Dark, with Steve shining

Rating: 7/10 (19 August 2006)

Sometimes it is worth watching a movie to experience aspects of its construction, even if the final product leaves one wanting at the end. This movie delivers on many counts, led by the acting by each of those cast in key roles in this dark comedy. Cast as one who recently attempted suicide, Steve Carell may surprise those who have come to expect him in over-the-top roles in Anchorman, Bruce Almighty and 40 Year Old Virgin. His portrayal of one who has hit the skids if fabulous. Little Abigail Breslin as Olive also holds her own alongside a cast of veteran actors.
There's a kind of Napoleon Dynamite quality to this film, in the sense that it captures well the tedium (and humor) of everyday life for those who on the verge of falling through the cracks. The movie suggests that through all their faults, these family members stick together and continue to move forward. But their cohesiveness is required to be taken more on faith, than truly demonstrated in the story.
By the end, one doesn't necessarily have the feeling that the characters have emerged entirely victorious over their demons, although they might have scored a few points in the battle.
Back to the original point, this film strives for a level of complexity that few will. And it scores well in both the goal and most of that execution.