Tag Archives: Independent Comedy

2014 Films, Comedy, Drama, Gaby Hoffmann, Gillian Robespierre, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Independent Romantic Comedy, Jake Lacy, Jenny Slate, Richard Kind, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

Obvious Child-2014

March 22, 2016 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Obvious Child-2014

Director Gillian Robespierre

Starring Jenny Slate

Scott’s Review #387

Reviewed March 22, 2016

Grade: C+

Obvious Child is a 2014 independent comedy/drama nominated for a couple of independent spirit awards, that has mixed results.

It works on some levels but has an irritating underbelly and some unneeded components that ultimately give it a thumbs down.

The major success is star Jenny Slate, a real-life Brooklyn stand-up comic with immeasurable comic timing, who will hopefully become a rising star.

Slate starred in a 2009 short film of the same name before said film graduated to a full-length feature.

Slate stars as a twenty-eight-year-old Brooklyn-ite, who moonlights as a stand-up comic in a dingy bar while working in a desolate bookstore that is soon closing.

Conversely, her parents are successful- her mother is a famed professor. When she is unceremoniously dumped by her steady, she takes up with a handsome young man for a one-night stand filled with fun.

Predictably, she winds up pregnant and forges ahead with a plan to abort their child.

The abortion story is quite interesting since there is never a doubt about what will happen. Unlike films that make abortion the main focus of conflict, Obvious Child wisely does not- every character supports, and even encourages her to have the procedure, including her mother and best friend.

Having been written and directed by women, this is intentional and a way of empowering women, which is one of the high points. If one is on the fence about the topic of abortion or is a pro-life stance, this film may be very tough to watch as its slant is made crystal clear.

Slate is the other high point of the film.

She exudes confidence and comic range. Jewish and slightly awkward looking, she is not the leading-lady type and this arguably makes her wit and sarcastic language all the more comical. She is a natural in the comedy department and hope she will go far.

Two slight props for me worth mentioning are the wonderful mention of the classic film Gone with the Wind (1939) and the setting of Brooklyn. This was a great nod to film history and the setting gave Obvious Child an authentic New York City feel.

On the other hand, an utter annoyance about Obvious Child is the shameless and constant use of blatant and off-putting bathroom humor- not just once or twice, but numerous times.

How is this necessary to the plot? I can’t say, but surmise that it was deemed necessary by the filmmakers to show that females can give as good as males can.

Almost saying, “men can make poop jokes, why can’t women”? Why this is necessary for any film is beyond me and it gives Obvious Child a crass, ugly feel.

The film also has an unrealistic quality to it. Max is portrayed as prince charming. He can do no wrong, supports Donna in any decision she makes, is enamored by her sole being, and loves her unconditionally after only a one-night stand.

This would not happen in real life.

The fact that Donna is Jewish and quirky and Max is Christian and straight-laced is not explored. What conflicts would they undoubtedly face? Why were his parents not featured?

Highly uneven, with a great premise and an interesting slant on a still-controversial social issue, Obvious Child (2014) succeeds in the story department but fails in its uncalled-for use of potty humor to elicit cheap laughs.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Jenny Slate, Best First Feature

1972 Films, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Divine, Edith Massey, Independent, Independent Comedy, John Waters, Mink Stole, Scott's Top 100 Films

Pink Flamingos-1972

January 9, 2016 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Pink Flamingos-1972

Director John Waters

Starring Divine, Edith Massey

Top 100 Films #96

Scott’s Review #359

Reviewed January 9, 2016

Grade: A

One of the true, and best, late-night gross-out films of all time, Pink Flamingos (1972) breaks down barriers I never thought possible to do in film and contains one of the most vomit-inducing scenes to ever grace the movies.

The film is certainly one of a kind and will only be appreciated by a certain type of film-goer. Pink Flamingos is raw, entertaining, and must be seen to be believed.

Outrageous in every way and shot documentary style, the film has weird close-ups and amateurish camera angles, only adding to the fun.

I love the film.

In what director John Waters famously dubbed the “Trash Trilogy”, along with similar films Desperate Living and Female Trouble, Pink Flamingos has the dubious honor of being the best of the three.

Waters stalwart, Divine, plays Babs Johnson, an underground criminal who lives a meager existence in a trailer along with her mentally challenged son Crackers, and her bizarre, egg-obsessed mother, Edie (Massey). They are joined by Babs’s companion, Cotton.

In an attempt to win the “Filthiest Person Alive” contest and usurp Babs from achieving this distinction. the Marbles (Mink Stole and David Lochary) set out to destroy her career.

Pink Flamingos is complete and utter over-the-top fare, but I have fallen in love with the film over the years.

Let’s just say it is a type of film that is an acquired taste, and one will eventually revel in the madness or be disgusted with its bad taste.

Waters, a truly creative, breaks new ground in filthy behavior. On a budget of no more than $10,000, it is more than impressive how he pulled this off successfully.

The antics that Babs and the Marbles engage in are downright crude, but the extreme nature of the fun is exactly what is to love about the film. Hysterical is the character of Babs’s mother Edie.

Confined to a crib and constantly inquiring about the Egg Man, she is obsessed with eggs and wants to eat nothing else. She eventually marries the Egg Man. The character is entertaining beyond belief.

The Marbles run a clinic in which they sell stolen babies to lesbian couples for cash. When they send Babs a box of human excrement and a card that says “fatso”, the war between the two sides is on.

