Putzel

At times farcical, at times whimsical, PUTZEL is always true to itself. Walter (Jack Carpenter) is a young man grappling with his future. Paralyzed by both a familial legacy and his own neurosis, he struggles to achieve security and a clear path to happiness. Sally (Melanie Lynskey) presents an attractive yet thorny alternative to those expectations - but at a cost. In the end, freedom will come if only if he is able to - forgive me for this - swim against the tide. John Pankow's performance as the uncle continues to deepen in my memory. New York's Upper West Side gives an uncredited major performance. All principles are well cast but the secondary roles - Armando Riesco, Adrian Martinez, Jarleth Conroly, Steve Park - are delightful and nearly flawless. (A hilarious scene with Fred Berman will have to be kept hidden from his family.) Hard to believe it was shot on such a low budget. Definitely worth checking out - a modest gem.

Putzel is the perfect blend of heartwarming and hilarious. A group of well written and well acted characters telling a story anyone can relate to. The acting, direction and script are so well done that you find yourself engaged by even the most minor characters. It encapsulates life on The Upper West side of Manhattan without alienating audiences elsewhere. Instead of being alienating it makes the Upper West side feel relatable, like it could be anywhere. Although at times it deals with surprising sad and dark subject matter it leaves you feeling hopeful. It also will make you laugh with some of the funniest moments you've seen in a film. These things and it's Billy Wilder like style make it an instant classic.

if you're an upper west side jew who is afraid to go below 59th st or above 116th st, you work in your family's fish store (and you plan to work there for the next 40 years of your life), this movie is actually about your life. so you should see it.

for the rest of you (and me) who don't fall into that category, here's why we should see it:

1. change is scary, but a lot of the times it's also so needed. this movie is a good reminder about that. 2. it has a lot of fish. fish can never be a bad thing. 3. also bagels. 4. you can never see too many love stories. this one will make you laugh, feel a little awkward and maybe even tear up. 5. this movie deserves to be seen more than any of the Hollywood glam movies that are out at the moment. this movie is real. 6. it gives an answer to the ultimate question that we've been asking for CENTURIES; what's a putzel?

so, yeah. just watch it. watch it now.

Saw this at the Palm Springs Film Festival. My girlfriend picked it out and I didn't think I was going to like it. But I did. It was offbeat, without being annoying. And funny as hell, but also sad in parts. The story is about a guy who works in a deli in New York who's kind of a Woody Allen type. He spends most of the film trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life and falling in love with the wrong girl. The acting was great all around and there were a lot of actors you've seen before. The girl who played the lead was there and answered questions after it was over. (She also plays Rose on Two and a Half Men). When is the movie going to be in theaters?

No 3-D, CGI effects or robot monsters, but an unlikely superhero of sorts. PUTZEL is a charming throw-back to the simple art of storytelling. In an era of big budget movies, this indie rom-com is a breath of fresh air with a positive message - sometimes the scariest risk delivers happiness on a platter (maybe even on a "harry" platter;) Jason Chaet & Rick Moore bring a wonderful modern day Upper West Side fairytale to the screen. A film with a lot of laughs and moments where you find yourself "verklempt". Great, great ensemble cast! Stand-out performances by: Melanie Lynskey, Jack Carpenter, Steve Park, favorites John Pankow and Allegra Cohen. Also, Susie Essman breaks out of her normal character type and displays some solid acting chops. If you like to laugh, cry, and eat smoked fish, then throw on a "tank top" and see this movie!!!