The Waiting Game (1999)

A group of aspiring young actors wait tables at a New York City restaurant.

Director:

Ken Liotti

Writers:

Ken Liotti, Ken Liotti (story),

Stars:

Will Arnett, Debbon Ayer, Dwight Ewell

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Will Arnett	...	Lenny
Debbon Ayer	...	Merris
Dwight Ewell	...	Joe
Eddie Malavarca	...	Derek
Terumi Matthews	...	Andi
Michael Raynor	...	Franco
Daniel Riordan	...	Dan
Taylor Stanley	...	Shannon
Donald Williams	...	Nick the Cook
Alice Spivak	...	Customer from Hell
Vinnie Platania	...	Barfly
Christopher Lawford	...	L.A. Director (as Chris Lawford)
Amy Marcs	...	Casting Director
Leslie Lyles	...	Therapist
Howard Spiegel	...	Cliff

Storyline

This ensemble comedy love story chronicles the adventures and misadventures of a group of aspiring actors who wait tables at a popular New York City eatery called "Peter's Backyard." Pitted against the New York culture jungle, the crew serves up a prix fixe of artistic trauma, comedic insanity, and thespian lust while struggling to keep their lives from coming unglued in the urban warfare of the survival of the artist.

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Taglines:

Somewhere between the appetizers and dessert...they have a life.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 1999 (USA)

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$8,547 (USA) (17 March 2000)

Gross:

$19,381 (USA) (17 March 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Absolute Films Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Nobody Thinks I'm Cool (But Me)"
Performed by Francis Dunnery

User Reviews

Aspirations, Angst, Amour

Andi (Terumi Matthews) and Lenny (Will Arnett) are best friends and thespians, who make ends meet by working in the same restaurant. Struggling actor, Dan (Daniel Riordan), is likewise employed at the establishment, as well as a bevy of others. Each hopes to make it big. Each spends his or her day with petulant customers, all the while searching for romantic fulfillment for themselves and their colleagues. Who will give up their pipe dreams and who will stay in the hunt for fame, prosperity, and love? This film is a showcase for the plentiful pleasures of ensemble work. While the cast boasts no stars, each thespian portrays the angst and the aspirations of career choices that are ruthless with aplomb. The New York setting is always appealing as well. Do you favor romantic stories that also deal with showbiz wannabees? You will do yourself a favor by giving this film a try.