Don't Tell Larry

One of the most enjoyable films I've seen this year, Don't Tell Larry is a brilliant character-driven comedy with a ridiculous joke density that left me laughing, cringing, and audibly telling the characters what not to do. And anytime I'm verbalizing the experience WHILE watching a film - I know it's a damn good time.

As for the characters and performances - they were also spot on, accentuated with a sharp edit, score and sound design that elevated the humor but never took away from the story.

Basically: if you need something to brighten your day, or want to laugh for 90 minutes straight just because, this is the movie for you.

Just Don't Tell Larry.

Not for the faint of a heart but what a journey this movie was! It starts slow and builds until you find yourself oddly invested in the strange sequence of events these characters find themselves in.

I'll be the first to admit it may not be everyone's type of humor but my family was laughing throughout. If you want formula-driven, run-of-the-mill movie, this is not for you! On the other hand, if you want something different and are ready for a wild ride that will make you uncomfortable at times, definitely watch it! The story line has the perfect balance of crazy and reasonable that honestly keeps the audience guessing throughout, not sure of how the adventure will pan out and how the characters will fare.

This film is like a throwback to great scrren comedies like The Jerk, Airplane, Caddyshack, or Planes Trains and Automobiles... but it is entirely unique. It really is THAT good. I saw it in a crowded theater, and I think the whole audience was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the writing, the acting, the way it all unfolds at a mad level... and the surprises that kept building up to absurd levels. The crowd was literally roaring with laughter. By the end of it, I was nearly crying from having laughed so much. The screwball pacing is just so, so perfect.

Much of the cast are members of The Groundlings, who gave us talents like Pee Wee Herman, Phil Hartman, Larraine Newman, and more members of the SNL cast than I can count. These people are the cream of the crop of the next great comedy stars.

Kiel Kennedy, as the title character, needs to be watched. He's the next Will Ferrell. Patty Gugenheim, Dot-Marie Jones, Tina Parker, Kenneth Mosely... every single one of them is A-level, top of their game FUNNY.

I can't wait to see what Writer/ Directors Greg Porper and John Schimke do next. I think these guys are like The Zucker Brothers meet The Coen Brothers meet Irving Thalberg, Frank Capra and John Waters on steroids. SEE THIS MOVIE.

Funny, dark...I laughed, I cringed. The story builds and builds - you just can't wait to see what's going to happen next! Screwball scenarios and antics. Loved the characters especially Larry who is wildly sweet/scary.

This is an "indie" film that has the production value of a mainstream, major studio-backed film. Kudos to the writers, director and producers. The score adds to the enjoyment and suspense, driving the action forward. One of our watch party actually had an ear worm of the itty-bitty raisin song the next day -- how weird is that?.

This film is quite enjoyable. I'm recommending it to all my friends and random people that want to have a good time.

A hidden gem that takes you along on a wild and crazy (and cringy!) journey. Once you are strapped in, the movie takes a sharp turn or 2, or 3, that makes you fall out of your chair! Had to grip my seat to hold on!

The plot thickens scene by scene as a white lie, followed by an injustice gets blown out of proportion. Again and again and again. How far will the maligned Susan (the believable Patty Guggenheim), and her in-too-deep co-worker Patrick (Kenneth Mosley, master of facial expressions), go to get that carrot at the end of the stick? Or should I say, "raisin?" as they try to navigate their bizarre co-worker, Larry (Kiel Kennedy.)

Solid writing with a lot of hidden gems, and excellent performances by the stellar cast including Ed Begley, Jr, and Dot Marie Jones, who take you along for the ride, makes this a "ya gotta watch" film.