Sorry, this movie sucks

A Masterpiece!

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The film means well at times. Matthew Perry played Morrie, the older sibling, husband and non-tenured professor at a Connecticut college or university. Matthew Perry brings life to Morrie's character. He is the responsible accomplished sibling while his brother and sister aren't. There is a lot of family blame to go around when they re-enter each other life in this film. Lauren Graham played his wife, Betty, who wants a family. Hillary Swank is sorely underused as a neighbor. The film was shot on location in Norwalk, Connecticut. Ben Foster and Ginnifer Goodwin play the siblings

Birds of America is a decent enough film without ever being great. It has all the heart and humour that was expected when you consider the cast involved and yet it seemed to be lacking that vital ingredient that perhaps would have improved this film.I think a major problem is that there are just too many subplots going on for the audience to really connect with all of them. It feels like the director Craig Lucas is trying to insert every cliché of independent films into this one picture but when all these elements come together it doesn't make a great film.Matthew Perry and Lauren Graham are there normal great selves but their story is only one of many that are linked in this film. Overall an enjoyable enough film that doesn't really do enough to make you want to watch it again.

The movie has really good actors (even Hillary Swank in a very small role, which might come as a surprise to some, because it really does not have really value to it) and some would compare it to movies like Sunshine Cleaning, Little Miss Sunshine and others. If you like those you'll probably feel that this movie might be something for you.I actually would like to compare it to the TV Show "Six Feet Under". And if I (and you) do that, than in comparison this lacks quite a bit. The dysfunctional, but still kinda working family thing has worked better there. And almost every episode is better than the movie is as a whole. So if you want good drama, watch Six Feet Under if you haven't already.The movie itself isn't bad, but a few things just don't work out. Like the relationship between Matthew Perry and his wife. While things are being said and shown, there is nothing to ground those things. On the other hand there are a few scenes that are genuine and very good. Like the "foot" thing. That is very good observation. Or an ad-lib from Matthew Perry, where he's doing the exact same thing his brother did 3 or 4 times. And while it could have been an annoying and plain stupid scene, Matthew elevates it with his choice and adds an extra flavour to it.Those scenes are few and far between though and cannot entirely save the movie. Still not a complete waste of course

You might be getting a little tired of movies about dysfunctional families. I know I am. I think I've seen at least three at Sundance this year. But Birds of America manages to break the mold and feel fresh and alive from the outset, delivering a warm, funny, zany, tender and compassionate film that left the audience smiling and satisfied.Morrie (Matthew Perry) is an uptight university professor anxiously seeking tenure, which requires the approval of his department head, who lives next door. Morrie and his wife Betty (Lauren Graham—Gilmore Girls) live in a house he inherited at 18 years old after his mother died and his father committed suicide. As a result, Morrie raised his brother Jay (Ben Foster) and sister Ida (Ginnifer Goodwin), both of which grew into their problems. Ida is substance-abusing and promiscuous, and Jay a deeply gentle and sensitive soul whose actions are almost completely unfettered by advanced thought. They reunite in the family home when Jay gets run over by a car (he was laying in the road) and Morrie, who still feels more parent than brother, asks him to move in for a while. Without asking permission, Jay invites Ida to join them, stressing Morrie and Betty's relationship and jeopardizing his career with their outrageous behavior.Matthew Perry is surprisingly good in his deadpan portrayal of an overwrought brother who cares deeply for his siblings, often at his own expense. Goodwin is a pleasure as well, as the addictive personality with the carefree spirit. But Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma) is great, and despite having such a naturally funny role, manages to never play Jay for laughs, creating an endearing and memorable character. Growing up without parents, these three have formed an unbreakable bond, with unconditional love and acceptance, and a tenderness and compassion unlike any I can remember in movies. Elyse Friedman has crafted a remarkable script, and Sundance veteran director Craig Lucas (Secret Lives of Dentists, The Dying Gaul) brings it to life with a funny but light-hearted and gentle touch.