Waitress (***)
review by Jon
Waterman
Jenna is a waitress in a small-town diner. There she makes
all sorts of different pies, a skill passed down from her late
mother. Everyone loves her pies, most of which are her very
own creation. You see, while other people daydream about being
rich or being famous, Jenna dreams about the autobiographically
titled original pie she’ll make tomorrow. That’s
the one true joy in her life. After all, it can’t be
her abusive husband. Already unhappy with how her life has
turned out, Jenna soon finds herself pregnant. She’s
determined to keep the sucker, although she’ll be damned
if she’s happy about it. Besides, it gives her an excuse
to see the new doctor in town, and they may be falling for
each other.
Writer/director/co-star Adrienne Shelly (“I’ll
Take You There”), in her final film, gives us an interesting
a quirky love story. The story could have been an extremely
conventional one, and for the most part it is. However, Shelly
brings a nice heart-warming touch that shows us why those conventions
are in place to begin with. The characters are well-constructed
and well-rounded and the directing style adds a nice little
charm to the picture.
The shooting style is at times downright cartoony. But that’s
not a bad thing. The majority of the film has a standard look
and feel to it. But there are a couple times throughout the
film where a little visual interest in thrown our way. There’s
the whirlwind romance shot where the camera swirls around Jenna
and her doctor when they first kiss (trust me; I’m not
giving anything away). This shot is overdone on its own, but
the acting makes it interesting as they practically slobber
and paw all over each other. Then there’s the “happy” sequence,
where we see Jenna smiling throughout everything she’s
doing. And then there’s the template pie shot Shelly
uses each time a new creation is dreamt up. It may not be much,
but it still helps make the whole thing a little more cinematic.
But what really helps keep this from being just an ordinary
story about a down-on-her-luck waitress is the characterization
and subsequent acting. Everyone, even the supporting characters,
has depth. That’s actually pretty rare to find, sometimes.
Shelly does a great job in showing us not just what these people
are doing, but the reasons why. Then you bring in talented
people like the always creepy Jeremy Sisto (as the nasty husband)
and the never creepy Andy Griffith (as diner owner Joe) and
you got something good.
If nothing else, the film will probably make you pretty hungry.
I know I could go for a slice of Bad Baby Pie or Marshmallow
Mermaid (made in her mermaid phase). The movie is by no means
great, but it’s cute. That’s probably the best
word to describe it. I had some problems with the horrible
music. Also, I think the main character was flawed in a way
I can’t discuss without giving away too much, but I honestly
think I’m missing something in my analysis of her as
a strong-willed woman in an abusive relationship. I’m
sure this would be a great date movie, or a good one to go
to with your mom, or if you’re on a diet and want to
torture yourself.
respond to jon@filmbrats.com
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