Rating: 
Summary: A party not to be missed
Review: What a treat to see Hollywood, blemishes and all. The setting is an anniversary party. Jennifer Jason Leigh's and Alan Cumming's neigbors and celebrities friends arrive to celebrate the re-uniting of the couple. The scenes are shot so naturally we are not just voyeurs but immensely amused participants on the set. The stage is set as the household gets ready for the guests. They wanders on and off the sets as the action goes from room to room. Tempers rise and fall and the party goers reveal their character bit by bit until we are either laughing or crying. Why do they behave like that - I wouldn't. But, that's the beauty of the show. Everyone behaves as they do - they just do it - and it is fascinating. I must admit I only saw this movie twice and ordered the DVD only once. It you don't see this movie you are missing one of the greatest slices of life ever available on the celluloid. There is another movie with a similar premise titled "Don's Party." I believe it is available on video. This Australian gem came out years ago and takes place during a party where the participants wait for the outcome of the Prime Minister election.
Rating: 
Summary: Just give me a break.
Review: "Thumbs Down!"Cheap Hollywood humor with story combine for a 3 star film. The film has humor, but little class to surpass as really entertaining. The acting was semi-deascent, but the humor pits a downfall for the whole film. The Anniversary Party is no party anymore.
Rating:
Summary: a REAL movie, made really good.
Review: The Anniversary Party is a throwback to the days when Hollywood made movies rich in content - drama, comedy, tension, realism - without the obvious Oscar as the goal and seemingly sole purpose. Very much like The Big Chill in that it focuses on people's relationships and internal struggles to drive the story, a device which always has the potential to make a movie touch you. And this movie succeeds. Sure it's about Hollywood celebrities, but that plays out only in the background of the characters' lives and relationships. What we're offered is a glimpse into a very real world where, regardless of their celebrity status, we can understand and empathize with the characters, identify with their struggles, and believe in their humanity. It's a great piece of filmaking brought to life through extremely talented actors who all seem very comfortable working together - probably because they are all very good friends in their real lives. Look for plenty of real life mirrored in the relationships played out on screen. For those of you looking for a plot, you'll be disappointed. This movie has no plot, rather it's more of a vignette of real life, and as the movie ends you're given with no real resolutions, only the nagging thoughts of what may happen next....
Rating: 
Summary: Over-rated
Review: The San Francisco Chronicle gave this movie 4 stars. What a joke! I had so many problems with this movie, but I'll just tell you the main one because I wouldn't want to bore you as this movie did to me: ABSOLUTELY NO CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT! At one point in the movie Sally (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Joe (Alan Cumming) get into a big fight. But I felt nothing because I couldn't understand what they saw in each other to begin with. With the exception of a "token" love scene at the beginning of the movie, there is a lot of jealousy and ranting and raving coming from Sally. And Joe who spends half of the movie defending himself. Eugene O'Neill did a much better job of showing love and distrust between two characters: Edmund and Jamie in "Long Day's Journey Into Night." I'll always remember when Jamie tells Edmund that he loves him as any brother could but warns Edmund to watch out because when Jamie gets a chance, he'll stab Edmund in the back because he's envious of him being the apple in his parents' eyes. Where is this character development in "The Anniversary Party?????" None of the characters were well-drawn and distinctive, and Jason Leigh and Cumming should've taken a screenwriting class. Robert Altman is known for doing movies with a ton of characters in them, such as "Short Cuts." And I can still remember all of the characters in that movie whereas I probably won't remember any of the characters in "Anniversary Party." Being that Hollywood is so commercialized and profit-oriented, it's no surprise that there's a shortage of new talent in tinsel-town and we moviegoers are stuck with another year of lousy movies.
Rating:
Summary: Egos Unleashed
Review: Despite a terrific cast (yes, that IS the woman from Flash Dance) and a couple of laughs, this was a bore. When will Hollywood types realize that we really don't care about their ridiculous lives? I know we aren't supposed to think these people are wonderful, but who can even care the least little bit about such egomaniacs?
Rating: 
Summary: Some funny parts but overall boring
Review: I viewed this film about 3 weeks ago, and I was very dissapointed. I thought it was going to be atleast somewhat interesting, but it was slow-moving and had a very simple not so good plot. All it was, was people taking drugs, women walking around topless, and couples splittng up.....that pretty much sums it up. I definately do not reccomend it.
Rating: 
Summary: hollywood tease
Review: I saw Anniversary Party yesterday and was pleasantly intrigued, and never bored through its entirety. Alan Cumming and Jennifer Jason Leigh play their parts as the perpetually problematic Hollywood couple incredibly well, and it was refreshing to see Phoebe Cates on the screen again. Playing charictures of themselves, or charictures of some aspect of themselves, this film relished as it played inbetween the lines of how much of this is real, and are we just playing a part here dynamics. Driven delightfully by dialogue and occasionally over the top emotional scenes, the movie was a lot like dropping into an interesting party and watching everyone from the corner. Although it was, in a lot of ways, about Hollywood, it had the feel of a small film, devoid of Hollywood's plasticine permeations. It's not for everybody, but if you're a fan of Walt Stillman or other dialogue driven films, see it.
Rating:
Summary: Best Supporting Actress and Actor
Review: Kevin Kline and Gwyneth Paltrow could be nominated for their roles in this gem. The fact that the film was written, directed and starred in by Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cummings demonstrates their feelings about the material. Somewhat interesting that her role is about an actress that doesn't always show up for her own movies. Not the case here. You gotta love it. You gotta see it. If "American Beauty" can win an Oscar, then "Anniversary Party" certainly deserves a nomination. Great characters, great lines, great entertainment!
Rating:
Summary: An interesting, ensemble dramedy
Review: A modestly amusing, (at the same time, sometimes depressing) dramedy about an actress and her novelist/husband's 6th wedding Anniversary Party. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Alan Cummings seem to really know (and enjoy) what they're doing here (directing and acting wise). This film also stars a "good-looking," talented ensemble cast including Kevin Kline, Phoebe Cates, John C. Reilly, Parker Posey, Jennifer Beals, and an ecstasy loving, ditzy Gwenyth Paltrow (who seemed to have had a blast playing her character in this film). The party "livens" up when she gives the couple some ecstasy pills as a present. When nearly every guest takes a pill, one can only imagine what follows. In terms of depicting a "Hollywood-like society," this film is no where as satirical as last year's State and Main. However, the comedic/satircal and dramatic aspects blend well to make a very interesting, well-acted film. This is one of the better independent films of the year.
Rating:
Summary: Seamless, Surprising, and Strong
Review: How one film can acheive as high climaxes within both the comedic and dramatic elements is difficult to explain. It should, however, say something of the masterpiece this film is. From the very opening, the superb cast and writing pulls you in, laughing at the awkward moments between guests as they arrive at the recently-reconciled couple's 6th anniversary party, but at the same time bringing you emotionally closer to each character and their struggles. As the night progresses the fun party turns into a touching exploration into the heart of relationships. Leigh and Cummings are convincingly committed, Paltrow a great airy fledgling actress, and Cates and Kline the "perfect" couple with the skeletons in the closet. Extraordinary ensemble, and eerily fitting direction; here manically overstated, there elusively subtle. You WILL love this movie, and pat yourself on the back for going.
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