Moving Malcolm (2003)

Director:

Benjamin Ratner

Writer:

Benjamin Ratner (written by)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A comedy that'll move you.

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Panties Hit The Floor | Tank Top | Toilet Scene | Caught Masturbating | Phone Sex

Awards:

4 wins & 1 nomination

Cast

Elizabeth Berkley	...	Liz Woodward
Benjamin Ratner	...	Gene Maxwell
John Neville	...	Malcolm Woodward
Jay Brazeau	...	George
Babs Chula	...	Gisha (as Babz Chula)
Rebecca Harker	...	Jolea
Linda Sorenson	...	Ruby (as Linda Sorensen)
Nicholas Lea	...	Herbert
Michael Tiernan	...	Mike
Anne Chick	...	Aunt Sylvia
Georgina Hegedos	...	Aunt Sara
Sheila Paterson	...	Marya
Marnie Robinson	...	Sally
Tom Scholte	...	Mover
Bill Dow	...	Justice of the Peace

Runtime:

Canada:83 min (Montréal World Film Festival)

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:18+ (TV rating) | Canada:14A

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

Crescent Entertainment

Trivia:

Elizabeth Berkley's character "Liz Woodward" is based on actress Rachel Hayward.

Quotes:

George Maxwell: The object is to live in a furious state until your heart stops.

Soundtrack:

Hard Thing

a surprisingly complex little treat

Caught this film at the Commonwealth Film Fest and enjoyed it very much. Reminded me at times of The Graduate, and also of Woody Allen's early work. Neurotic, Jewish comedy with a strong point of view. By the end, it seems the film's message is that although romantic love comes and goes, family sticks together through thick and thin. The scenes dealing with the family unit are the strongest, while the love story, although unique, never quite hits the same truthful level. Elizabeth Berkley, seldom seen since "Showgirls," puts in a strong turn as the manipulative girlfriend to Benjamin Ratner's lovable leading man/schmuck. Her comedy skills are not her strong point, but she does have good emotional range and looks quite stunning. John Neville and Nick Lea (both from X-Files) are fabulous in their roles, and Rebecca Harker plays the autistic sister with humor and unsentimental realism. For the most part, the film, which runs the gamut from absurd comedy to poignant human drama, hits the mark, but some scenes are not as strong as others. As a director, Ratner has a good eye for human behavior and the film is simply, clearly shot. A little more visual flair, however, would make this good little film a bit better. The music is great, especially the opening and closing numbers. Would be curious to know if there is a soundtrack available. Look forward to Ratner's next film, and look out for Rebecca Harker - she really is a fabulous young actress.