Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Kicking and Screaming (1995)

Not to be confused with the Will Ferrell movie, the uncertainty and ennui of post-college life is captured in this man movie. It focuses on that energy and those shiny eyes that still radiate hope for a life that revolves around ideals and not a cubicle.

This guy group is dysfunctional but strong. Post-graduation, they decide to continue their lives ambling around their college town, Munton. This is a talky one and works well with the themes. Max (Chris Eigman) is a grumpy crosswords aficionado. Grover (Josh Hamilton) is brooding after his girlfriend Jane (Olivia d'Abo) leaves for Prague after getting accepted into a writing program. He sleeps with a lot of freshman searching to recreate Jane while seemingly doing nothing with his life. Otis (Carlos Jacott) is a neurotic who after unable to get on a plane to Milwaukee to start an engineering job, returns town to work in a video store. Skippy (Jason Wiles) is dating Miami (Parker Posey), a senior, who is growing bored of his doing nothing but lecturing her. Friedrich (Chris Reed) doesn't get enough screen time; he's a European student with strangely compelling charisma. (See deleted scenes had more Friedrich). Eric Stoltz as Chet is underused as the perpetual student--eight years and going strong.

This character driven piece is a fun watch. I was sad when it was over but am looking forward to rewatching The Squid and the Whale and Margo at the Wedding, also by the same director.

Themes: post-college, girlfriend problems, hook-ups, conversations

Director: Noah Baumbach

Country: US

Genre: Drama/Comedy

Minutes:  95 minutes

Scale: 4

1 comment:

Cat Rose said...

I agree on "Kicking and Screaming"-I liked that movie a lot!

BTW-on "Fool's Gold" definetly the best part of that was the discussion, food and snacks and drinks prior to starting the movie!

Cheers!--Carrie