Made-Up

Although I am not a 40 something or even female, I loved this movie. It presents a fresh and honest take on women's issues, and at the same time provides some scrumptious slices of comedy....Shalhoub is unbelievable in this, maybe even better than in "Big Night"; he is the master of subtle humour imo. I liked what they did with the mockumentary angle; slightly frustrating (disorienting) for the first 10 minutes I'd say, but well worth hanging in there. The script is inventive and not predictable. There were one or two choices written for some of the supporting > characters that threw me a bit, but it didn't take away from the comedy, the sense of fun and artistry, or the moral statement that was being made.

This low-budget movie just had some kind of magic, integrity, brazenness, and uniqueness that really entertained me on multiple levels. Go into it expecting something a little different from the usual Hollywood/TV formula and you won't be disappointed.

I was sure glad I didn't pay to see this movie, because it was beyond doubt one of the slowest, most unclever attempts at an indie romantic comedy I've seen in a long while. The conceit at making a "mockumentary of the making of a mockumentary" failed to disguise the over-rehearsed, overly-melodramatic scenes between mom and daughter (who, big surprise, don't understand each other), ex-wife and Other Woman (oho, they have issues!) and former actress and schlub (naturally, they'll take to each other with time). The whole point of a mockumentary is to show things in a surprising way, and there were no surprises here, down to the final message that we already learned in "Freaky Friday" and "Pieces of April" (ie, "the kids are alright and we moms ain't bad either"). Aside from Shaloub, the actors fail to convince that they are something beyond ticketholders on the vanity-project train... Brooke Adams is particularly unlikeable as both a character and an actress in this film. What really got me, though, was the transposition of Hollywood youth-worship on Middle America; outside of Tinseltown, some women really do turn 50 looking 50, and they can accept it with the maturity their age has granted them. This movie lets us down because, like "Grease," it perpetuates the notion that all of a woman's relationship problems can be solved if she just fixes her makeup and puts on a push-up bra. The only redeeming quality in this film was Michael Wolfe's jazz piano, which unfortunately probably totals 90 seconds of the movie.

Women over 40 treat "Made Up" like a religious event. They come away raving about how someone finally made a movie for and about them. Not being in that demographic, I don't have the same feelings, but I can see what they mean. Doesn't this group deserve a movie or two of their own?

Lynne and Brook Adams give solid performances as sisters whose relationship is strained when one makes a documentary of the other's life. Director Tony Shaloub makes a small role into one of the brightest parts of an otherwise dark comedy. The real standouts in the cast are Eva Amurri and Light Eternity. Both provide memorable performances.

Mockumentaries are beginning to feel played out, but Made Up finds some new ground by making the hapless filmmakers central characters. Hidden cameras--and the idea of hiding cameras--provide some of the movie's best laughs.

There are certainly missteps in this film. It feels a bit long at 90 minutes. The central character lacks a clear goal--something that's even mentioned within the film. And the movie feels more like it stops than ends. But it is more enjoyable than most studio product, and it provides a few great moments plus real standout performances by Amurri and Eternity. And, if you're a woman over 40, expect to find Enlightenment.

The Los Angeles opening of `Made Up' on February 6th garnered a screening with director, star and writer in attendance for a Q & A. The Arclight does this kind of thing well. There was even rumor of a little party after. That made things irresistible, being that it was Tony Shalhoub, Brooke Adams and Lynne Adams who work out to be director-actor-husband, actress-producer-wife, writer-actress-sister-producer. Almost more hyphens than even we can stand. And this is Hollywood.

A festival darling (Santa Barbara, South by Southwest to name a few) is finally in theaters on an independent and limited run. Great reviews on both coasts, in both Times, are furthering the buzz.

Clever and cute, in the vein of `Best of Show,' this mock-umentary is a film about making a film. Turning the mirror on yourself to look inside and check your lipstick. How to age gracefully, get a make over from your rebel grrrrrl daughter, finish the project, get the deal, make the ex-husband jealous and spoil the trophy wife's homeless woman art exhibit, not drink and do cartwheels.

Playing roles that they live each day, Brooke Adams is the actress, Lynne Adams is a film maker and newcomer, kick-in-the-pants, Eva Amurri plays the actress' daughter. Little Eva made her film debut as a sick kid in the hospital in her step-dad's directorial debut, `Bob Roberts.' Let's hope this kid can keep her mojo working and Tony Shalhoub's first at-bat behind the camera will lead to more.

The post film forum revealed one of the director's greatest challenges was to light his leading lady with an un-flattering light. `I mean, just look at this,' meaning Brooke. It got a nice 'ahhhhhh' from the audience. This made up for the evening's intro by an Arclight staffer, who expressed admiration for Mr. Shalhoub's role on TV's `Wings.' `I grew up watching this man.' That got an 'oooohhh' out of the audience. (`What? That was '97?')

A way-cool website will give you step by step instructions on the Tivey Facelift Kit (as seen in the film). Your cost? Seventeen cents!

Greetings again from the darkness. OK, I realize I am not the target market - being a middle aged white guy and all. But please tell me that women aren't so dense as to be confused at why they are not in a relationship when they make no attempt to be charming or likeable! Have been a fan of Brooke Adams since "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". In this movie, however, I am not sure who is less appealing, her or the aunt (played well by Lynne Adams). The shining star of the film is the very striking Eva Amurri playing Brooke's daughter. With wise choices, she can go places in the film world. The most intriguing role in the movie is played by the director, Tony Shaloub. Never can decide which he wants more, the thrill of acting or a relationship with a nice woman. Pretty interesting topic, not always handled the best. Shaloub shows a nice feel for camera angles and lighting. A little more warmth and charm and this could have been a real sleeper of a film.