Melvin Goes to Dinner (2003)

Director:

Bob Odenkirk

Writers (WGA):

Michael Blieden (play)
Michael Blieden (screenplay)

Release Date:

4 December 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

Marital infidelity, religion, a guy in heaven wearing a Wizards jersey, anal fetishes, cigarettes and schizophrenia, ghosts, and how it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Plot Keywords:

Based On Play | Character Name In Title

Awards:

5 wins & 8 nominations

Cast

Michael Blieden	...	Melvin
Stephanie Courtney	...	Alex
Matt Price	...	Joey
Annabelle Gurwitch	...	Sarah
Kathleen Roll	...	Waitress
Maura Tierney	...	Leslie
Jenna Fischer	...	Hostess
Jacqueline Heinze	...	Rita
Laura Kightlinger	...	Laura
Fred Armisen	...	Vesa
Jerry Minor	...	Solly
James Gunn	...	Scott
BJ Porter	...	Flight Attendant (as B.J. Porter)
Tucker Smallwood	...	Passenger
Jennifer Biederman	...	Child's Mom (as Jen Dollard)

Also Known As:

Phyro-Giants (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for language and sexuality, including sexual dialogue.

Runtime:

USA:83 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:R

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

LeFoole Inc.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: After they all leave the restaurant, Alex and Sarah are walking and the shadow of the camera and cameraman is visible on the wall by Alex.

Quotes:

Sarah: And if his wife got hit by a car tomorrow, I'd probably start sleeping with him again.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Comedians of Comedy (2005)

Dinner, drinks, and what was that you just said?

I caught Melvin Goes To Dinner in one of only 45 seats in the Private Screening Room at the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, MA. I knew going into the theater, that I was in for brilliance, as I have been with anything I've seen that was associated with Bob Odenkirk. Regretfully, I had never heard the name Michael Blieden before this film. I look forward to seeing more of his work, whether it be as an actor or writer in the future.

This is a poignant, no holds barred, almost voyeuristic look into the lives of a group of people eating dinner together. As the dinner progresses, so do the intricacies of each these individual's' life unfold, as each bears their souls through the dinnertime conversation.

While definitely humorous, the film is not light-hearted. Appearances by Jack Black, David Cross, and Bob Odenkirk are well-placed within the various stories that unfold. Every minute of the film kept my attention and kept me hungering for more. This is definitely a film that will keep giving if seen more than once.

An absolutely brilliant film that I thoroughly enjoyed and can't wait until it comes out on video or DVD so that I can add it to my much coveted collection of films. I highly recommend catching this film.