The highlight of the film is the main sequence in which Babs holds a birthday party. A male contortionist flexes his anus in rhythm to the song “Surfin’ Bird”, which may be the only film featuring an anus.

How Waters got away with some of this stuff is mind-blowing.

The most disturbing scene occurs at the very end when Babs watches a dog do “its business” on the street and proceeds to pick up the excrement and eat it, revealing to the audience a toothy (and brown) smile.

Reportedly Divine did this act. As the film ends, Babs truly is “The Filthiest Person Alive”.

Thanks to the genius of John Waters and Divine and the superlative supporting cast, Pink Flamingos (1972) is a reminder that creativity and unique humor do not have to conform to a specific style or follow a road map.

Waters takes any film criteria and throws it right out the window, instead of creating a masterpiece in warped fun and disgust.

2015 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Judy Greer, Julia Garner, Laverne Cox, Lily Tomlin, Marcia Gay Harden, Paul Weitz, Sam Elliott

Grandma-2015

September 21, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Grandma-2015

Director Paul Weitz

Starring Lily Tomlin, Marcia Gay Harden

Scott’s Review #275

Reviewed September 21, 2015

Grade: B+

Grandma (2015) is clearly and deservedly, a showcase for the talented and interesting legendary Hollywood actress Lily Tomlin.

Years (twenty-seven to be precise) since she has had a starring turn in a film, the role of Grandma is custom-made for Tomlin, with the character’s sarcasm, wit, and downright bluntness emerging to the forefront.

The film is labeled a comedy/drama, which it is. It’s themed around a heavy topic of abortion and runs the risk of offending pro-life individuals, as the film undoubtedly contains a pro-choice slant.

Ellie (Tomlin) is a poet and former college professor in her seventies living in California. She is a lesbian and is mourning the recent death of her long-time partner. She has recently been dating a lovely young woman named Olivia (played by Judy Greer), whom she unceremoniously, and cruelly dumps, referring to Olivia as little more than a footnote in her life.

Afterward, Ellie breaks down in tears of guilt while showering.

One day her granddaughter, Sage, (her daughter Judy being the product of a one-night stand), appears on her doorstep asking for money for an abortion. Having just paid off her debts and destroyed her credit cards, Ellie is therefore broke.

The duo embarks on a quest for cash, and race against time to make the appointment in time for the scheduled procedure.

The film belongs to Tomlin but is enhanced by excellent supporting turns, specifically by Marcia Gay Harden as daughter Judy, and veteran actor Sam Elliot, as Ellie’s former flame Karl, to cite examples.

Judy and Ellie have experienced a tumultuous relationship their entire lives while Karl harbors resentment for Ellie for long-ago aborting their child. Harden is thrilling as a borderline, one-dimensional bitch character.

She is driven, angry, and self-centered, and it is mentioned that she has gone through numerous administrative assistants in her high-level corporate role.

I have not seen Harden in a role quite like this before. As unsympathetic as the character is, one cannot help wondering if Ellie’s mothering skills may have made Judy turn out this way.

Karl on the other hand is sympathetic. He is still wounded from his ages-ago relationship with Ellie and may still hold a flame for her, as unlikely a romance between them would be.

The film is darker than expected and is not the syrupy, mainstream, family story one might expect from the fuzzy one-word title.

Still, Tomlin’s cantankerous, sarcasm kept me in stitches and perfectly balanced the tough subject matter displayed in Grandma.

The relationships between the main characters are complex and tough to watch as they argue, swear, and insult each other.

Love is mixed in but complexities arise due to the controversial subject matter. The history of and, in many cases, painful memories are dredged up between characters.

Impressively, Grandma is not a film that debates the hot-button issue of abortion as one might assume. Sage never really considers keeping her baby and will have the procedure done as quickly as possible. Ellie and Judy never try to persuade Sage to keep the child nor does Sage seriously contemplate keeping the baby.

The only instance of a pro-life perspective is when two ridiculous characters- a young mother and her ten-year-old daughter- suggest Sage not kill her baby. When Ellie steps in the young girl punches her in the face. Is this intended as comic relief or to make these characters appear as buffoons?

These characters are laughable.

The father of Sage’s baby is unsympathetic and a very minor blip on the radar. My theory is that the film chooses to go this route intentionally to avoid a debate over the abortion issue.

A debate is not the point, but the relationships between the characters are.

The scenes involving Ellie becoming irritated and sarcastic are priceless, successfully utilizing Tomlin. As she hilariously goes from situation to situation in an attempt to earn the $600 for Sage she resorts to various means as diverse as selling books, giving a kiss, or collecting an old debt.

This is the main draw of the witty little film, Grandma (2015).

2014 Films, Ann Dowd, Bill Murray, Chris O'Dowd, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Terrence Howard, Theodore Melfi

St. Vincent-2014

June 5, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

St. Vincent-2014

Director Theodore Melfi

Starring Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, Melissa McCarthy

Scott’s Review #246

Reviewed June 5, 2015

Grade: B-

St. Vincent (2014) succeeds only due to the charming, funny appeal of its star Bill Murray, who fronts this cute, mainstream comedy.

Set in blue-collar Brooklyn, New York, it tells the story of a curmudgeonly old man (the title character, Vincent), who befriends a lonely young boy named Oliver, new to the neighborhood.

