Usually I like starting a review with something positive, but this time around I must break from usual protocol. This has been the second Noah Baumbach film that I have reviewed (see my post for Margot at the Wedding), and he is getting another thumbs down from me. The cast is phenomenal, separately, but strewn together = not effective. My problem was not with Ben Stiller ( typically know for his comedic roles) trying to tackle a dramatic role (pulled it off very well in Permanant Midnight) seen in recent years by the likes of Bill Murray or Robin Williams, my main problem lies with my sheer dislike for every character. Just as in Margot at the Wedding I found myself half way through the film wishing horrible things to occur to each character so that at least something interesting would happen. This film could have been a homerun considering it revolves around an unemployed 40 something, who is deliberately doing nothing, and taking into account our current economic state of unemployment. If Noah Baumbach would have created characters that would just go 100% dysfunctional, rather than going 60% then pulling back, his recent movies would be better off and much more enjoyable. I guess all of his films can't be a magnificent opus like The Squid and the Whale. Till next time, happy movie watching.

Where to begin? Maybe with the phrase, what a disappointment. I too thought this was going to be an indie comedy dealing with a dysfunctional family. I was unpleasantly surprised. I have to give it to the makers of this film by putting together a very tight trailer though, but much to my chagrin these were the only "likeable" portions of the entire movie. The characters, story, and especially the ending went NOWHERE. I can't stress this fact enough. The movie clocks in at about 90 minutes or so, and it is my opinion that if they would have added maybe just ten minutes of sheer explanation this could have been a homerun considering how much potential that it held (i.e. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Black, Nicole Kidman etc.). I really hate to admit this, but halfway through the movie I found myself wishing horrible things to occur to the characters so there would be something at least interesting going on. And just to clarify, yes I do understand and enjoy complex movies (Memento, Inception, Dark City, etc.). So it is not like my favorite movies are easy to understand like American Pie, Epic Movie, Scream, etc. In my mind there are only two options when it relates to this movie: 1. If you are looking for a waste of electricity please rent this flick 2. Play the smart money and pass on it. If you don't believe me just read laurie92's review of this movie and I think you will get the idea. Until next time, happy movie watching.