I went to see this movie thinking that I was going to be rolling my eyes at the on screen histrionics (and there are LOTS of people screaming and crying in this movie). The critics seem to have been overly harsh with this film. While we have seen movies like this before and while the film doesn't always ring perfectly true, there are so many incredible scenes. Ellen Barkin's portrayal of a woman wounded by people's inability to hear her is heart-wrenching. There are some phenomenal scenes between her and Ellen Burstyn. The film really does dance along the line between comedy and the darker elements of human relationships. At several points, I found myself chuckling along with many people in the movie theater (I just saw this at Village East Cinemas in NYC). The family dynamics feel authentic for the most part. In a way I felt like the film thrives in the moments that feel cast away or in the natural, small moments of tenderness or banter among characters. There are wonderful moments like the two scenes in which Ellen Barkin performs her nighttime regimen as she talks with her husband. Other scenes perfectly captured what the interactions between cousins who don't see each other often are like. The passing comments people make as they move through a crowded house were spot-on. These calm, understated moments enrich the movie and the characters. The scenes that are meant to be dramatic show-stoppers often feel more awkward or heavy-handed. I would say it's worth checking out just for the versatility of the talented cast--young and old. Even Demi Moore has some incredible moments: her wedding toast is a phenomenal bit of awkward comedy.
Review of Another Happy Day