Mixed in with the cast of characters are Oliver’s struggling mother Maggie (played by Melissa McCarthy) and Vincent’s pregnant, stripper girlfriend, Daka, played by Naomi Watts.

I found intrigue in how we get to know Vincent first and then watch him evolve from a grumpy, cutting old man to a begrudging babysitter of the neighbor boy while clashing with Maggie and fighting with Daka.

Murray returns to comic wit using his now-legendary flawless dry, sarcastic humor and perfect timing and displays much of that in St. Vincent. Throughout all of this Vincent remains brutally honest with his snarky remarks (mainly aimed at Maggie) yet heartwarming and I love this aspect of the film.

Thanks to Murray, Vincent is lovable, making the film, which with lesser talent, would be overly sentimental

As the film progresses we see Vincent’s struggles- his wife suffers from Alzheimer’s, and he is indebted to bookies (primarily Terence Howard- in a bit of a throwaway role).

The film staggers with some predictability issues and is formulaic and easy to predict a warm finale.

Of course, in true form, Vincent is a Vietnam vet who drinks and gambles and is angry at the world, but has a heart of gold so, despite being temperamental, the audience falls in love with him (patriotism helps).

The character contains every cliche in the book. A mean old man- who rises to new heights and becomes a nice grandfather figure to a bullied boy is what this film is going for.

The bullying of Oliver is also contrived- during one scene Oliver, after being picked on once again by the prominent bully, flies into a seething rage and breaks the bully’s nose.

The audience is supposed to buy that the waif-ish, shy kid triumphs over the bully. If only life were that simple. Inevitably, after both serve after-school detention, they bond over bathroom cleaning and become best friends.

Who did not see that coming?

In addition, most of the characters are one-note.

Naomi Watts is a sexy, and aging Russian (not sure I bought that accent) stripper with a soft spot- she comes across as uptight but is caring- another cliche.

Melissa McCarthy is a hard-working, soon-to-be divorcee, trying to raise her kid right- one-dimensional. Even Vincent is seemingly tough as nails, but of course, has a soft spot for the neighbor kid.

The casting of Watts, McCarthy, and Howard is okay, and I surmise the film was going for casting “name” actors, but these parts might have been played by unknowns and had the same effect.

The gem is Murray.

Murray effortlessly breathes life into a character who otherwise would have been as dull as dishwater. I found the writing the weakest point of the film.

A major incident brings the cast together united as one (yawn). The film closes with the family all happily eating dinner together. I do not see this as a spoiler as this ending can be seen a mile away.

Despite the flaws and sentimentality of the film, it is admittedly sweet, and humorous at times, and sends a nice message to the audience- be kind to one another and help each other get through life.

Without Bill Murray, this film would have been completely bland and unlikeable.

St. Vincent (2014) is a feel-good film that is perhaps too feel-good.

2014 Films, Charlie McDowell, Comedy, Elisabeth Moss, Independent, Independent Comedy, Mark Duplass, Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Thriller

The One I Love-2014

February 18, 2015 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The One I Love-2014

Director Charlie McDowell

Starring Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss

Scott’s Review #221

Reviewed February 18, 2015

Grade: C+

Reminiscent of a modern-day Twilight Zone episode, The One I Love (2014) tells the story of a young married couple (Ethan and Sophie), played by Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss, who seek the assistance of a therapist, played by Ted Danson.

The therapist realizes the couple is out of sync and recommends a weekend away. The therapist has an excellent reputation for rekindling faltering marriages and turning them into successful ones.

He sends them to a sunny, beachfront house with a guest house, pool, and various trails along the water. It is simply a paradise.

I admire the creativity of the screenplay.

The couple meets their ideal, perfect versions of each other while basking at the vacation house. Ethan’s alter-ego is suave, athletic, and sensitive to Sophie’s needs while Sophie’s is sexy, flirtatious, and invested in Ethan’s life.

The real versions are bored, lazy, and a bit disheveled.

The flaws they once saw in each other are replaced with the perfect spouses. It is fantasy-like. As one half of the couple slowly falls in love with the fantasy version, the other half begins to get jealous and the film dives into a tale of who winds up with whom.

But is it a fantasy? Are the perfect versions real people or something reminiscent of Invasion of the Body Snatchers?

It is tough to know the intentions of the film.

A weakness I felt the film has is it plods too much. At a brief ninety minutes, the film somehow has a sleepy, slow-moving undertone and could have easily been a short film or wrapped up within forty-five or fifty minutes.

I did not feel the chemistry between Duplass and Moss as strongly as I would have liked. Individually fine actors, the spark did not ignite for me.

I wish Ted Danson had a larger role. The focal point was the young couple, but the mysteriousness surrounding the paradise was never really explained and Danson’s character could have been the key to the story. Did he contrive the entire situation? Was it fantasy? His brief part left many plot holes unexplained.

The One I Love (2014) is a creative effort and an imaginative angle, but I wanted more clarity than I was served up.

The film is mysterious, yes, but also confusing and slightly dull and uneven.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

1989 Films, Christian Slater, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, Satire, Shannen Doherty, Winona Ryder

Heathers-1989

December 25, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Heathers-1989

Director Michael Lehman

Starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater

Scott’s Review #207

Reviewed December 25, 2014

Grade: B

My gut tells me that Heathers was quite controversial and influential upon release in 1989 and has sustained a cult following that continues to this day- 2014.

Having seen the film for only the first time, in 2014, the film is good, but now suffers from a slightly dated look and feel. Still, it is a brave and unique expression of creativity.

