Marple, Frankenstein's Monster, or a golem. Hmm? Aren't you relieved to know you're not a golem?” Harold: “Yes. I am relieved to know that I am not a golem.” Dr. Hilbert: “Good. Do you have magical powers?”Curt’s Take – Must See: Saying I’m not a Will Ferrell fan is like saying that PETA wouldn’t exactly take to Cruella DeVille’s approach to fashion. A bit of an understatement. To that end, choosing to sit through this was a big step for me. Many folks had recommended I check this out, though, so figured I’d give it a shot. And they were right. It was great to see that Will Ferrell could tackle a somewhat serious role. The story was fantastical and surreal enough for me to really get into, and you come to really care about the characters...and to question whether or not to think of them as “characters.” It’s really quite meta. And you should see it.
posted by Curt at 9:49 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home