Connecticut_Bob Reviews

Isn't It Delicious (2013)

Terrific acting by Ms. Chalfant

[10/10 · 6 January 2015]

Kathleen Chalfant turns in a memorable performance as the prickly matriarch of a Connecticut family who learns her days are numbered. In the time she has left, "Joan" has to try to heal old wounds and make amends for her actions.

This low-budget gem has all the elements of a stage production that has been expanded for the cinema. But the performances are what this film is about! Ms. Chalfant is joined by veteran stage and screen actors Keir Dullea, Mia Dillon, and Malachy McCourt. And a fine supporting cast rounds out the family, featuring Broadway's Alice Ripley ("Next To Normal") and up-and-comers Nick Stevenson, Jonah Young and Alexandra Mingione.

Directed by Michael Patrick Kelly and written by Kathleen Kiley, the film pulls you into the lives of these dysfunctional, but ultimately hopeful people, and by the end you'll find yourself cheering for them to find the happiness and contentment that has so far eluded them!

Friends (with Benefits) (2009)

Fun, smart, and sexy film

[9/10 · 11 July 2010]

I didn't know what to expect from this movie, other than the obvious from the title of this nifty little film. What I got was a lot of sassy dialog, funny and endearing characters, and a blazingly catchy soundtrack. Gorman Bechard hits it right out of the park with this quirky and engaging adult romantic comedy.

I like how the script doesn't necessarily spoon feed every single plot point to you. Rather, it allows the scenes to develop organically and grow into some unpredictable yet hysterical situations.

The soundtrack is a very large part of this film, with a good amount of "live" music performed throughout. I found myself actively enjoying much of the music in this film.

There's a pervasive sense of realism to the characters. The overall effect of this film is that these are realistic events that are actually happening to these people (whom you grow to like and feel sympathetic for), rather than actors playing roles. The principal leads, Margaret Laney and Alex Brown, are part of a terrific ensemble cast that make this film crackle.

This is the perfect "date" movie for anyone looking for an intelligent and adult romantic comedy; especially for those that aren't afraid to ask the question that begins with "What if you and me...?"