It is a film that sends the message that the popular kids are bad and that the meek shall inherit the earth. The uncool kids will rise.

To summarize the plot, Heathers is told from the perspective of high school student Veronica Sawyer, played by a young Winona Ryder. She is a second-tier popular girl- she is lieutenant to the generals if you will.

The school is run by three popular girls named Heather. As popular as they are, they are also despised and feared by the other students but carry great influence. They enjoy playing cruel jokes on other students and ridiculing anyone beneath them.

A rebellious male student, J.D., played by Christian Slater, befriends Veronica and they hatch a plan to destroy the popular clique, including another pair of popular jocks.

Shannon Doherty plays second in command Heather.

The tone of Heather’s is surreal and dream-like. For example, in the opening scene all three Heathers- along with Veronica- are on a perfectly manicured lawn in the suburbs playing croquet.

The hierarchy is established as Veronica seems to be buried up to her neck and is the target of the croquet balls making her, without question, the lowest of the four girls. Whether or not this is a dream or real is unclear.

The film is well-written and edgy. It reminds me at times of The Ice Storm and American Beauty, which Heathers preceded, and are superior in my opinion.

Heathers is a teen angst film and quite dark at times- the various deaths are committed viciously (drain cleaner poisoning, concocting a setup for the jocks to appear to be having a love affair with each other and then passionately shooting each other), but with sly wit and humor.

Veronica is, at heart, a good girl, albeit misguided and heavily influenced by J.D., but her intentions of having a fair, just school society are noble. The character is likable.

All the parents are hilariously portrayed as buffoons and have no idea of the darkness that exists in their kid’s lives- Veronica’s parents in particular.

Fearing that Veronica has committed or soon will attempt suicide, they fret that it is their fault stemming from childhood negligence, however, their concern has more to do with themselves than with Veronica’s well-being.

Small gripes about the film are the 1980s style outfits and hairstyles, which, since made in the 1980s is not a particular fault of the films- though it does contain a slightly dated feel to it while watching in present times.

Also, Christian Slater mimicking Jack Nicholson’s voice is odd- was this a decision by the film or by the actor himself? Either way, the imitation is both distracting and confusing. What is the point?

The ending of the film is a happy and satisfying conclusion- however, different from the dark tone of the rest of the movie- rumor has it the studio had some influence in toning down the original ending.

1989 was not a stellar year for film so Heathers deserves major props for thinking outside the box and doing something dark and creative.

Brave, inventive, and unique, Heathers is a cult classic worth a look.

Independent Spirit Award Nominees: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Winona Ryder, Best Screenplay, Best First Feature (won)

1970 Films, Carrie Snodgress, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Frank Langella, Independent, Independent Comedy, Satire

Diary of a Mad Housewife-1970

November 5, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Diary of a Mad Housewife-1970

Director Frank Perry

Starring Carrie Snodgress, Frank Langella

Scott’s Review #189

Reviewed November 5, 2014

Grade: A

The film version of Diary of a Mad Housewife, based on the best-selling novel by Sue Kaufman, is a tremendous, unique story of one woman’s frustration with her irritating life.

A superb Carrie Snodgrass stars as a haggard, insecure, yet affluent housewife named Tina Balser, who lives in New York City, surrounded by an unpleasant family.

The family is led by Tina’s verbally abusive and neurotic husband Jonathan- a successful attorney, played flawlessly and rather comedically by Richard Benjamin, and her two brattish daughters Sylvie and Liz.

Bored, Tina decides to embark on an affair with crude artist George Prager, wonderfully played by Frank Langella. She teeters on the edge of an emotional breakdown throughout the film and trudges through life depressed and disappointed with all aspects of her life except for her affair with George.

George, however, is a womanizer and openly has other conquests besides Tina.

The brilliant idea of the film is that the story is told strictly from Tina’s point of view. All of the action centers on her character, which makes the film so interesting.

On the surface, one might argue she has everything- she is intelligent, well-educated, and affluent. A stay-at-home mother, she is treated like a servant by her husband Jonathan, as he constantly berates her appearance and criticizes her activities- she is always doing something incorrectly.

The film though is not a downer. It is a dry, satirical comedy that reminds me very much of a Woody Allen film. Tina is depressed, yes, but she goes through life with a realistic, almost chin-up, outlook. Her marriage to Jonathan is loveless yet why doesn’t she leave him?

Her affair with George is sexually satisfying, but she has no intention of pursuing anything further with him, nor does he want to. Tina dotes over her husband- planning dinner parties, sending Christmas cards, and various other wife duties.

I’m not sure that the film’s true intent is to show Tina as either a strictly sympathetic character or as completely downtrodden- the film is not a moral tale nor is it a schmaltzy, woman victimized and will rise against the world’s generic drama- it is witty and filled with black humor.

Despite her unkind husband, I found myself envying Tina’s life, in a way, and I think the film expects that of the viewer. I never got the impression that Tina was suicidal in any way.

It’s not that type of film.

Instead, she has wealth, and she goes to fancy restaurants, but she also has a very needy husband- he does not abuse her in a physical sense, nor is she reduced to tears by his outbursts.

She gets annoyed and merely accepts that this is the way life is and gets by with the assistance of an occasional swig of alcohol while doing dishes or preparing dinner, or when the dog has “an accident” on the living room rug and Tina’s kids cannot wait to tattle on her.

