Thanks for the memories!

Excellent but underrated film

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

I just saw this on TV and wasn't wholeheartedly paying attention during the opening credits, but thought the graphics indicated I would be seeing a Woody Allen film. Nope. Sure it had the humor and depth from some of the earlier and lesser known Allen flicks (Interiors), but this film had the unconscious fluidity and stellar acting that Allen's films of late have been regrettably lacking.The writing and direction by Sam Levinson were nothing short of incredible; I totes want to be his new best friend. The casting was phenomenal, and were I in charge of doling out the awards Barkin would've certainly garnered a best actress, Miller best actor, Burstyn best supporting, and of course Best Original Screenplay to Levinson. The screenplay had more meat on it than the Atkin's diet. It never faltered in relating throughout. Levinson must be extremely self aware and a professional at observation to write such tangible characters in the configuration that he did. A weekend of American family dysfunction was under the microscope and Levinson didn't paint with broad strokes nor did he get lost in the details.I can't say enough positive things about the film and the only thing I would take a few digs at would be a couple of tunes in the soundtrack, but that is so minor compared to this work that will resonate with you if you have sort of been "there".

Actually on top form. Which begs the question, why isn't she playing more and bigger roles? It's quite interesting seeing her play this tough role and she is very convincing. She has a stellar cast of amazing people around her. And while I do understand that some people might have issues with the characters on display here, this was exactly the point of the movie. I guess many thought this was a comedy, but it isn't. It's a drama and if you accept that from the start, you might enjoy watching the movie a lot more.Sometimes you are in tune with others who vote here and sometimes, like with this film it seems you aren't. The story is great and I was feeling with the main character the whole time. Family gatherings are not easy. Watching this isn't easy either. Although a lot easier than some other movies I recently watched. Give it a try (but rent first before buying)

First, this movie has 32 "producers" of various stripes ("executive," "line," "associate," etc.) which augurs no good at all. The fact that the leading lady has a producer credit tells you that there will be some kindness in editing her big emotional scenes -- and so it is. The writer is also the director, and that's never a hopeful sign for cutting turgid, overwritten and overplayed drama. The characters as written are so irredeemably hostile and cutting to each other that the viewer needs oxygen. Ellen Barkin's character is so passive aggressive that it's no wonder her children are miserable and f****d up, each exhibiting dangerous mood and behavior aberrations that should have put them in foster care long ago. The scenes bleed on and on, without much discipline. The dialogue is soap-opera, with, no kidding, this line repeated several times: "Can we talk?" I ordered this movie up because I admire some of the actors: Diana Scarwid, Thomas Haden-Church, others. But I don't know why I kept watching it when I was bored and angry at the limitless impositions it made on my attention and suspension of disbelief. Not recommended.

I really liked this film, It's problem was that it was sold as a comedy or romance summer type movie, neither fit. While it could be labeled as a "chick flick" it was dark & funny at the same time. It was certainly better than the average made in Canada Lifetime Movie flick. But its large great ensemble cast, with its many family members, made it harder to follow.Ellen Barkin really shown through as the beleaguered mom in this movie, taking her dysfunctional family to her father's estate to the wedding of her son whom she lost custody of to her blando waspy ex husband, Paul (Church) and his current trashy brash wife Patti(Demi Moore playing against type). She is good hearted but high strung and has been over drugged and analyzed by shrinks. She has her share of faults but in comparison to the rest of her family, she is a gem. Her mother Doris (Ellen Burstyn) is cold and has her hands full taking care of her declining husband, Joe(George Kennedy was awesome). Then add her nutty sisters, Diane Scarwid with her poodle in her outfits for more fun. Lynn's family is a case. Her oldest daughter Alice has psych issues, she cuts herself, and everyone is on eggshells about her. Her son Eliot, (Ezra Miller) steals the show as a nasty manipulative intelligent junkie trouble maker. while her youngest son, Ben,(Daniel Yelsky) is a nice sensitive kid who got labeled then drugged by a POS shrink. The son getting married, Dylan, and his bride to be Heather, are really bland sort of beautiful people who serve mainly as foils and pawns in a head game between Lynn & Patty, Pauls past & present wives. Add Lynn's current husband Lee (Winnebago Dale from the Walking Dead), who seems totally out of synch with everything & spouts bland irrelevant nonsense for a little comic relief.Part of the movie revolves around Ben and Elliot making their own little documentary where Elliot gets to spill his acid on everyone else. Not an unusual concept these days but it worked.It all comes to a head at the wedding reception where all sorts of tragic and comic almost tragic stuff happens. A great movie for any intelligent person male or female, to watch.