Movie Review: State and Main

Story: You know how sometimes the packaging is way better than the gift inside? Don't get me wrong - I am a BIG David Mamet fan. He usually has fully developed characters, a succinct plot and killer dialogue. The very prolific (he has directed nine films and written 31) writer-director David Mamet's latest film has a simple premise that could easily have been written for the stage. A Hollywood production crew invades a small Vermont town to use its pristine location for a film. The seemingly pure, homespun, innocent townsfolk versus the manipulative, spoiled and jaded of Hollywood is easy material for Mamet. There are some wonderful sight gags, mishaps and ongoing shenanigans to give the viewer a generally good time. There are also some hilarious moments and of course the ever present priceless Mamet dialogue that I wish I could remember and recall later on when I needed to be scintillating. But all in all, it just seemed flat and disconnected much of the time. On to the next good looking holiday package. Maybe tomorrow's will be more satisfying.

Acting: A wonderful ensemble cast made the movie much more watchable including Alec Baldwin as the leading man with a penchant for teenage girls. Julia Stiles (someone to watch, for sure) as the teenage girl. The always terrific Philip Seymour Hoffman as the writer, and Rebecca Pidgeon (real life Mrs. Mamet) as the town conscience. William H. Macy, in another Fargo-esque type of role, and the deliciously wicked David Paymer as the producer. Sarah Jessica Parker playing her ditzy role as the leading actress, and some great cameo appearances by the townsfolk which included Charles Durning and Patti LaPone as the Mayor and his loony wife.

Pets: One adorable Dalmatian.

Food: Diner food

Visual Art: Innocuous

Soundtrack: Annoyingly buoyant

Titles: The opening titles were run of the mill but I encourage everyone to stay through the ending credits. There are some really big laughs during closing credits. Perhaps the biggest laughs of all.

Theater Audience: Pretty crowded for a shopping day right before Christmas. There were two people who came to the film with two large suitcases and bags and bags of wrapped gifts. I guess they had a lot of time to kill before they went to the airport.

Quirky Meter: 2

Oscar Worthy: No

Nit Picking: Sometimes Mamet's dialogue is so intelligent I just can't believe it is coming out of his character's mouth. I just keep thinking that is Mamet speaking, not the character.

Big Screen or Rental: Definitely a rental. And while you are renting have a Mamet film fest. There are many luscious ones to choose from. My favorites are: The Winslow Boy, The Spanish Prisoner, Wag the Dog, Glengarry Glen Ross The Untouchables and The Verdict.

Length: 102 minutes

LOBO HOWLS: 5