A funny child actor: a first.

Rating: Null/10 (19 March 2008)

I was expecting a commercial, unfunny, formulaic comedy. In fact, judging by the high IMDb rating I was sure this was a turkey. However, I was amazed that the masses sometimes get it right.
LMS is a kind of mix of indie-style comedy and Hollywood formula. It isn't self-indulgent, badly acted crap nor is isn't entirely predictable. Arkin is finally once again cast to play what he does best: a grumpy un-PC a**hole. It's just a pity that he is killed off half-way. Collette is almost invisible, her character being the least colourful, but it's always nice to have her in any movie. The others are good, too - even Kinnear doesn't annoy as much as he's able to; that, though, may have a lot to do with the fact that he plays someone much like himself: a slimy little vermin.
But the biggest surprise was the little girl. Normally, I can't stand kids in movies; either they're dull, unfunny, can't act or annoying wise-a**es with an IQ of 188. It was refreshing to see a kid character who is completely normal for her age, behaving in a natural way - and very funny, especially in the finale when she shocks everyone with Grandpa Arkin's choreography.
A wise choice was the soundtrack; not your typical chart-driven bubble-gum pop and (c)rap songs, but a proper movie soundtrack.
Not everything works in LMS, but overall it's quite an entertaining affair. Very few good comedies in last years, what with the downright awful Owen Wilson/Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler vehicles.
The funniest thing about LMS is the sound of the faulty car-horn; its pathetic wailing represents the suffering of the its human cargo rather well.