Out of Order (2003) User Reviews

Well written and acted.///might be spoilers

[BloodTheTelepathicDog · 7/10 · 24 April 2005]

Felicity Huffman and Eric Stoltz where marvelous, you can't help but care for their characters. Felicity brings intense raw emotion to her role as a clinically depressed scriptwriter, and Eric Stoltz captures sensitivity as well as any actor in the business today.

The writing, by a real life husband and wife team, was solid as well, except for the talking animal scenario. There wasn't any need for that. The scene where Felicity blasts the turkey off the table was handled well, and the writing never wavers. There are a lot of inventive ingredients in this film. Eric Stoltz seeing his life as a movie, the brilliant portrayal of Felicity's downward spiral as she uses illegal drugs to combat her depression.

Kim Dickens, who I can't stand for some reason, actually does a decent job as the object of lust for Eric Stoltz. As usual, Kim spends a great deal of the film naked. Lots of actresses have a no nudity clause, but Kim has a nudity mandatory clause.

Justine Bateman has never looked sexier. She portrays a married woman who constantly flirts with Eric, but nothing ever materializes between them. Quite frankly, Eric should have fooled around with Justine rather than Kim. Justine shows off some mouth watering cleavage, but is the only major cast member that doesn't get naked.

This is a well handled pilot that left me wanting to see more, but Showtime pulled the plug, and it looks doubtful that the other episodes will find their way to a retail shelf.

sad lives of suburban slightly rich people.

[afterdarkpak · 6/10 · 21 September 2020]

First of all , i watched 1 hour 48 mins movie, but it says its a tv mini series which i couldnt find anywhere. so the movie is fine , decent performance.

Plot is nothing new , its a typical story about life style of high society of suburban people. its more like " desperate housewives" . at some point it seems like this movies goes to swinger lifestyle , an yeh it almost felt like it.

there is no perfect relationship (husband/ wife) , there are sadness and miseries but there are also some happiness. But there are some or many people who has stable life but lack of inner happiness. so what they do? thats in the movie.

so the question is... is it ok that your wife came home late night drunk with another guy and she says nothing going on ? .. Or..... getting naked and skinning dipping with other couples?.

Tackles heavy topics, with great courage and realism

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 16 April 2007]

Mark (Eric Stolz) is a screenwriter in the Los Angeles area. His gorgeous home has all of the latest amenities. Wife Lorna (Felicity Huffman), is his screen writing partner and they have had a good marriage for the last ten years, producing a nice son, also, named Walter. Yet, there are budding problems. One is Lorna's depression, which has been overwhelming and has caused her to pop pills and drink excessively. However, upon hearing the tale of Lorna's past relationship with her parents, one can see why she is falling off the deep end. Needless to say, the duo is not getting their new writing project finished. Personally, Mark is becoming fed up as well, causing him to resent Lorna's late night hours and her absences from Walter's soccer games. All of this leads to a major crush for Mark on fellow soccer parent, Danni. Does one dare cross the line into infidelity, under certain circumstances? This is a very truthful, very thoughtful investigation of the modern life. Marriage is not the fairy tale of happily ever after, but an ongoing journey of commitment for its partners. People change directions and leave their spouses grappling to stay connected to them. Past life experiences, too, can resurface, creating havoc, and temptations abound at every turn. As the players in real time, Stolz and Huffman are fantastic, giving touching, intelligent and sometimes unlovable performances. William H. Macy and the other members of the supporting cast are equally fine. The costumes, sets, direction and production are faultless. Be warned here, my fellow movie fans, that substance abuse is presented in recreational terms, at times. But, if you want to see a fearless examination of married life, with attractive, talented performers, here is a film for you and your circle of friends. It will lead to much discussion and ultimately, to a better understanding between partners everywhere.

One of the best things I've seen on TV. I'm hooked!

[marsha-4 · 7 June 2003]

Sexy, cleaver, honest, funny. Great writing, great direction, great acting. I especially thought the alcoholic storyline was realistic. I was married to an alcoholic. I found the dialog and situations in "Out of Order" brutally honest. I love Eric Stolz and Kim Dickens. Give it a try. I loved it. I must admit, however, that my husband was not as taken as I was. But then, I have better taste, so...

One word: HOOKED

[Rogue-32 · 9/10 · 4 June 2003]

I've been an Eric Stoltz fan dating back to Fast Times and The Wild Life, so it's very gratifying to see him in this extremely adult show playing such an extremely adult part. Out of Order is going to be hugely popular, I predict - it's brilliantly written, intelligent, funny, wildly creative, extraordinarily insightful and it's got balls. I was hooked 3 minutes into the opening episode, maybe earlier.

