5/7/14

Obvious Child

In this USA entry to the 2014 Seattle International Film Festival, we see a Brooklyn comedienne get dumped, lose her job and become pregnant just in time for Valentine's Day. Then our story begins.

Written and directed by Gillian Robespierre, this bittersweet R-rated comedy reminded me how out of step I am. I kept asking myself, "Why does contemporary comedy have to be so anatomical?!" I found that aspect so off-putting it was hard for me to sincerely like our heroine.

Here is the cast:
  • Jenny Slate ("Parks and Recreation") is Donna, sifting through the detritus of her current life, trying to discover the next step. (And she hasn't told her mother anything yet.)
  • Jake Lacy ("The Office") is Max, a Gentile she meets on the rebound. They have waaaay too much fun together!
  • Gaby Hoffmann ("Veronica Mars") is Nellie, Donna's wingman: experienced, wise, and always on HER side!
  • Richard Kind (Lots of TV) is Jacob, Donna's dad, successful and supportive.
  • Polly Draper (Lots of TV) is Nancy, Donna's mother, a genius college professor and very understanding.
  • Gabe Liedman (Lots of TV) is Joey, Donna's employer at the comedy club. He is VERY flexible.
Truth-telling can be a real challenge, particularly when you do stand-up "comedy" about your breakup and your pending abortion.

In my opinion, Donna suffers from self-inflicted wounds, so I probably didn't root for her as much as I should. I found this to be unpredictable in a mildly predictable sort of way... Clear enough for you?

This is scheduled to open in theaters on June 6, 2014
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Here is a preview:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1274457369/
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