The Anniversary Party

I like two of the actresses very much so I might be biased. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Parker Posey are two of my favorites. Plus Parker had some topless moments. So that aside I will say this movie is worth watching if you don't mind an over done LA type of drama. It was well acted but the story line is very much been there done that type of theme. And I think there are times when the movies drags and doesn't flow as well as it could. If you are not too bored with this LA type of drama then it might be worth watching. If you like Parker Posey and Jennifer Jason Leigh as much as I do then it is a must see.

I guess that every once in a while, there has to be a movie about people's relationships about to blow up in everyone's faces - especially if it's about Hollywood. "The Anniversary Party" is one such movie. It has Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) throwing a party in their Hollywood Hills house and inviting various friends. As the party continues, it begins more and more to look like everything is about to collapse.

This was an okay, if routine, flick. The aspect that really stands out (for me at least) is that real-life couple Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates co-star with their real-life son and daughter. Other cast members include John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Parker Posey. Nothing significant in cinema history, but acceptable.

If you like Robert Altman films, you should take a look at this film. It's much like an Altman film, with its use of naturalistic dialogue, subtle humor, and a wide spectrum of characters which feel like real people, in simple, believable situations. But it's tidier than an Altman film. It still could use a little trimming, I think, but in general it doesn't have as many rough edges as a film like "A Wedding".

Here's an excerpt from Roger Ebert's review, which could very well be a comment about an Altman movie: "The appeal of the film is largely voyeuristic. We learn nothing we don't already more or less know, but the material is covered with such authenticity and unforced natural conviction that it plays like a privileged glimpse into the sad lives of the rich and famous. We're like the neighbors who are invited. Leigh and Cumming co-wrote and co-directed, and are confident professionals who don't indulge their material or themselves. This isn't a confessional home movie, but a cool and intelligent look at a lifestyle where smart people are required to lead their lives according to dumb rules."

Cloying at times but very compelling and all-but-unpredictable, 'Anniversary' surprises with its power and brutal candor, especially when one tries to discern the autobiographical truths. Saw it last at Disney company screening in NYC when I had no idea what I was about to see or who had created it. Amazed at end to discover in credits that co-stars Cumming and Leigh had written and directed the film.

Was especially struck by the performances of Jennifer Beals--whom I did not recognize--and Phoebe Cates, whose brilliance in one climactic scene w/ Leigh is startling. Impressed at heavyweights in cast like Kline, Paltrow and Cumming. Delighted to see John C. Reilly again (but where was buddy Philip Seymour Hoffman?) Newcomer Mina Badie was the most striking "rookie" in cast (but one whose name, phonetically, rivals that of "Snidely Whiplash.")

The technical miracle here came when I realized--only after screening and upon reading production notes--that the "film" was actually shot on digital video. I defy any non-pro viewer to recognize the difference. The success of the remarkably soft film-like cinematography here by veteran John Bailey may accelerate Hollywood's embrace of much cheaper, quicker video production. It's unintrusive effect is dazzling here.

Biggest flaw here is lack of substantial "story" and reliance on lengthy Ecstacy scene and theme. The politically incorrect happy-drug message here will hurt the movie with mainstream critics. This despite fact that plot does eventually include a moralistic, anti-drug hard-drug lesson in its somewhat predictable conclusion.

"The Anniversary Party" provides you with the perfect opportunity to watch the kind of party you'd want to be invited to, but not necessarily attend.

This was a great film with numerous funny, dramatic, awkward, and stressful moments. It embraced many universal points of conflict in relationships--be it with a spouse, a neighbor, a boss, a co-worker--and allowed you, as a viewer, to watch all of the varying (and often hilarious) perspectives. And then it showed you all of those same perspectives on ecstasy.

The film maintains a large cast of talented people and uses them well. I found myself doubled over in laughter for at least half of the movie--Alan "Uppin" Cumming, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Adams, Parker Posey, John Benjamin Hickey, John C. Reilly, Michael Panes, and the entire Cates-Kline family gave a lot of comedy to their characters, complimenting the difficult and trying moments that were weaved throughout the film.

It was shocking to see the number of negative reviews in this index. I think if you are between the ages of 25-49, it would be hard not to relate to the social satire that is portrayed brilliantly in this film. It is thoroughly enjoyable.****