This Is Where I Leave You

While many have claimed this title does not offer much that the others of this particular genre do, I have to disagree. This is a heartwarming story with genuine dialog between characters. Some of these conversations and interactions I have experienced firsthand. The cinematography captures the specific details that both add to the dialog and allow you to pick up more the second time around. The acting is very believable albeit a little over emphasized for comedy at times. The first time I saw this I had wished they rewrote a few of the lines, but after my second watch they seem fitting for the character and what they were going through at the time. I really did not like Phillip, and now I have come to realize he is that juvenile person frequently found in families. I approached this film without any prior knowledge of it and was pleasantly surprised. I concede it was not amazing, and given the cast list may spark high expectations for some, but going into any movie that way will leave you disappointed.

I'm no movie critic or film analyst but i do believe Jason Bateman is one of the best actors going around today. His ability to balance the serious and the comedic is genius level. The movie itself was good. I don't normally watch these types of movies but with COVID i think I've watched ever bloody movie ever made and this one was next cab off the rank. I'm glad i watched it.

This film was actually funny, but not in a slap-sticky juvenile way. It was a comedy for grown ups in that it dealt with themes that are applicable to 30 and 40-somethings, such as death of a parent, fertility, running a business, divorce, etc., but it was not a heavy film in that it was not a dark comedy. The father who died as the premise for it was never presented to the audience, which keeps his passing from being a sad event and allows for the levity at his funeral to be appreciated. The film generally seems to focus the most of Bateman's character and his relationships with others, but he carries that role well. In fact, I thought this performance was one of his finest in quite some time. Tina Fey was great in it too. I thought she was just a comedian, but she can act too! (Is there noting she can't do?) Overall, this film is worth seeing and is a powerful yet lighthearted journey in the interplay between siblings and the event that all 30 & 40 somethings will face at some point: the loss of a parent. If this film doesn't get you thinking about your relationship with your family members, then nothing will. Not to worry, the family in this film has enough dysfunction to make you feel better about your own.

I'm at #27 on a 30 movies in 30 nights quest, mostly taking "advice" from film critic's ratings. So, why did I enjoy this silly little "family conflict" film more than most of the 2022 Oscar nominated ones I have watched? Maybe because it's more real, strikes the right notes, doesn't try to be too artistic (while being vague), and shows us a world that we can all relate to in a fun and lovable way. This story is full of messy family drama, handled with grace and humor, and the main characters are so full of genuine humanity that it's hard not to get sucked in.

The great cast was the reason I chose it, but the sweet themes of family and love and bonds and hopefulness... is the reason I enjoyed it. Seriously, maybe it's time to stop listening to film critics and just try something that's real and relatable. I'm glad I did. A solid 8 from me... and a very welcome diversion.

I like this movie. It's nice. It's like a tea on a a rainy day. This is like a modern version of The Big Chill- typical family issues solved through dilemmas and hugs and jocularity. It's people sitting around and laughing at the craziness of it all.

I've seen it all before but it works. The reason it works is its casting. Actors who are grounded and real and you can feel true empathy from them. Actors who always have emotion or depth no matter what the role.

This isn't going to go deep on a psych level or rip apart what the foundations of marriage might be but it does offer a couple nice lemon twists you don't see coming. Overall its a good watch and feels like an afternoon spent with friends.