She is a sophisticated woman, trapped in an unhappy yet financially secure relationship.

Diary of a Mad Housewife is an interesting character study for all women to view and perhaps even slyly wink at. Many women would champion Tina. She is a likable, sarcastic, cool chick. Audiences will find themselves drawn to her and even falling in love with her before long- I know I did.

Without the talents of Carrie Snodgrass, who completely carries this film, it would not be the wonder that it is. A wonderful satire, the film is not as wry or satirical as the novel, but how many films are?

The novel delves more into detail and the role of the Balser’s maid is barely mentioned in the film, yet plays a larger role in the Kaufman novel.

I loved the portrayal of Jonathan by Richard Benjamin who must receive some honor for the most annoying character ever in the film when he repeatedly screams for his wife by bellowing “teeeenaaaaa!”, or initiating sex by asking “Would you like a little roll in dee hay?”, one wants to choke him.

The way Tina’s daughters whine “mudder” instead of “mother” is comically brilliant. And her simmering hatred of all of them is dark hysteria.

Diary of a Mad Housewife is a genius and should not be forgotten.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Carrie Snodgress

2014 Films, Bill Hader, Boyd Holbrook, Comedy, Craig Johnson, Dark Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, Joanna Gleason, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell

The Skeleton Twins-2014

October 2, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Skeleton Twins-2014

Director Craig Johnson

Starring Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig

Scott’s Review #179

Reviewed October 2, 2014

Grade: A-

The Skeleton Twins (2014) is a tremendous, character-driven, family drama that focuses on character development rather than standard plot devices.

The film stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live, but do not be fooled based on the actors involved that The Skeleton Twins is a light comedy- it is not.

There are laugh-out-loud scenes throughout, but this is a serious story about depression, suicide, and anger, and at times, very dark.

Wiig plays Maggie, a woman in her thirties who seemingly has it all. Lance, her handsome, loyal husband, played by Luke Wilson, adores her. She has a stable job as a dental hygienist and lives a quiet, quaint life in upstate New York- seemingly enjoying a happy middle-class existence.

Hader plays Milo, Maggie’s estranged twin brother, who lives in Los Angeles and is a struggling actor with no agent, reduced to waiting tables in a lousy restaurant. Presumably, just out of a relationship, Milo attempts suicide by slitting his wrists.

Maggie flies to Los Angeles to visit Milo in the hospital and invites him to recuperate with Maggie and Lance in New York.

Having grown up as best friends, they reconnect once Milo moves in.

The Skeleton Twins is so jam-packed with interesting stories, both current and back story, that it becomes effortless to fall in love with Maggie and Milo.

When the twins were aged fourteen, their father committed suicide by jumping off a bridge, a father they were very connected to.

Their mother, played by Joanna Gleason, was a horrible mother growing up and, in present times, is a hippie involved in an interracial marriage. She awkwardly visits Maggie and Milo and attempts to heal them through meditation.

Other character history is revealed.

Milo, who is gay, was molested by his teacher when he was fifteen years old, a teacher he is still in love with, and is wonderfully played against type by Ty Burrell.

Maggie has carried on affairs with various men throughout her marriage to Lance and is secretly using birth control pills to avoid becoming pregnant. Lance happily thinks they are trying to conceive.

The characters of Milo and Maggie are incredibly layered and well-written. They are both damaged from a difficult childhood, suffer from depression, and now only have each other.

Scenes in The Skeleton Twins range from hysterical- a scene in a dentist’s office involving laughing gas rolling on the floor funny and a lip-synching scene to the hit “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now”, are both wonderful.

Dramatic and shocking scenes where Milo and Maggie go at each other with gusto, dredging up childhood wounds, are brilliantly acted by Wiig and Hader.

The chemistry between Wiig and Hader is incredible and both actors are very successful at playing hysterical comedy versus dark drama, which impressed me.

Luke Wilson is great in support as the straight-laced, nice guy married to Maggie.

A slight criticism- the character of Milo is written as stereotypically gay- man-hungry and hardly a man’s man. He has trouble clearing brush because presumably, he is too girly to handle the task.

I wish more films would steer away from these stereotypes.

Ty Burrell’s character of Rich is so complex that I wish he would have been explored a bit more- being gay how can things work with his girlfriend while harboring many secrets? Is he still in love with Milo despite repeatedly pushing him away? I would have loved more depth to this complex character.

After the film, I felt the filmmakers did not go as dark as they could have, and audiences will know what I mean following the final scene.

There is no fairy tale ending ether.

Milo and Maggie are damaged goods who only have each other making for a dynamic character-rich film.

1974 Films, Camp, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Divine, Edith Massey, Independent, Independent Comedy, John Waters, Mink Stole

Female Trouble-1974

August 4, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Female Trouble-1974

Director John Waters

Starring Divine

Scott’s Review #146

Reviewed August 4, 2014

Grade: A

Female Trouble (1974) is a deliciously naughty treat by famous Independent film legend, John Waters.

Not exactly family-friendly, it is a gem for those desiring more left-of-center fare with depravity and gross-out fun mixed in for good measure.

Water’s theme of the film is “crime is beauty” and the film is dedicated to Manson family member, Charles “Tex” Watson.

Meant for adult, late-night viewing, the film tells the story of female delinquent Dawn Davenport, who angrily leaves home one Christmas morning after not receiving her desired cha-cha heels as a Christmas present.

