Change Your Image
lmayper
Reviews
Waitress (2007)
Waitress finds love in the place she least expects it
After seeing the trailer for WAITRESS last month, I knew I wanted to see it. The film delivered everything promised in the trailer and more.
Keri Russell stars as Jenna, a waitress trapped in an unhappy marriage, who dreams of leaving her selfish husband before discovering she is pregnant. Jenna works at a diner where all the pies are made fresh, and she concocts unique creations with names like, "I don't want to have Earl's baby because it's going to ruin my life Pie." Becky, played by Cheryl Hines, and Dawn, played by Adrienne Shelly are Jenna's quirky and endearing waitress friends at the diner. Dawn thinks she is an ugly duckling that will never find love, and Becky's husband has become an invalid, but both claim they wouldn't trade places with Jenna in a million years. The dialog between Jenna, Becky, and Dawn is hysterical. Jeremy Sisto gives a convincing performance as Earl, Jenna's immature, jealous, and controlling husband. He does show his sensitive side at one point, when he finds the money Jenna has hidden and suspects she may leave him. Nathan Fillion plays Dr. Pomatter, the new obstetrician in town, with whom Jenna forms an unlikely bond. What begins as a torrid affair, ends up helping Jenna realize she deserves a chance to be happy. Andy Griffith is terrific as Joe, a crotchety old man universally disliked by everyone except Jenna, who sees through his cantankerous act.
The movie did have a bittersweet happy ending, which brought me a few tears, a little for the death of a beloved character, but mostly for the tragic loss of writer/director/actress Adrienne Shelly in November, before WAITRESS was released.
Purple Violets (2007)
A fun time in New York
Purple Violets opened to rave reviews from the home team at the Tribeca Film Festival at it's World Premiere on April 30. Ed Burns is in rare form as the Murph, a wise-cracking New York recovering alcoholic, trying to make amends. He tries to win back his ex, played by Debra Messing, who takes holding a grudge to new levels. Selma Blair is terrific as Patti, a writer suffering from writer's block. Patrick Wilson is very engaging as Brian, Patti's old boyfriend who tries to win her back. Donal Logue, who usually plays the nice guy, really shows his stuff as Chazz, Patti's cad of a husband. Always memorable, Dennis Farina, plays Patti's boss from hell.
I have always been a Burns fan, but found this film even wittier, faster, and funnier than expected. I especially liked the women talking about the men and the men talking about the women.