The Puffy Chair

By all accounts, most reviewers liked this film. I did not find the male characters likable. I did not find the story likable. I did not find the production likable. I did find this film a total waste of time.

The Puffy Chair is a pleasure to watch; human and funny and full of well- observed moments that ring so true they elicit long, gorgeous belly laughs.

Josh, his girlfriend Emily and his brother Rhett are on a road trip to visit Josh's father. On the way they plan to pick up a puffy chair for Dad's birthday.

The film, although buzzed as a road trip movie, is essentially a relationship comedy-drama, and unfortunately falls into gender stereotypes. Emily, focused (entirely?) on marriage issues, is less sympathetic than the two guys, Josh and Rhett. It is disappointing in such a character driven movie that the female still...isn't given enough character. However, Katie Aselton as Emily does a terrific job, as do Mark Duplass and Rhett Wilkins, and the film's appeal, as in BottleRocket, is motored by the immense charm of its lead actors. Warmer and less measured than Napoleon Dynamite or Garden State, The Puffy Chair is a lovely and--one more time--truly charming film. I highly recommend it.

For a single man, the late 20's can be a very interesting and pleasant phase of life. You still enjoy much of the freedom you had when you were younger, but without the poverty. You've got a real job, a decent car, and a place of your own with no roommate. You've probably even got a few wine glasses and some framed pictures on the wall. You've figured out how to look and act like an adult, while remaining a teenager on the inside. In "The Puffy Chair," Josh (Mark Duplass) is just such a guy (not a man, but a guy). He sets off on a road trip to deliver his dad's birthday present, a purple Lazy-Boy just like one Josh remembers from his childhood. It's clear he is looking forward to some solo time on the road, but first his girlfriend Emily (Kathryn Aselton) and then his brother Rhett (Rhett Wilkins) tag along. In true road-trip fashion the three encounter various challenges along the way, and hash out their relationships.

The dynamics between the emotionally reticent Josh and his effusive, impulsive brother are there mainly for comic relief. The main theme of "The Puffy Chair" is the tension between Josh, who is happy just being a guy and having a girlfriend, and Emily who craves at least some emotional validation if not a solid commitment. The painful, late-night "conversations" that result will be uncomfortably familiar to most. Don't be misled, though. "The Puffy Chair" deals with real feelings and relationship issues, but it is above all else a hilarious road-trip comedy.

The first full-length feature by the Duplass brothers (Mark and Jay), "The Puffy Chair" is unmistakably low-budget. I suspect the biggest budget item was the actual chair. The quality of the cinematography and lighting lies somewhere between cheap porn and after-school special. The performances, on the other hand, are very heartfelt and enjoyable. One nice independent-film touch is that Josh's parents are played by Mark Duplass's actual parents. In one pivotal scene, Mr. Duplass dispenses some of his own fatherly advice.

I caught Puffy Chair at Sundance, and I will be surprised if it hits the Cineplex any time soon. It's a delightful movie, but it doesn't have the breakout success potential of a "Napoleon Dynamite." This is more the "Brothers McMullen" of 2005. See it if you can, and keep an eye out for the next Duplass brothers effort. 4 out of 5 stars.

I was lucky enough to see "The Puffy Chair" at Sundance this year, I had to fight for a seat and it was worth it. The movie is explores two relationships, one between two brothers and another between one of the brothers and his girlfriend. The characters are right out of life, totally real and funny. The directing and acting is excellent and it never misses an opportunity to sharpen the portrait of these muddled angels. The Chair in the title refers to a gift for the brothers' father that becomes a catalyst for not only the road trip that forms the spine of this excellent film, but inflames all the character's flaws and passions to hilarious dénouement. More than once I heard people saying that there were scenes out of their own lives on the screen in the "Puffy Chair"; I wish that we could all see ourselves as precisely and humorously as the Duplass brothers do. I eagerly look forward to their next project.

Without having read a single review or write-up on or offline prior to seeing this movie I can easily believe all that passed before my eyes and through my ears while all comfy in the nearest indie-Edwards. It's a must that be stated first because, although I almost disliked the movie based upon it's ending and the handling of certain situations involving the main characters and problems presented; one can't NOT like the way humor and love weaves it's way in and out of the real-life docu-drama as it unfolds...seemingly, over and over again.

Thankfully 'things' come to a close in a timely manner and you're left to contemplate life's journey and your association with it all.

Enjoy.