The Estate

I went into this with not much hope. Though some of the scenes are predictable, I give the script and actors credit for going all out in some of the outrageous parts. The movie isn't a record breaker but it was a damn funny change of pace. Everyone plays their part to perfection. Reminds me of Eulogy (2004) or Home For The Holidays (1995) or even Greedy (1994). Definitely should be in the high sixes on IMDb.

I give particular praise to the dialogue, Duchovny has some great lines as does Faris & Toni Collete. Should also point out it has similar vibes to Little Miss Sunshine. If you enjoy the interactions of characters, you'll enjoy this.

It's the terrible cliched and obnoxious screenplay with flaccid directing by filmmaker Dean Craig that flops this film. The comedy was somewhere between eye-rolls and cringe, and all the humor felt fake and forced. Even all the cast performances were wooden and stale, except for David Duchovny, who from his first hilarious scene him saying "wazaaap", was the only real and convincing entertainment in this film. Everyone else, including the story, felt like I was watching failed and unrehearsed SNL sketches. Even the legendary Kathleen Turner had only a few moments where she wasn't annoying. It's a very generous 5/10 from me, only because Duchovny shined in this comedy and was the only one that delivered the laughs. He needs to be in more comedies, he's a natural.

After reading the reviews, I still decided to check it out. As a huge fan of so many in the cast, I was extremely disappointed. "How could so many of these actors I admire, make a poor choice on a script so let's give it chance." The possibilities for a good film were there - incredible cast (Among them Toni Collette and Kathleen Turner being favourites of mine), and a fun script premise. But nothing worked for me. I found the script very crass versus funny. The characters felt one dimensional and that became annoying. I wish they could have a do over - same cast (well, mostly), same premise, different script.

Wrong with filmakers today? Howcome they cant make stuff better than this standardized generic cha-ta-nooga-choo-choo comedy, where the whirlpool of yap-yapping doing the morning excercise of verbalistic commotion, that , at least for a grumpy old man, wears and tears on the tuba auditiva, leaving me with an enforced tinnitus that can never be prevailed unless something funnier turns up...

well ill admit i had a few good laughs, but that was due to mimics, good pantomiming and goatstare humour, like that dogpainting that looked just like one of the niece's. Fun isnt just what you say but how the whole body says it...

so long live the craps, and the slap stick humour, ive seen better comedies in my nursing careere in real life terminal cases, where the family has done the deals next to the dying bed where no resistance can be made. So im generous when i split a ten in half and awards 5 stars, its laughable,not more than that.

Yes, that is one of the highlight lines in this movie. ( had to substitute a word for their more anatomically correct term, as this is my 4th attempt to post this review!!) Obviously it needs to be heard with regards to the context of the characters involved. If you have lasted that long in? Then you have bought into this type of movie, and chuckled along accordingly.

Its rude, disrespectful, gross, blasphemous, kind of endearing, and overall, amusing. A great ensemble cast bring their professional talents to what may be considered a rather hit and miss script. Resulting in the motley crew of characters coming to life in an absurd but believable manner. From the misogynistic, incestuously weird, battle worn Dick, to the innocent and D&D obsessed young sis. Every character has their place, not one is included, who does not flesh out the whole silly but fun affair.

If you can keep your expectations low, then its a 1 hour 36 minutes diversion, which will give a few smiles, the odd grimace, and even some laughs. Heck, I'm going to change my 6 to a 7 star, it was just about worth it.