Her parents, religious freaks, disown her and she is left to fend for herself on the streets of Baltimore.

The film then tells of her life story of giving birth and subsequently falling into a life of crime in the 1960s. Her friends Chicklet and Concetta are in tow as they work various jobs and embark on a career of theft.

Female Trouble stars Waters regulars Divine, Mink Stole, Edith Massey, Cookie Mueller, and others.

Interestingly, Divine plays a dual role- Dawn Davenport (in drag, of course) and also the father of her bratty child- Earl Peterson. Dawn and Earl have a less-than-romantic interlude on a dirty mattress on the side of the road when he picks her up hitchhiking, which results in the birth of Taffy.

Also featured is the hilarious feud between Dawn and her love interest’s (Gator) Aunt Ida, as the women engage in tactics such as acid throwing and chopping off of limbs as they constantly exact revenge on each other.

Favorite scenes include Dawn’s maniacal nightclub act in which she does her rendition of acrobatics and then begins firing a gun into the crowd. Another is of Dawn’s dinner party with Donald and Donna Dasher- serving a meal consisting of spaghetti and chips, Taffy’s tirade hilariously ruins the evening.

This film is not for the prudish, squeamish, or uptight crowd, but a ball for all open-minded, dirty fun-seekers. The film contains one over-the-top, hilarious scene after another.

The line “just cuz you got them big udders don’t make you somethin’ special” is a Waters classic.

Female Trouble is one of a series of outrageous, cult-classics featuring the legendary camp star, Divine.

Not meant to be overanalyzed or some might say, analyzed at all, Female Trouble (1974) is unabashedly trashy and makes no apologies for its outrageousness.

2014 Films, Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, Comedy, Drama, Edward Norton, F. Murray Abraham, Harvey Keitel, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jason Schwartzman, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Léa Seydoux, Lucas Hedges, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Wes Anderson, Willem Dafoe

The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

July 30, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

Director Wes Anderson

Starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham

Scott’s Review #143

Reviewed July 30, 2014

Grade: B+

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is a witty and unique film by director Wes Anderson, who has also directed similarly quirky films, notably Monsoon Kingdom (2012) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).

The famous story of the history of the Grand Budapest Hotel is recounted, over dinner, by the current owner Zero (played by F. Murray Abraham), and an inquisitive guest (Jude Law).

The film then goes back to the 1930s and shares the story of the actual history of the hotel.

The main story centers on the head concierge, Gustave, (Ralph Fiennes), and his antics involving older wealthy blonde women, a murder, stolen art, and a missing will.

Gustave is a ladies’ man, and bisexual, who spends time with the rich women who stay at the hotel. Fiennes does an excellent job as the quick-witted, almost manic Gustave.

This sets off a series of interesting, mysterious events for the remainder of the film that turns into a whodunit yarn.

The visual aspects usurp the story. The art direction is amazing. The sets are constructed so perfectly and ingeniously that they almost look like animated sets or like a dollhouses.

The costumes and makeup are flawless.

The story tends to be tough to follow at times and is just not as strong as the other aspects of the film, although this is not to be interpreted as the story is not good- it is entertaining, but nothing more.

It’s just that the other aspects of the film are magnificent and the story is secondary. It’s an odd film, certainly, but unique and interesting.

Well-known Hollywood stars appear- Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, and Harvey Keitel.

Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Wes Anderson, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score (won), Best Production Design (won), Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Costume Design (won), Best Film Editing

2012 Films, British, Comedy, Drama, Dustin Hoffman, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins, Tom Courtenay

Quartet- 2012

July 20, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Quartet-2012

Director Dustin Hoffman

Starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay

Scott’s Review #122

Reviewed July 20, 2014

Grade: B+

Quartet (2012) is a fantastic little British film, directed by Dustin Hoffman, and starring the always wonderful Maggie Smith, whom one might argue could be watched in anything.

I certainly could.

Smith stars as a stubborn retired opera singer who begrudgingly settles in at Beecham House, a luxurious senior retirement home for former musicians in their final years.

There she reunites with colleagues from years past who attempt to reunite for a concert for the public to save the home from foreclosure.

The cast of senior citizens in Quartet is quite likable in one of the few smart films handling aging gracefully.

There is comedy and drama mixed in as the intelligent characters are treated as such in their final years with a hint of soap opera to the film as some of them were intimate with others in years past and the current hijinks are hysterical.

The subject of aging is treated with respect and dignity and not played for laughs, which is one aspect of the film that I adore.

A talent-filled cast of British theater actors, along with some real-life musicians make this film a treat.

It is terrific to see Pauline Collins (Upstairs/Downstairs) in a large role.

2011 Films, Comedy, Drama, Ed Helms, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jason Reitman, Jason Segel, Jay Duplass, Judy Greer, Mark Duplass, Susan Sarandon

Jeff, Who Lives at Home-2011

July 12, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Jeff, Who Lives at Home-2011

Director Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass

Starring Jason Segel, Susan Sarandon

Scott’s Review #107

Reviewed July 12, 2014

Grade: B

I confess to not being a huge fan of Jason Segel.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2011) tells the story of a slacker who lives with his mother and lives in the shadows of his successful brother, played by Ed Helms.

He regularly smokes pot and looks for meaning in random occurrences.

One day he begins an adventure when he believes he sees meaning in a phone call and it sets up a series of mishaps involving his brother and estranged wife, played by Judy Greer.

