Main Page
Alphabetical Menu
Chronological Menu

Reviews for December 5th, 2014

Life Partners

Directed by Susanna Fogel




      Sasha (Leighton Meester) and Paige (Gillian Jacobs) have been best friends since childhood despite their differences: Paige works as an environmental lawyer while Sasha slacks off more often than not while aspiring to become a musician. When Paige starts to date Tim (Adam Brody), her friendship with Sasha gets put to the test as Sasha feels envious of all the new attention that Paige gives Tim.

      Life Partners is a perfect example of how quality dramedies can only be found outside of Hollywood nowadays. The screenplay by writer/director Susanna Fogel and co-writer Joni Lefkowitz not only has interesting, dynamic female characters (which in-and-of itself is quite rare to find), but also boasts wit, charm and warmth while remaining grounded in humanism. Fogel and Lefkowitz clearly know and understand what that their film is truly about friendship and the important of growing up to face reality. Fortunately, the blend of comedy and drama works quite well without any uneveness or, most importantly, sans attempts to cater to the lowest common demoninator. In other words, this is a movie for adults, although it can also be enjoyed by teenagers who are sick of being bombarded with mean-spirited, dumb Hollywood films.

      It's also refreshing to see Leighton Meester displaying her acting chops and sinking her teeth into a meaty role which films like The Roommate, That's My Boy and The Oranges didn't allow her to do in the past because of their weak, shallow, inane screenplays. Hopefully, she will continue to make wise decisions after Life Parters. This equally funny, wise and tender film would make for a very good thematic double feature with the Australian film Muriel's Wedding.

Number of times I checked my watch: 0
Released by Magnolia Pictures.
Opens at Quad Cinema.

Pioneer

Directed by Erik Skjoldbjaerg




     

Number of times I checked my watch: 4
Released by Magnolia Pictures.
Opens at Cinema Village.

Red Knot

Directed by Scott Cohen




     

Number of times I checked my watch: 4
Released by Thunder Perfect Mind.
Opens at IFC Center.
Questions? Comments? Please click here.


Main Page
Alphabetical Menu
Chronological Menu


______________________________________________________
Avi Offer
The NYC Movie Guru
themovieguru101@yahoo.com
Privacy Policy