Sep 4 2009

World’s Greatest Dad

Unpublished High School English teacher Lance Clayton (Robin Williams) is living a miserable existence. Striving to maintain a secret relationship with coworker Claire (Alexie Gilmore) and raise his undesirable son Kyle (Daryl Sabara), Lance is trying his best. When  Kyle dies in an embarrassing manner, Lance attempts to cover for his son and ends up ghost writing a fictitious diary/journal depicting the hardships of being a teenager. Before long the journal is a wild success in schools helping students deal with their own growing pains. Lance is on top of his game, riding the fame of his dead son’s fake journal.  But how long can he keep up the appearance, and will he ever tell his secret?wgd Filmed in the Seattle area this surprisingly interesting film strikes a chord as it maintains the careful balance of comedy and drama. Written and directed by oddball comedian Bobcat Goldthwait the introspective nature of the film shows an interesting depth that one might not expect. Acting by Williams also feels quite natural and right in his wheelhouse showing a gamut of emotions tempered with his unique ability to deliver humor of many flavours. Worthy of at least a matinee, and a great alternative to paying $50 bucks for Bumbershoot tickets in order to experience something made here in Seattle. World’s Greatest Dad is rated R.


Sep 4 2009

Extract

Writer and Director of the cult classic film Office Space, Mike Judge, makes a valiant effort to create another gem this weekend in the schadenfreud comedy Extract. The story of Joel (Jason Bateman), a successful self made man and owner of a food flavouring company, suffering in what appears to be a loveless marriage. When the beautiful and tempting Cindy (Mila Kunnis) enters the picture, Joel begins to question his morals and ethics. Worse yet, Cindy is a drifter and a scam artist who could potentially crush Joel, his family, and his company. Will Joel risk it all for Cindy or will his moral compass point true before things fall to pieces? extract Definitely a film to make you laugh and squirm in your seat, ripe with a fun plot line and clever moments. Unfortunately, the writing doesn’t feel quite as strong or timeless as audiences have come to expect from Judge. Supporting actors Ben Affleck, and J.K. Simmons do manage to add a little extra spice; and, Gene Simmons as a scummy attorney also adds a little extra flair. The overall impact is a fun film that feels matinee worthy and good for an escape on the long weekend. Extract is rated R.