Life gets knotty when successful Manhattan couple Alex (Oliver Platt) and Kate (Catherine Keener) develop a relationship with the granddaughters of Andra (Ann Morgan Guilbert), the cantankerous elderly woman who owns the apartment next to theirs -- and who must die so they can expand their home.
Cast: Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt, Amanda Peet, Rebecca Hall, Sarah Steele, Ann Morgan Guilbert, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Lois Smith, Josh Pais, Kevin Corrigan, Rebecca Budig
Director: Nicole Holofcener
My main observation about this film is that it can be clearly divided into two separate films. The first half features downright hilarity and conveys a sense of fun. The film opens with a montage of women getting mammograms. The opening credits are introduced on a black background, temporarily interrupting the multiple shots of boobies. I say boobies because it's funny..and boobies is a funny word. I don't think that the only purpose was comedic. The scene allowed the viewer to connect with Rebecca (Rebecca Hall), the nurse technician. Otherwise, I don't think that an emotional connection would have been established just by the script...or not a connection as great.
All of a sudden the plot becomes very depressing. It's not that one single event is depressing but the tone of the film changes. Some major issues are tackled: infidelity, old age, teen angst, and feelings of not being important. Its awesome that the film could address all of these topics but there was NOO comic relief the second half of the film. I spent 45 minutes laughing and then 45 minutes entertained but by no means laughing. It's hard to explain.
note: Amanda Peet was just wayy too tan
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