All the characters are well-developed, no caricatures here, and the relationships felt real to me, particularly the one between Mark and Danni, and Stoltz' trying-to-masturbate-but-continually-being-interrupted sequence was priceless. This show exists on the fine line of being able to be funny although not at the expense of its characters but rather BECAUSE of its characters, who are allowed to show their inner lives - Stoltz' Mark in particular, and it feels right, of course, because he's a writer, and we do have highly developed inner lives if nothing else. To the real-life writing team who brought this show to fruition, I say keep up the great work. We'll be watching.

Could have been a great show

[zcrywch · 6/10 · 30 August 2021]

I remember watching this when it first came out and had such high hopes for it. Had all the makings of a great show. Then it just ended. Did not know it was a mini series till I was already committed and the rug was pulled. Damn! Macy went on to make shameless but you could see his character building in this. Really deserved a few seasons but then they went ahead and made Californication few years later so I guess there's that. Eric stolz can't get a breakout roll and it all started when he was recast in back to the future the poor guy. He's great.

Brilliant new show that we should see.

[ranblv · 10/10 · 12 June 2003]

After the pilot and 1st season ep I am thrilled ! This is a dark troublesome and sexy show which is a refreshing change to all the too nice things coming out from Hollywood. The story is about a couple screen writers trying to keep their jobs and self identity in modern day Hollywood, while exploring the tough world of couplehood, kids, temptations and out of marriage affairs. The show has great pace, fantastic imaginary scenes and very well done sex scenes that could only be done on "Showtime".

The couple is played by Eric Stolz (killing zoe) who believes his life is filmed for studio audiences so he talks to us (the camera) and explains his thoughts and decisions and asks our approval as a sort of focus group,which allows hilarious scenes to occur. Playing the wife is Felicity Huffman (Frasier,wife of William H. Macy) who plays a clinically depressed woman ( brilliantly) that has very sharp mood swings and you never know how she will wake up in the morning she brings so much dept to the character you will be amazed. another great surprise in there is a very sexy role played by Justine Bateman (family ties, who knew !!) believe me you won't recognize her.

to conclude this show has enormous potential if the writing staff will keep up the good work we will have another great choice to see for many years so go see it and take a good look at yourself afterwards.

Something Different

[s_trangedays · 10/10 · 27 January 2004]

I have randomly watched episodes of this serie on TMN and I think it is very interesting. This couple who have health, wealth, great partnership in their professional life, a kid, a dog , beautiful house, Mercedes, Coke, Hollywood, Mistresses and of course great sex (With each other and others) and they bring Camera to their life and have this great opportunity to show us all what went through their mind in different circumstances and why they were still not satisfied...as rest of us.

Less Than a Mouthful

[wes-connors · 4/10 · 28 November 2009]

Here is a slightly edited version of the first, or "pilot episode" of the short "Showtime" series. "Out of Control" is described on the DVD sleeve: "Ever since he was a boy, Mark has imagined his life as a movie. But these days his life, marriage, and career as a screenwriter are not like the movies, at all. This dark comedy about a Hollywood marriage that is almost, but not quite out of control, is not just another Hollywood story." Or, so they say…

It becomes more and more difficult to relate to Eric Stoltz (as Mark Colm) and the characters, after a promising opening; although, the performances are adept. There is a lot of nudity, with everyone looking model-perfect for the family pool parties. Definitely, Mr. Stoltz does not look like he's battling "junk food" addiction. Soccer mom Felicity Huffman (as Lorna) seems to be the real addict in the family. Peter Bogdanovich dispenses drug advice.

The DVD version does "stand alone" as a story, but the entire "mini-series" may be the best way to fully appreciate Wayne and Donna Powers' efforts. An important "edit" removes the part of a sex scene involving Stoltz sampling delicious Kim Dickens (as Danni); considered shocking stuff, this would have insured an NC-17 rating for the DVD. In something of a "comeback" role, TV favorite Justine Bateman (as Annie) wants to do for Stoltz what he did for Dickens.

**** Out of Order (6/1/03) Wayne Powers ~ Eric Stoltz, Felicity Huffman, Kim Dickens, Justine Bateman

good stuff.

[Junyamince · 16 June 2003]

Not that I think it's truly fair to compare the two, but if you liked "Adaptation" as I loved it, you will obsess over the "Out Of Order." It's funny, witty, wise, wonderful, creative, charming, and highly addictive. Honestly, I was a little hesitant falling into such a world of chaos as its familliar, a satire of the known and even scarier, the unknown. But I liked it and want more. My only regret is that its not a longer show, but in its defense, despite how much fun you'll have watching it, time doesn't fly and the short hour seems like an enjoyable eternity. That is until you realize its over and have to wait until next week. And the cast is perfect, whoever casted the movie is a genius. Eric Stoltz is the man. The leading ladies are beautiful and talented to the point you forget they are A.M.W.'s--you'll have to watch to understand what that means--and William H. Macy is always a treat. Based on the life of a screenwriter Mark, and his troubles with his wife to his partner screenwriter, Lorna and, well, life. The cool thing is that Out of Order revolves somewhat around the actual screenwriters Wayne and Donna Powers who give inspiration for the starring characters. A must see, especially if your life is out of order.

