A Little White Lie

A very inspiring, and lovingly made, testament to humanity and the literary alter at which we are able to embrace our being in all of the faults that make up our perfection as a species. Based on Chris Belden's novel "Shriver", writer-directer Michael Maren, and the entire cast and production staff through their hard work, have brought a bountiful feast of food for the soul to the motion picture screen (be it a cinema screen or on a laptop). If you love how words can be turned into music, or even if there is not enough time in the day to read much, the characters in this film and their predicaments certainly resonate with all of us. My hat is off as I bow to this troupe of filmmakers to offer my gratitude. Thank you. And as a final note to my long lost friend Lynn, who has spent her entire life avoiding putting her words on paper, it is never too late to put ink to quill. Catharsis for writer and reader awaits. ***NOTE*** I did not mention the amazing actors by name in this picture because every one of them in all of their roles empowered this picture with their truly heartfelt and well tuned performances, no matter if they worked for just one day or the entire run of the project. In short, the actors are great across the board, one and all bringing life to this work of love.

Had never heard of this film, but my husband and I decided to watch it the other day, and we were both completely blown away! What a very, very good film. We were expecting just a light rom-com, but this was so much deeper than that. Lots of rom-com qualities to it, but at the same time - a sublime and fascinating drama. As the storyline progresses, and you begin to understand Michael Shannon's character a bit more, it becomes evident what a remarkable job he has done in portraying the reclusive "Shriver." We have watched a lot of movies over the past couple of years, and this may be the BEST of all of them!

Why should a handyman with the same last name as a reclusive author accept an invitation to speak at an obscure writing conference?

The recluse wrote a worldwide hit, the quintessential coming-of-age novel, then disappeared. The handyman isn't a writer...or is he?

A fascinating and intriguing plot with stellar acting, especially by the primary protagonist Michael Shannon. He is ably assisted by Kate Hudson, the professor who finds the author, and Don Johnson, her ex-husband who turns out to be the savior of the situation.

The ending is Shakespearean and quite unguessable. No idea why this hasn't been a huge .

This movie draws you in slowly and then once you come to realize the deeper truths at work, goes a bit haywire in the last 10 minutes. I loved it, with reservation. Zach Braff is misplaced, he's acting a goofy comedy which this is not. The role of the detective is also played too light, in what could have added menace to the story. The role of the girl on the plane/writer is again misplaced. She becomes Shriver's buddy incredibly fast and is, again, playing it too light. Kete Hudson is the best Kate Hudson so far, and Shannon delivers the role made for him. Don Johnson is fine. The last 10 minutes, the film switches tone and becomes a farcical comedy straight out of some 80s romcom. What? Great up to that point.. Definitely watch, just be ready for the misguided tonal twist at the end.

"I only wonder if your little deception plays out as a comedy or a tragedy......... Is there any difference?"

It starts out a little slow but I couldn't look away wondering where it was all going. As it moves along it keeps you wondering who is the real writer Shriver. It is a comedy and a funny look at the world of writing. I liked it. I really liked Michael Shannon in this as well as the familiar faces of Don Johnson, Kate Hudson and M. Emmet Walsh.

Is it a Hollywood Blockbuster? No. Is it for everyone? No. But if you have any interest in writing, reading Novels or Michael Shannon it is worth a watch.