Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful little film
Review: This has been unjustly trashed, probably because it's earnest, warm, and gentle, something not usually valued by the ex-film-students who run the indie world. So defy them and go see this touching gem of a tragicomedy.A lotta g's there. Anyway, the movie starts like this; Jay (as in Jennifer, played by Leelee Sobieski) is a self-centered Goth teen, perceptive in some ways, naive in others; you know, typical teenager. Graduating from school, she needs a job to get her own place, and comes across Randall, a straightlaced but rather kind men's clothing store manager (Albert Brooks), who gives her a job. The movie goes from there. I won't bother to describe the plot any further because A) it'd blow way too many jokes and B) it's not what you call stunningly original, which would matter if this weren't a character piece. However, this movie isn't about what happens to Jay and "R", as Jay dubs him, but how they cause and react to the events in it. The relationship is a bit more complicated than friendship; Jay becomes sexually interested in Randall, which some people have found pretty hard to swallow, or have used to dismiss this as another "middle-aged guy wows young girl" movie, a case of boomer ego. Lay your fears to rest; this is a movie about a man and a girl entering a father-daughter relationship, not "Autumn in New York." I really feel sorry for people who got SO caught up in this aspect of the film that they missed its humor, or its heart. Don't think, however, that just because this movie is touching, it's afraid of going for a belly laugh. The window dressing alone is worth the price of admission. I can't emphasize this enough, this movie is FUNNY! The acting is great; Brooks and Sobieski, whether dealing with anger or trading one-liners, have sensational chemistry. Carol Kane delivers an excellent character performance as Jay's hyper-perky mother, and Michael McKean is a riot as Jay's...imperceptive stepfather. John Goodman has basically a cameo as Jay's hippie father, and he's funny, as always. Then there's Christine Lahti's direction. The movie is told from Jay's viewpoint, and at the start, it's gently surreal, with good use made of computer special effects. Lahti handles this with considerable sensitivity, not neglecting the visual aspects in favor of the actors. She does quite a good job. This is a movie infused with warmth, heart, and bittersweetness. It's good for a laugh, and good for a cry, and I heartily recommend it if you want either or both.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorites this year
Review: What a wonderful little gem of a movie, full of depth and heart and more than a few surprises. Leelee Sobieski plays against her blonde and generally beautiful stereotype in this film, appearing as a rather dark and depressed 17 year old teen (nicknamed J), complete with tattoos, black makeup and pierced skin. She is miserable at school, doesn't feel understood by her mother (Carol Kane in one of her best roles), stepfather or father. She has no friends. In short, she is alienated, desperately in need of someone she can relate to.
That someone turns out to be the last person you'd expect, a 49 year old men's clothing store owner named Randall (played by Albert Brooks). Although he is reluctant to hire her, he eventually gives in and the two become friends after a shakey start. Not that it is all smooth going. The two are so different that there's bound to be a few rough patches in their friendship, some occasions where they test one another (I don't want to give details for fear of spoiling the surprises).
Luckily this doesn't turn into another "older guy, younger girl" romance. Director Christine Lahti is too smart to things get so stereotypical - thank goodness. And she is also wise enough to let viewers discover the hidden depths in Randall and J, depths that might not surface if sex muddied the waters. Lahti also adds the special touches that make this movie a standout - humorous bits, personal details and an understated style that charms without being overwhelming. If you're looking for a movie that will touch your heart and leave you with a good feeling after watching it, you can't do better than this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Well maybe even 4 1/2 stars...
Review: This is a wonderful and charming movie that really grabbed me emotionally & held on tight (hey, I'm an over-50 male). PLus what a cast! Albert Brooks, Carol Kane, Michael McKean & John Goodman! Wow, fun set. I've always liked Christine Lahti very very much as an actress & I hope she gets a lot of work as a director because she's done a terrific job. The major kudos must go, in my book, to Albert Brooks. What a wonderful performance he gives. A complete, funny, vulnerable, humorous, self-deprecating grown-up guy. Boy if anyone deserved an oscar in the year this movie came out, he did. But he's always been at the pinnacle of whatever he was doing, way back to when he was a ventriloquist on the Tonight show & talked while his dummy drank! I love you Albert. You're a real Albert Einstein! I did hold back a star or so because some of the subsidiary male characters annoyed me. I felt the writing of the John Goodman character & of Randy who shows up later was a real cheap "men-are-all-bozos" shot. Not worthy of the rest of the film.
Rating:
Summary: Life Changing Movie
Review: One of the best movies I've ever seen. Well written, well directed, and very moving. An extremely relevant and serious subject. Wonderful combination of heartfelt emotions and wit. I made my 15 year old daughter sit down and watch it with me!
Rating:
Summary: Well maybe even 4 1/2 stars...
Review: This is a wonderful and charming movie that really grabbed me emotionally & held on tight (hey, I'm an over-50 male). PLus what a cast! Albert Brooks, Carol Kane, Michael McKean & John Goodman! Wow, fun set. I've always liked Christine Lahti very very much as an actress & I hope she gets a lot of work as a director because she's done a terrific job. The major kudos must go, in my book, to Albert Brooks. What a wonderful performance he gives. A complete, funny, vulnerable, humorous, self-deprecating grown-up guy. Boy if anyone deserved an oscar in the year this movie came out, he did. But he's always been at the pinnacle of whatever he was doing, way back to when he was a ventriloquist on the Tonight show & talked while his dummy drank! I love you Albert. You're a real Albert Einstein! I did hold back a star or so because some of the subsidiary male characters annoyed me. I felt the writing of the John Goodman character & of Randy who shows up later was a real cheap "men-are-all-bozos" shot. Not worthy of the rest of the film.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT GREAT GREAT
Review: I'm short on words, but this movie is Great. Both Albert and Leelee are wonderful. This is truly a film about life and the wonder of it all. Experience life and watch this movie.
Rating:
Summary: simply great
Review: I had never heard about this movie before I came across it at the video store. After seeing just the first 10 minutes I was immediately hooked. The beginning was so fun, especially the line about Ashley's and Codys. Haha. Yeah, but then as I got further into the film I realized how heartfelt and refreshing it was. I cried so hard for the entire last half hour. It was so great. Watch this movie, you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: True to my heart
Review: This movie was a BIG surprise for me. I felt it in my heart, while I watched the relationship between LeeLee's character and Brook's character grow into something words cannot describe. If you enjoy seeing real movies about real people, then this film is for you. Albert Brooks masters his part, playing a lonely man. This is definately one of my favorites
Rating: 
Summary: Who is writing these reviews?!!
Review: This movie is...just a TAD exaggerated! Fake, silly, and laughable.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Movie
Review: This is my favotire movie. Leelee Sobieski shines in this masterpiece. I've seen three other movies with her in it, and this is by far the best acting I've witnessed. The audience can relate to Jennifer, or "J" as Leelee's character prefers to be called. Carol Kane plays J's smiling-through-hell mother, who wants J to attend dental school. J is more interested in writing poetry and getting a job so she can leave her mother's house. Randall (Albert Brooks) is a man who has never loved anyone in his life because of a haunting secret. J's dad (John Goodman) is a washed-out hippie from "stoner-days." He loves his daughter, but they just don't click. This is a beautiful story of life, death, and everything between. BUY THIS MOVIE!!!
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