So Good

[morser · 5 December 2004]

I was hooked after seeing the pilot. I was fortunate enough to see the rest of the episodes one after the other with Video On Demand (digital Cable). I found myself relating to situations even though I was never in that position before. I thought it was season 1 of a new show at first, and it's too bad that it was a miniseries. I'm sure there are many or will be many shows that describe this period of life that people have; Having children, working, dream house and around all that showing the difficulties or problems that arise. However, this miniseries was done so well, it wasn't afraid to show what really can or could happen as two people try to make it through life together.

Wonderful and dark, I loved it.

[galfriday · 8 April 2003]

I saw this tonight at the Minn/St Paul Film Fest, it's dark sexy weird and kind of funny too. The story is basically of a husband and wife screen writing team trying to keep their heads and love about them in modern day corrupt Hollywood.

The couple is played by Eric Stolz (Pulp Fiction, Mask) and Felicity Huffman (Sports Night, Frasier) both better here than I've ever seen them, and they've both been in a lot of good stuff before. They have a difficult marriage, and both have affairs; she with William H. Macy (Fargo, Pleasantville) and he with Kim Dickens (Things Behind the Sun) and possibly Justine Bateman (who has one of the funniest lines in the film, too 'blue' to reprint here, but hearing it come out of 'Mallory' from 'Family Ties' mouth was a big surprise and got a huge laugh!) It's an odd story, but I ended up caring for them, because even though they are both screw ups, they TRY to be good parents and good people, and I guess that's what moved me, they aren't the cookie cutter romantics that work out all their problems, in fact they actually compound their problems by the end. There are a lot of dubious elements involved; it's very frank and sexual and not in a coy way, and they experiment with illegal substances too, but it's surprisingly straightforward about it, in a way that took me by surprise. There's an element of whimsy too, he sees his life 'as a movie' so a movie crew follows him around, which confused me at first but then I warmed up to it. It's very well done, much deeper than most 'story of a marriage' stories, things between the husband and wife are not easy but they struck me as being true. The acting is all great, as is the camera work. Sometimes the music bordered on cheesy, but overall I'd say this was a terrific little movie. I'd give it a 8 out of 10.

Well done!

[Tallulah-7 · 2 June 2003]

I saw this pilot last night on Showtime. I must say, it's refreshing to have another "real life" show back on. Eric Stoltz shines, as usual. His charm and creative acting brings life to the screen. He is real and true to his character. We feel for him. The actress that plays his wife is also wonderful. She brought reality to the "manic depressive" and takes it to the limit. I believe she wants help but just doesn't know where to start. All the characters were great! The acting was great and the storyline is very real. For people that live in the entertainment industry, knows that writing can be very stressful and puts a lot of unncessary pressure on you. But, again, I'm back to Eric Stoltz. He's brilliant as an actor and producer but even better as a Director. He carries this show and because of that, I think SHOWTIME has a hit on their hands yet again!

Surprising great.

[TheNDF · 2 June 2003]

I'II admit that the only reason I was planning to watch this show was because of Justine Bateman. But within the first 10 minutes of watching the show I really started to enjoy it. It was funny, sexy, and dramatic. I found myself, today, the day after, thinking about the show and wanting more. And I don't even like this kind of genre.

American TV at its best!

[d4vid · 1 July 2003]

With first season thru, I'm able to say this is one outstanding TV show. I hope there will be a second season, but the first season alone is, as a "mini series" amazingly good. Everyday relationship issues handled with extreme care; black humour mixed with ice cold tragedy without ever being pretentious or melodramatic. Excellent shot and with metafilm views to an amount never seen in american television (at least not by me).

OK, i'm biased; I adore both Eric Stoltz and William H Macy, but even if Stoltz is more of an main actor than ever before and extremely important for this show, the show in itself would be substantial without him.

This show (and its forecasted success-to-be) will probably lead to production companies that take more chances; don't under-estimate their audience, and aim on quality and meaning. Hugh amount of creds to everyone behind this project!

"Reality"

[carolynafs · 17 June 2003]

This is the closest thing to reality that I have seen in a while and it helps that it is from a man's point of view, sort of, anyway. It really helps you get insight into the stupidity of mistakes made and what "reasons" and excuses can be behind them. This show has hit so close to home for me and those that I know that watch it that it is creepy. We really enjoy the show and hope that it keeps its current realistic and gut wrenching storylines true to life.