The secondary story involves the mother (Susan Sarandon), who leads a dull life working a mundane job. She suddenly develops a secret admirer at her job.

The film was much better than expected. As the movie unfolds it turns into a day in the life of a dysfunctional, yet loving family.

I expected a silly, dumb comedy given the star and the premise, but the film was much better than that. It is a nicely layered, touching movie with a message and some spirituality mixed in.

I loved the ending and was impressed by the heartfelt nature of this small little slice-of-life film.

2013 Films, Alec Baldwin, Andrew Dice Clay, Bobby Cannavale, Cate Blanchett, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Louis C.K., Michael Stuhlbarg, Peter Sarsgaard, Sally Hawkins, Woody Allen

Blue Jasmine-2013

July 3, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Blue Jasmine-2013

Director Woody Allen

Starring Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins

Scott’s Review #92

Reviewed July 3, 2014

Grade: A

Blue Jasmine (2013) is the latest offering by Woody Allen and one of his best since the 1970s. I have heard from several people that they are not typical Woody Allen fans but loved this film and I ponder why that is.

My theory is that Cate Blanchett, who stars as neurotic Jasmine, is the heart and soul of this movie.

Allen’s films usually center on neurotic characters and this film is no different.

Set primarily in San Francisco, it tells how Jasmine has lost all of her money thanks to bad investments by her ex-husband (played in flashbacks by Alec Baldwin).

She is a socialite and used to the best life in excess and extravagance.

Now Jasmine is reduced to making a clean start of it by rooming with her blue-collar sister, played by Sally Hawkins, and trying to scrape by.

Jasmine struggles to find success and the means to survive.

The film is hysterical, heartbreaking, and even a downer at moments. Through the assistance of pills and martinis, Jasmine is snobbish and ego-centric, yet the audience falls in love with and roots for her.

She is high-class yet broke. She keeps up appearances, and her wit, usually at the expense of others, never falters.

Blanchett is responsible for the love of this character and, thankfully, won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal.

The dialogue is sharp, witty, and filled with laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks to much of it taking place in flashbacks, the audience sees Jasmine’s life as it once was, having everything and then some, then back to her current reality and back and forth. This is a wise decision to show both of her lives.

Blue Jasmine (2013) is one of Woody Allen’s best.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Actress-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Actress-Sally Hawkins, Best Original Screenplay

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Cate Blanchett (won), Best Supporting Female-Sally Hawkins, Best Screenplay

2013 Films, Ben Falcone, Catherine Keener, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, James Gandolfini, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Nicole Holofcener, Toni Collette

Enough Said-2013

June 25, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Enough Said-2013

Director Nicole Holofcener

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini

Scott’s Review #71

Reviewed June 25, 2014

Grade: B+

Enough Said (2013) is a surprisingly well-written, small indie romantic comedy and, sadly, James Gandolfini’s (TV’s The Sopranos) final film performance.

The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who portrays a down-to-earth massage therapist who meets her odd match (Gandolfini) at a party.

They slowly begin dating and some interesting misunderstandings ensue.

The seemingly odd couple fall in love and form a special bond over time. They are both struggling to overcome past relationships and trust someone again so are vulnerable and interesting characters.

They strive to be happy but are not quite there yet.

I found the dialogue very sharp and witty and Dreyfus is perfectly cast in this film. She and Gandolfini have enormous chemistry and the film is not contrived in the least as many romantic comedies are.

The film feels like a West Coast Woody Allen film from a female perspective with many neurotic, flawed characters.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Male-James Gandolfini, Best Screenplay

2012 Films, Adam Driver, Comedy, Drama, Greta Gerwig, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Noah Baumbach

Frances Ha-2012

June 18, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Frances Ha-2012

Director Noah Baumbach

Starring Greta Gerwig, Adam Driver

Scott’s Review #44

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B+

Frances Ha (2012) is an intelligent, quirky comedy-drama made ever so appealing by its star, Greta Gerwig, an up-and-coming indie star (Greenberg-2010, The House of the Devil-2009).

She is the heart of this film and has an intense rooting value to her. You want to be her friend.

Made in black and white, which is unique and highly effective in an indie way, it tells the tale of a moderately talented dancer struggling to make it in New York City.

“Frances”, along with her best friend, hops from situation to situation in an attempt to establish normalcy. Gerwig shines with the perfect blend of awkwardness, sarcasm, and wit that she gives to the character and the viewer falls in love with her as she travels through many trials and tribulations.

It’s a year-in-the-life type of film.

Frances Ha is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film as it contains many neurotic yet lovable characters.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Editing

2013 Films, Allison Janney, Amanda Peet, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jim Rash, Liam James, Maya Rudolph, Nat Faxon, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Toni Collette

The Way, Way Back-2013

June 18, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Way, Way Back-2013

Director Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Starring Steve Carrell, Toni Collette

Scott’s Review #40

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B-

The Way, Way Back (2013) is a cute, summery, “coming of age” story about a teen misfit struggling to fit in.

It contains the basic stereotypical characters (boozy neighbor, overbearing step-father type), but kudos to great performances by Allison Janney and Steve Carell who make the film much more than it would have been otherwise.

The film feels like something that has been done many times before but contains a charming, feel-good quality.

Still, I would have enjoyed it more if some risks had been taken and the characters delved into more.

It is a one-dimensional film that ultimately disappoints.

