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MOVIE REVIEW
Waitress
Fox Searchlight
Review by Amy Steele
I'm having a baby and that's that. It's not a party though.
Waitress is a sweet and genuine film. Just like the pies that the main character bakes. It is unique in its approach to relationships, and women. The story focuses on the importance of being true to yourself and doing what makes you most happy. The bonds of women and strengths garnered from friendships are evident throughout. Keri Russell glows and shows range in the role of Jenna, the unhappily married and jaded waitress. Russell's expressive face and ability to be ultra sensitive without being too dark and to be humorous without being ditzy or slapstick makes Jenna someone that everyone knows in someway.
Jenna's lovely and bright but has a controlling husband (Jeremy Sisto) and just discovered she is pregnant. Luckily she enjoys her waitress job and has supportive, quirky friends at the diner (played by Cheryl Hines and Adrienne Shelly). Despite her best efforts to avoid it, Jenna finds comfort (and some truly hysterical moments) in the arms of her gynecologist (Nathan Fillion). Through this relationship ("Dear Baby, I hope someday somebody wants to hold you for 20 minutes straight. All they do is wrap you up in their arms without an ounce of selfishness to it") and self-discovery, she finds happiness and escapes the bitter binds of her marriage. Jenna is happiest when baking and expresses her feelings through the pies with the unusual names ("Earl's going to kill me when he finds out I'm cheating on him" pie). Her friends boost her spirits and confidence. Jenna also maintains a charming friendship with the seemingly grumpy but soft old man who owns the diner (Andy Griffith).
I was addicted to saying things and having them matter to someone.
Waitress is easily one of my favorite films of the year. This winning film is a delightful and thoughtful escape. It is also a fine piece of filmmaking from a true independent spirit, the late actress/writer/director Adrienne Shelly. The script by Shelly provides laughs and touching moments through its delicate and thoughtful handiwork. There's even a bit of fantasy throughout the film: a bit of Alice in Wonderland journey with its gentle directing and details. Waitress succeeds with likeable/relatable characters and unusual story about discovering bliss.
Steele recommendation: See it in the theater, immediately.
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