Great,,,

[TerminalMadness · 3 June 2003]

I saw the commercial for this on Showtime and became intrigued so I gave it a look and thought it was great. The storyline was excellent, not to mention Kim Dickens is ridiculously hot. Eric Stoltz and Felicity Huffman charge this show along with some great movie references that help the wit.

To say the least!

[Cipher-J · 30 January 2004]

Films about the films have a long, if not very glorious, tradition. The public seems to like them, however, never able to get their fill. They like to know all the details. On one level they want to know how all the "special effects" are achieved, thus defeating the purpose for which they might otherwise seem so magical. Stage illusionists are at least wise enough to understand that their success depends on the audience "not" understanding how the tricks were performed, but not the movies. On another level, they can't get enough of the people. Never mind that if we know too much about what goes on behind the scenes, the business becomes tawdry and commonplace. The magic depends on our belief in the magic, and hence the less we know about the sordid affairs of those who create it, the better. But evidently we have finely arrived at that point in our culture where even soap-operas about the lives of those who create soap-operas, have become worthy fodder for amusement.

Basically, this is a pot-boiler about the debauched lives of the sorts of people who create popular, cinematic pot-boilers, but presented as though they were making a profound statement about humanity in general. What is fraudulent about the premise is that for most people (members of the audience in particular), their lives are by no means that self-indulgent or narcissistic. They don't live in million dollar mansions on sprawling estates with a fabulous swimming pool in which to experience gratuitous sex while flirting with mind-altering drugs. They may struggle with depression, alcoholism, the occasional sexual indiscretion, or lapses in motivation, just like anyone else, but to suggest that they therefore have something in common with the over-paid, self-important denizens of Wonderland, on that basis, merely trivializes them as being no better.

The lives of the people represented are pathetic. There is no meaning or purpose to their lives, and hence when they are not wallowing in self-pity, they are trying to seduce each other's friends. People don't matter to them much, not even their own children. The common guy, more typical of the average member of the audience, who comes out to exterminate their bugs, might as well be a bug himself, for all that this film thinks of him as a worthy human being. Yet these conceited peacocks in their fantasy world expect the common man to pass judgment on them for being "merely human," just like you and me! How nice to be included in their definition of humanity. Other than that, the situations given probably could take place at almost any level of society, but that hardly seems a worthy point to make.

Suffers from too much "style."

[lineswriter · 4 June 2003]

I like Stoltz so I tuned in. He's good in this, but - WOW - Felicity Huffman is humming at a sky-high level here: she's better than the pretentious writing (who cares if Spielberg is across the soccer field watching his kid?). Gimmicks: talking fish and cats, camera and crew in a few shots. Blech. And the voice over is distracting instead of illuminating. Repetitious lines something like, "Oh, judge and jury out in TV land," minimized me into something I'm not. I say 86 the self-indulgent, rationalizing voice over and just let Stoltz act his heart out. Mature themes need mature voice over. It's not their mistakes keeping me from caring about these folks -- it's the style of the show. The William Goldman quote feels plunked in as if the writers just couldn't wait to use it. Coulda been done more seamlessly. The ending missed also -- too stylized, and the actors looked physically uncomfortable. That was distracting as well.

I got the point: we're all just humans, after all. I didn't need the movie to TELL me that; isn't that what ALL movies teach us? Good ones, anyway. No new news, here. I'm afraid the self-conscious writers have been out cast by these good actors. If this series continues I hope they drop the gimmicky stylized bells-and-whistles and simply let these actors have all the attention. Trust the talent. THEN it will be good. THEN I might be moved.

Things I don't like in my t.v. serials.

[=G= · 2 June 2003]

• Talking animals (especially gold fish) - Too many product names (for the sake of cool) - Flip dialogue which is too clever - Being asked to participate in the serial (eg: juror) - Voice-over narrations (especially which talk to me) - Writers who think they know what I'm thinking - Reminders I'm watching a t.v. serial (like cameras filming cameras filming the characters) - Genre jambalaya - Cheap shots like fantasy sequences which pretend to be real - Etc. Etc.

Oh, and the whole depressed and molested wife thing? I've been there, done that too and never once fantasized about killing her step-father. She did. I just wished he'd die.

"Six Feet Under" rip-off

[sidmsdw · 25 June 2003]

Critics and fans alike have been mystifyingly kind to this blatant and utterly banal rip-off of the clearly superior "Six Feet Under." The cast of "Out of Order"(see, even the title is a derivative) is the only thing that makes this show even marginally watchable. Eric Stoltz and Felicity Huffman do what they can with what feels like underwritten characters. The rest of the cast shines too, but the problem is the creative team aims higher than they can deliver. They can't really do anything except put their characters through motions we've seen done better before. They aim for a "How we live now" immediacy that just doesn't hold my interest, unlike "Six Feet Under" which doesn't have any problem being original and provocative.