2013 Films, Adam Driver, Carey Mulligan, Coen Brothers, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, F. Murray Abraham, Garrett Hedlund, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, Robin Bartlett

Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

June 17, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

Director Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan

Scott’s Review #35

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Being a tremendous fan of the Coen brothers (Fargo-1996, No Country for Old Men-2007) I was eager to see their latest offering, Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

The Coen’s have such a sense of quirkiness in their characters and while this film is not on the level of their other gems, it is a good piece.

I love the cold, winter, Greenwich Village setting as struggling folk singer, Llewyn Davis (expertly played by Oscar Isaac) struggles over two weeks to land gigs or breaks while encountering many people who either thwart or help his chances of success.

Sadly, the film was ignored by the Oscar brethren, but alas it tells of a slice-of-life experience of a 1960s artist.

As with most Coen brother films, it is cast with unique, interesting character actors in a bit but nuanced parts.

Oscar Nominations: Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-Oscar Isaac, Best Cinematography

2013 Films, Alexander Payne, Bob Odenkirk, Bruce Dern, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Will Forte

Nebraska-2013

June 17, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Nebraska-2013

Director Alexander Payne

Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte

Scott’s Review #31

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Deservedly receiving a handful of Oscar nominations, Nebraska (2013) tells the story of a senior citizen, incorrectly convinced he has won a million dollars.

He is determined to travel from Montana to Nebraska to collect the coveted prize.

On the surface, this film sounds like a downer and the use of black and white does wonders to set the atmosphere of coldness and bleakness in the wintry mid-west.

There are moments of humor and little-known June Squibb is a delight as the saucy wife of lead actor Bruce Dern, also wonderful as boozy, curmudgeonly Woody Grant.

There are a few unnecessary mid-western stereotypes, commonplace in director Alexander Payne’s films, but a heartbreaking, comical experience, makes this film worth watching.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Actor-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actress-June Squibb, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Feature, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Male Lead-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Male-Will Forte, Best Supporting Female-June Squibb, Best First Screenplay (won)

2013 Films, Anne Hathaway, Brie Larson, Channing Tatum, Comedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Independent Romantic Comedy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore, Romantic Comedy, Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza

Don Jon-2013

June 17, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Don Jon-2013

Director Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #27

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

I did not expect Don Jon (2013) to be as good as it is.

Frankly, I was expecting a by-the-numbers romantic comedy.

Written, directed by, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it tells the story of a twenty-something New Jersey bartender who is addicted to porn despite receiving all the female attention he can imagine.

Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore play two completely different women in his life.

The film contains stereotypical, though hilarious and spot-on, New Jersey trademarks. Tony Danza is effective as the brash father.

In the last thirty minutes, the film turns into a wonderful, yet hardly sappy or traditional, love story that makes Don Jon (2013) a positive experience.

Gordon-Levitt is a breath of fresh air and a young Hollywood talent getting his due.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

2013 Films, Antonio Banderas, Antonio de la Torre, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, International, International Comedy, Javier Cámara, Pedro Almodovar, Penélope Cruz, Spanish

I’m So Excited-2013

June 17, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

I’m So Excited-2013

Director Pedro Almodovar

Starring Antonio de la Torre, Hugo Silva

Scott’s Review #25

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B-

The latest offering by superb Spanish director, Pedro Almodovar, who directed the brilliantly disturbing The Skin I Live In (2011) a few years ago, returns with a vast departure.

He delves into a campy, lighthearted, yarn about a group of passengers and crew aboard a troubled flight in I’m So Excited (2013).

The group turns to booze and drugs to console themselves and a circus ensues.

Someone had described this as the gay Airplane! (1980) and that is fitting. Everyone on board is gay, bi-curious, or otherwise sexually confused and the one-liners keep coming.

The premise sounds hysterical, but sadly, the film does not measure up to expectations.

FYI: I felt Airplane! was overrated.

Funny moments, but the “over-the-topness” was too much to take remotely seriously and somehow did not hold my attention throughout.

Not Almodovar’s best work by a longshot.

2012 Films, Adam Scott, Ann Dowd, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, Isla Fisher, James Marsden, Kirsten Dunst, Leslye Headland, Lowest Rated Films, Rebel Wilson, Will Ferrell

Bachelorette-2012

June 17, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Bachelorette-2012

Director Leslye Headland

Starring Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher

Scott’s Review #22

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: D

I’m not sure how to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with Bachelorette (2012) except for just about everything.

It tries to be a Bridesmaids (2011) meets Hangover (2009) copycat but fails miserably. What made those films entertaining was that they were funny.

This film attempts many jokes and falls flat almost every time. The set-ups are there, but there is no follow-through.

Almost every character is unlikable and hateful to everyone else and there is nobody to root for.

Worse yet, the film is bland. Dumb comedies are not my favorite genre, but this was lackluster.

I adore Kirsten Dunst, but sadly she picked a dud she’s likely soon to forget. Isla Fisher seems to always be in films like this and the male actors (James Marsden, Adam Scott) have little to do.

The talented cast is wasted and Bachelorette (2012) is not worth seeing.

Welcome to my blog! 1,450 + reviews posted! My name is Scott Segrell and I reside in Stamford, CT. My blog is a diverse site featuring tons of film reviews I have written since I launched my site in 2014. I hope you enjoy perusing the site for latest or greatest films or to search for your own favorites to see how we compare. Please take a look at my featured sections at the top of the page which change often! Utilize the tags and category links.