Lovers, Liars and Lunatics (2006)

Two inept robbers take a dysfunctional family hostage during a burglary gone wrong, and are soon victimized by their own hostages.

Director:

Amber Benson

Writer:

Amber Benson

Stars:

Amber Benson, Christine Estabrook, Michael Muhney

Cast

Cast overview:
Amber Benson	...	Justine
Christine Estabrook	...	Elaine Raye
Michael Muhney	...	Louis
Mia Cottet	...	Gloria
Bianca Lopez	...	Sally
Vic Polizos	...	Paddy Raye
James Charles Leary	...	Policeman #1 (as James Leary)
Ryan Spahn	...	Julian Raye
Cole Williams	...	Gunner
Rayder Woods	...	Policeman #2

Storyline

In this convoluted story of lust, deception and accidental murder, Paddy Raye is the owner of a small Los Angeles appliance store whom is also a domineering and philandering patriarch who deals with his neurotic wife Elaine, their punk wannabe teenage son Gunner, and their sexually ambiguous older son Julian. Paddy is having an affair with his slutty, but cunning, young secretary Gloria. When Gloria finds out the Raynes will be out of town for the weekend, she enlists the help of her not-so-bright brother, Louis, and his ditsy girlfriend, Justine, to break into the empty house and steal the payroll money Paddy takes home on the weekends. But Louis and Justine get more than they bargained for when they find the house not empty -- and find themselves trapped in the middle of a full-scale family squabble with no means of escape, except to administer a little "tough love" family therapy.

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Plot Keywords:

hostage | dysfunctional family | robbery | independent film

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 March 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Benson Entertainment Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Fantastic!

I saw this film in May 2005 at what I think was the first ever screening of this film. At that point all filming had been completed but there was no music in the background and still had the timer on at the bottom but that aside this film was awesome. The casting was just right and as Marc Cherry said on the DVD of Desperate housewives Season 1, Christine Estabrook plays passive aggressive wonderfully. Amber was once again wonderful (is she ever not) and it was a delight to see James Leary once again as one of the police officers. The film was just hilarious and for all the right reasons as well. It wasn't funny cause it was terrible but because of the script and the way the actors acted it out. I only have one fault with the film (which I won't say now as it's a fairly large spoiler) which I talked to Amber about at the end of the film and don't feel so bad about because it was merely coincidence.

So to end this review, if you're a massive amberholic like myself then I think it would be a crime not to see it. It's one of her best pieces yet and don't get me wrong I loved chance but I loved this far more. If you're not so much an amberholic then I still say to go and see it because it's just so funny and has so many talented people in it.