Arlen Faber

A little bit of comedy, a little bit of romance, some soul searching, but not a romantic comedy or "romcom" by any means. Enjoyable to watch for over 25's, I guess.

Would be a great movie, but the story needed a lot of developing. Director and screenplay author John Hindman takes a love story and tries to include some points on "meaning of life" and "how to live your live", and a few laughs, too, just a right amount for general public. Could be a great movie, but whoever cut it, made it "too accessible" for everybody, if you know what I mean. 'Artsy-fartsy' types would tear this movie to pieces, that's for sure.

Actors did a good job, Jeff Daniels in particular. So go and watch the movie, especially if you are on a date. No uncomfortable moments, and a bit of a laugh for both sexes. Love story helps, too.

When Shatner told Trekkies in an SNL skit to "get a life" he really meant it, and writer Arlen Faber(Jeff Daniels) really meant it in this film too when he said something similar to all the bookstore-signing attendees who were as fervent as any Trekkie, and all waiting excitedly for a signed copy of his blockbuster God's Answers book they could then drool over forever as they savored God's cosmic answers to every little thing in life, as told by God to Arlen Faber, who "actually spoke with God"(not!). You will have to see it to fully understand this part.

I totally liked this film for about 5/6th of it, as it's story's cleverness reminded me of the unique and quirky magic of Waitress or Big Fish, or even one of the best Woody Allan tales. But, I thought the ending was flatter and more forced compared to the rest of it, and needed a more inspired and extended premise and execution for fullest success. It seemed rushed and inconsistent with the great buildup to it.

Good magic overall but should have had a more fulfilling ending. It deserved better.

Jeff Daniels stars in this light drama about a man who purportedly talked to God and wrote a bestselling book 20 years ago. Now both he, a chiropractor with her son, and a young man all of whom are experiencing challenges in their lives meet to face their own inner ghosts. The Answer Man is a refreshing, creative and distinctly different drama that nevertheless ends on a rather non-mainstream, non-rom-com note that either reflects a more authentic examination of life or a slightly jarring diversion from popular expectations.

I usually don't write reviews but rather I usually read them to see if the film is something I truly want to watch or not. But given the one, and only, poor review on here so far I thought I'd add some perspective.

This film centers around Arlen, who is a irritable man who once authored an existential book but now lives in recluse and away from prying eyes. His character I find fully believable because there are many people who write a book or several books but don't want the fame handed them, they just simply wanted to write a good story or get their thoughts out, the fame was mere collateral damage. This is how Jeff Daniel's character feels. He dislikes people and attention in general. Partially due to not wanting the fame but partially due to having his own personal demons and issues. Along comes a struggling chiropractor who is trying to get her own business going and also a struggling recovering alcoholic who is trying to keep his small bookstore open. Their paths converge in various ways, of which I won't tell to leave some mystery to the reader. The chiropractor (Lauren Graham) eventually becomes Arlen's romantic interest. But it is not a simple or easy relationship and I don't feel that Arlen makes a magical unbelievable change as the prior review states. He is at first softened by her professional expertise and out of appreciation seems to let a door open and try to get to know her. I'd say him liking her son, and kids in general it seems, is part of his character. I would also say his character opens up to the bookstore owner (Pucci) because he is honest and persistent, things Arlen admires. Everyone has their demons and flaws in this movie which I feel add a certain honesty to the film. It didn't feel particularly flawed or predictable. Although there are a couple turn points and their consequences that felt predictable but in all I'd say it wasn't that predictable because of the characters not being formulaic. I thought the pacing was in general nice and enjoyable. If you want a dark comedy that becomes a bit lighter and romantic then this is for you. I'd say its a bit smarter and more enjoyable then most of the made for rudimentary teens romantic teens out there. Take this review at what you will but please read this and the prior for a more balanced view point of the film.

In 1988, Arlen Faber (Jeff Daniels) wrote the spirituality book "Me and God" which became a best seller and a worldwide success. It's 20 years later and his identity is still a secret. His agent Terry Fraser (Nora Dunn) says he is beyond the world or possessions but in reality, he's more of a misanthrope. His mailman (Tony Hale) is a fan but thinks he's Arlen's assistant. Kris Lucas (Lou Taylor Pucci) returns from rehab to find his bookstore closed for 27 days after his assistant Dahlia (Kat Dennings) lost the keys. He is struggling with sobriety while living with his drunken father. Arlen is so frustrated that he tries to give away a stack of his books to Kris but Kris refuses. Arlen throws out his back and gets single-mom chiropractor Elizabeth (Lauren Graham). Anne (Olivia Thirlby) is her receptionist.

The good aspect is the abundance of good actors in the cast. I love many of these actors. The pairing of Daniels and Graham is a great start. There are probably one or two too many characters. This could have been a nice rom-com. However, it tries to do so many things with these many characters. The theological stuff doesn't really work. It's too disruptive and Kris' struggle is distracting. In the end, this doesn't work quite enough.