The Anniversary Party

I like two of the actresses very much so I might be biased. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Parker Posey are two of my favorites. Plus Parker had some topless moments. So that aside I will say this movie is worth watching if you don't mind an over done LA type of drama. It was well acted but the story line is very much been there done that type of theme. And I think there are times when the movies drags and doesn't flow as well as it could. If you are not too bored with this LA type of drama then it might be worth watching. If you like Parker Posey and Jennifer Jason Leigh as much as I do then it is a must see.

"The Anniversary Party" provides you with the perfect opportunity to watch the kind of party you'd want to be invited to, but not necessarily attend.

This was a great film with numerous funny, dramatic, awkward, and stressful moments. It embraced many universal points of conflict in relationships--be it with a spouse, a neighbor, a boss, a co-worker--and allowed you, as a viewer, to watch all of the varying (and often hilarious) perspectives. And then it showed you all of those same perspectives on ecstasy.

The film maintains a large cast of talented people and uses them well. I found myself doubled over in laughter for at least half of the movie--Alan "Uppin" Cumming, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Adams, Parker Posey, John Benjamin Hickey, John C. Reilly, Michael Panes, and the entire Cates-Kline family gave a lot of comedy to their characters, complimenting the difficult and trying moments that were weaved throughout the film.

It was shocking to see the number of negative reviews in this index. I think if you are between the ages of 25-49, it would be hard not to relate to the social satire that is portrayed brilliantly in this film. It is thoroughly enjoyable.****

I guess that every once in a while, there has to be a movie about people's relationships about to blow up in everyone's faces - especially if it's about Hollywood. "The Anniversary Party" is one such movie. It has Joe Therrian (Alan Cummings) and Sally Nash (Jennifer Jason Leigh) throwing a party in their Hollywood Hills house and inviting various friends. As the party continues, it begins more and more to look like everything is about to collapse.

This was an okay, if routine, flick. The aspect that really stands out (for me at least) is that real-life couple Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates co-star with their real-life son and daughter. Other cast members include John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Parker Posey. Nothing significant in cinema history, but acceptable.

If you like a slow, carefully developed, beautifully acted, funny and articulate piece of parlor theater, complete with a heart-wrenching scene or three demonstrating alienation between neighbors and genuine intimacy among friends, this is for you. If not, not. With its two deaths or near-deaths, this is more than talk, but still if pure conversation strikes you as self-indulgent or tedious, rather than (in this singular case) genius, why not pass?

If you like Robert Altman films, you should take a look at this film. It's much like an Altman film, with its use of naturalistic dialogue, subtle humor, and a wide spectrum of characters which feel like real people, in simple, believable situations. But it's tidier than an Altman film. It still could use a little trimming, I think, but in general it doesn't have as many rough edges as a film like "A Wedding".

Here's an excerpt from Roger Ebert's review, which could very well be a comment about an Altman movie: "The appeal of the film is largely voyeuristic. We learn nothing we don't already more or less know, but the material is covered with such authenticity and unforced natural conviction that it plays like a privileged glimpse into the sad lives of the rich and famous. We're like the neighbors who are invited. Leigh and Cumming co-wrote and co-directed, and are confident professionals who don't indulge their material or themselves. This isn't a confessional home movie, but a cool and intelligent look at a lifestyle where smart people are required to lead their lives according to dumb rules."