I saw "How To Get Rid Of A Body (and still be friends)" last night and had a blast! It's a simple but oh-so-clever comedy filled with laughs. Three best friends – politician Maddie (Kristen Dattilo), ditzy-but-lovable Amy (Nicole Burch), and the mother hen Laura (Kristen Lynn) – reunite for a weekend in their hometown. Unfortunately for them, a mob hit man also comes to the town looking to whack somebody and
"Weekend At Bernie's" anyone? This is a comedy theme we've seen before, but the filmmakers delivered a fresh, smart, well-constructed variation of the theme that makes you laugh out loud even when you're trying not to. The true magic of the movie centers on the on-camera chemistry between the three lead actors Dattilo, Burch, and Lynn. Dattilo is a veteran ("The Chris Isaac Show", lots of movies) who knows how to carry a scene; Burch has all the makings of a rising star; and Lynn is exemplary as the grounded 'normal' girl of the trio, though she's hiding a BIG secret (sorry, can't say anymore without a Spoiler Alert). The supporting cast is solid. Pete (Angelo Bua), Mr. Dibble (Michael Dempsey, another Hollywood veteran), and Tamara Zook all deliver performances that keep you engaged and laughing. And James Sutorius is dead-on as Frank, the menacing and somewhat disturbed mob boss. Hats off to the writers Nevada Grey and Russell Gannon. This is a clever and smooth story that seems simple at first blush, and that's what makes it truly funny from beginning to end. Grey and Gannon crafted a comedic plot line that is often times surprising, sometimes outrageous, and just plain politically incorrect once in a while (the restaurant scene is sure to be a classic). Russell Gannon was also the Director, so here is a talented filmmaker who knows how to deliver. The movie flows seamlessly from start to finish, and the scenes are tight and well-paced. The cinematography is outstanding. The movie was shot in a beautiful lake town in New York, and it's a hidden jewel. The aerial shots alone remind us that there are still little places in America we haven't visited yet, but probably should. This is an indie film made without the money and marketing campaign of a large studio production, but it deserves to be seen. I truly enjoyed myself. And, even more importantly
the rest of the theater audience did to, because they were laughing right along with me.
Reviews
2 Reviews
The Last Letter
(2004)
really good film
23 April 2007
Just saw a pre-release screening of the film, and it's really good. You can tell they didn't have a lot of money to make it, but it's very well acted and the story rocks! It starts out a little slow, but it's worth the wait to see all the cool twists at the end. Yancy Butler delivers in this thing, and William Forsythe is his usual sinister self. But even the smaller roles are well done. Looks like the writer/director Russell Gannon is staying busy. Definitely want to check out the other movies he's got in post-production. The blog says this film is coming out on DVD in late-June. I wish they would post some pictures from the set. Especially of Yancy Butler?
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