Superior cinema

Rating: 9/10 (25 October 2007)

I need not repeat so many of the spot on comments about this movie, but I thought I would use this as one of the rare occasions I have posted a comment on IMDb so register my love of this film. I have so far seen it twice and only really upon the second viewing did I fully appreciate what a wonderful picture this is. It has so many hidden layers and it's analysis of everyday life, woven into the kooky world of this family, is one of the most realistic I have seen in a long time, despite it being a comedy.
I laughed at the pure simplicity and idiocy of scenes like the malfunctioning horn and the policeman with the porn magazines and equally shed a tear when the family comes together in the end to share the grandfather's philosophy on life.
All of the performances were spot on in this movie, particularly Steve Carrell, who very much surprised me with the versatility he showed(Steve, Evan Almighty? Come on you're better than that rubbish).
Also worth mentioning is the fantastic score and superior cinematography, which I thought complimented the quality of the performances and script.
Most importantly though about this picture is that it is a movie that makes you think about life and, for all it's gloom and sadness, leaves you at the end feeling totally uplifted without the needs for the usual crass Hollywood style moralising or schmaltz.
Highly recommended.