Imogene

I've never reviewed a movie here before, but I'm doing it because most of what I've seen online and in my local paper were at best tepid, if not downright negative. Frankly, it is a much better comedy of manners than "Bridesmaids" was-- that one relied far too heavily on the Judd Apatow gross-out factor. (As if proving that women could be as stupid as men is some kind of feminist triumph.) Wiig's skill-- and the terrific Annette Bening's, as well-- is to tread the fine line between comic sketch exaggeration and the rueful comedy in the human condition. One of the better comedies I've seen in awhile, and deserves spreading the good word.

What a like about this film is the purity of it, the classic tale of ambition over happiness. I do like a story of someone having to go back to their roots to find out who they are and who they wanted to be. Looking back at the path you've taken and how it varied off course from just thinking the grass is greener over here because these people seemed to have it all. When in fact deep down they dont have happiness, you could have all the money in the world but if your not happy then what is the point. It's a journey of self discovery that we all have to take now and again and I loved the fact in this film her brother who seems to be slightly slower than everyone else who might be on the autism spectrum knew his sister was on that journey and knew she'd come home, so they can go look for the elephant which seems to be the start of all the drama. Any film, filmed in New York will always put a smile on my face for biased reasons as New York is special to me so loved the back drop of the city. All in all beautiful made film beautiful story.

Being a fan of Kristin Wiig, I was excited for this movie. Then it was barely marketed, quietly released, poorly reviewed, and flopped. I don't understand.

Kristin Wiig plays Imogene, a neurotic and insecure woman unsuccessfully trying to make it as a writer in NYC. The character is very similar to the one she played in Bridesmaids....which is OK with me. I was more than happy to spend more time with this woman.

After faking a suicide attempt to get her ex boyfriend's attention, Imogene winds up in the hospital. She is subsequently released to the custody of her mother played by Annette Bening who is simply terrific playing a character who reminded me of the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Imogene returning to the tacky and dysfunctional home in New Jersey where she grew up makes for the comedy here. There are many laugh out loud moments. Living in the house is her mother's boyfriend George Boosh! (Matt Dillon) who claims to work for the CIA, her somewhat mentally challenged but sweet younger brother, and a border played by a very appealing Darren Criss whom Imogene develops an interest in.

There may be a bit too much going on in this film. A subplot of Imogene trying to find her biological father doesn't do too much to move the story along. The ending also goes way over the top. But ultimately, Kristin Wiig makes Imogene a flawed yet lovable character who we root for. I left the theater in a great mood.

This is a film for anyone who has been or knows a struggling artist. It's fantastic and at times a laugh-out-loud funny movie with a charming cast. Kristen Wiig is great and Darren Criss has never looked hotter. Easy to watch and fun and relatable on many levels.

Doesn't require too much thinking, just a nice watch. For everyone complaining that it's not funny enough and leaving bad reviews based on that, just know that funny actors are capable of playing non-comedic roles. This is more of a drama than a comedy but has some funny moments sprinkled throughout. Nothing spectacular, but enjoyable. I've seen it a couple dozen times probably lmao.