Kind of like this review. I have to admit that there is not much I find I am able to say about this film, either good
or bad. And I think that's a good thing. It's a simple film but it's highly entertaining. It's one of those films that
makes you glad you've watched it, even if it wasn't one of your favorites. It isn't like 'Hot Fuzz' where it is totally awesome
and you can't stop laughing and you're having the time of your lfe watching it, and it isn't like 'Pirates' where you just
love every minute even when the film is getting bad. But it also isn't a film that is like being tortured to watch; it's
like one of those Jane Austin films that you're glad you watched and enjoy watching, but didn't particularly love it or hate
it. A well made and well crafted film, nothing that evokes too much emotion or requires you to use your mind to enjoy. Those
types of films are hard to come by these days, when we're either getting blasted by giant explosions on screen and non stop
action or are losing our lunch in some slasher film. All this film asks you to do is sit and watch and enjoy. Which is nice.
There's
nothing wrong with this film. It is extremely well acted and directed; every actor melds so well with the others and they
all play off of each other nicely. They all seem so natural as if they're not acting and this is not a film but a home movie
and we're watching them live their everyday lives (however bizarre and weird it may be). I especially liked Abigail Breslin
as Olive; she's cute and plays her part so well. Of course Steve Carrell is brilliant and Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette
are always good; but I haven't seen a movie in quite a while where everyone actually seems as if they could really be related
or friends with one another. Like I said it's almost as if they're not even acting but living. Each character seems as if
they are part of the stereotypical family to the extreme: there's the over worked mom, the career obsessed dad, the angstful
teen, the bitter and cynical grandparent, and the odd uncle. It seems to me as if each family has one or more of these types
of family members in them, and this film simply presents them in a more profound and exaggerated way. Scary to think that
we all might be like one of these people at some point.
Unfortunately the film isn't as funny as I thought it
would be. There are a couple laugh out loud moments and true the film is lighthearted (however a bit bleak; it seems like
a black comedy to me) and extremely enjoyable, but it isn't as funny as say, 'Hot Fuzz' or 'Dr. Strangelove', or other similar
comedies. I also thought that the film's message (everyone is beautiful no matter who they are and you can do anything you
set your mind to if you try), while a good one, seems to make the film a bit preachy at times and even a little cheesy, especially
towards the end. This is only really noticeable in a few scenes such as when Grandpa is talking to Olive in the hotel room
so it's not too big of a deal but it almost took away some of the comedy feel of the film. Of course, the film makes good
it's point that anyone can be a beauty queen during the scene at the pageant where six or so little girls come out in dancing
costumes looking like hookers. And then out comes Olive, natural and simple, and yet she's prettier and cuter than the others
who actually dressed up and primped for their shows. It's a nice moment in that not only does it gives a good emphasis on
the film's message but it's also very funny. The film also makes the point that there is nothing more important than family,
no matter what (this family is so close that they even go to great lengths to get Olive to the pageant, including kidnapping
Grandpa's corpse from the hospital).
There lsn't much meat in this film, to use an expression that I usually use
to refer to films, and so it is simple in the way it is presented and made and also in it's messages (which are simple but
good to live by). But it's also one of those films that you'll be glad to have seen even if it didn't leave a mark on your
mind or leave you in stitches. It's not one of my favorites and it's not the funniest I've seen, but it's fresh and original
and that is good to know.
Best moment: I have two; Olive finding
out that she's going to the pageant and stealing Grandpa from the hospital. Ok, three, the pageant itself is hysterical.
Worst
moment: Grandpa's speech to Olive seemed sappy and overly sentimental.
Best quote: 'I hate everybody.'
Why
you should see it: It's probably one of the most original films you will ever see. And all of the wonderful cast work so
well with each other; the acting is amazing.
Why you should choose something else: It's not really funny, not rolling
and crying laughing so hard funny. And some people might not get it.
