a memorable piece of cinema

Rating: 10/10 (29 December 2007)

I've come to expect good things from Fox Searchlight, but this was remarkable even for them. This film will leave you with a good feeling despite its involvement with sobering subject matter. There is no situational comedy in the film, but the dialogue is witty enough to catch a seasoned moviegoer off-guard. You will find yourself laughing involuntarily as the mundane line you expected turns into something quite eccentric. The writing lightens what would otherwise be a very depressing movie--a difficult task. Ellen Page and J.K. Simmons steal the show with masterful,emotional, timeless performances. Ears perked in the theater when there was interaction between these two powerhouse actors. Page leads you through her struggles in the way only a gifted actor could. Michael Cera delivers his unique style perfectly. Cinematography of fall colors is as dark and beautiful as a painting in motion and suggests, "this is the good stuff, memories are made here."