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Movie Review: The Talent Given Us Alternate Title: Too Close for Comfort
Story: Imagine for a second
a cross country car trip with your parents - except that you are an
adult. Are you freaking out? Want to call your therapist? This rollicking, very funny, often poignant film
by writer, cinematographer and director Andrew Wagner,
starring his real mother, father and two sisters deals with this very
subject. A NYC upper west side, long married couple, spontaneously
decide to visit their son who now lives in LA. In tow are their two
adult daughters who have mishegas (Yiddish for craziness) to spare.
What ensues can come across as a documentary film. However, I took it
for what I think it was. A dysfunctional family who both love and hate
one another and were willing to put their family turmoil up on the big
screen for all to see in order to help their son's career. Was it successful? I thought so. It was hilarious,
often embarrassing and very familiar. If you are urban, it probably
helps to be Jewish (or have lots of Jewish friends), have a fondness
for the old Woody Allen filial type plot than you will get a kick out
of this very different film. If you are none of the above - stay home. Acting: Everyone was hilarious.
Predilection: None
Food: More food than I could possibly remember. Each
meal was more hilarious than the last and worth the price of admission
alone.
Critters: Two dogs that bare a striking resemblance
to my newly adopted chihuahua/terrier mix, Benny. Want to see Benny?
Let me know and I will send you his photo. He is a doll.
Visual Art: Their NYC apartment was very typical.
The family's home in a stop in the midwest was over the top fabulously
funny.
Theater Audience: About enough people to fit in a
large SUV to go across country.
Quirky Meter: 6
Squirm Scale: Some of the dialogue and situations
were uncomfortable.
Drift Factor: Too weird to drift.
Predictability Level: I hadn't a clue as to where
this film was headed.
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: If you are into road movies
there are dozens to choose from. My favorite is Thelma and Louise
and of late, Motorcycle Diaries.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 6
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