Pittsburgh

Film is an absolute riot
I initially watched this movie primarily because I live in Pittsburgh and like Jeff Goldblum. But - even if you aren't from Pittsburgh and only moderately like Jeff Goldblum, this film is worth a watch and I would highly recommend it.

The film reminded me of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" where the central character (in this case, Goldblum) is the vortex with a cast of eccentric characters swirling around him.

Probably most funny are the scenes with Illeana Douglas and new beau Moby and Goldblum, who's trying really, really hard to like Moby, despite some of the stuff Moby is saying - and watching. There's also scene set in a parade with Douglas and Moby that is also very funny.

Watching Goldblum's mother and stepfather, you'll see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Jeff's mom is a pip, 80 years young with a 57-year old husband (and - they've been married for 20 years!), who also has a not-so-secret crush on Illeana Douglas.

Also...

Great quirky comedy
I have to say, I'm disappointed by the lukewarm reviews of this film. I really liked it! Okay, so it's no "Waiting for Guffman", but it's a heck of a lot better than Christopher Guest's last movie. In fact, it's one of the more enjoyable comedies I've seen in a while.

I'm amazed at how thoroughly Jeff Goldblum owns this film. His goofy, winning personality shines throughout and is a pleasure to watch. He (or at least the version of himself in the film) is the kind of guy I'd like to have as a best friend - his quirky behavior is totally endearing. The other actors are great too, especially Illeana Douglas.

I guess I can see why Pittsburgh isn't for everyone. It's a subtle humor, relying more on personality quirks than jokes, and there aren't that many laugh-out-loud moments. But I really enjoyed it and even decided to buy the DVD. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend renting it if you're a fan of Guest's films or of sweet, silly comedies.

This movie should have been titled
I'm Jeff Goldblum, I have a hot young girl friend, and I'm famous.

I used to like Goldblum Then it seemed like he was veering off from being dry and funny to just smug. This is the movie that marks the dividing line for me. I don't know if the girl friend in the movie is his real life girl friend. It wouldn't surprise me. She is really cute and men have done dumber things than make a movie this bad in order to get laid.

The movie is about Goldblum agreeing to star in a local musical even though he can't sing so his hot very young girl friend can also get a part. The premise could have been a funny mockumantary. That's what they were going for: something like Best in Show or Waiting for Gufman.

But the thing those movies have going for them is even though they make fun of everyone involved they still show us the underlying humanity. We may laugh at the weird couple that wins best in show (slutty wife with nebish husband) but we also kind of like them...

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