Customer Reviews

The Answer Man

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Was desperately searching for something to watch while being home sick.
I had never heard of a "Pre-theatrical trailer", but was intrigued! I watched the actual trailer and saw that this flick starred Lauren Graham and Jeff Daniels - which sounded/looked like the beginnings of something really, really great!
I pondered the price watched the trailer again and went with my gut!
I rented it!!
I LOVED it!!
I highly recommend it and can't wait to spread the word!
I also can't wait to see it again!
No spoilers here - it reminded me alot of the movie Once.
It was a very simple but sweet plot that almost everyone should be able to see themselves in one way or another. It had love story, family, drama, parenthood, romance, realty, addictive behaviors, but it also had laughter!! It also reminds me of As Good as It Gets. But, this movie is also completely original - when I compare it to those - it's more of a feeling.
This movie is BEAUTIFUL in many ways!
I hope others give it a watch and feel the same!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

This movie may not be perfect in all aspects, but it is full of sweet and heart-breaking moments that keep you rooting for its many underdogs all the way--even the harsh and jaded main character, Arlen. The chemistry between the actors is flawless, without exception. The ending is satisfying in that it doesn't feel the need to tie up all the loose ends and it leaves you wanting more. I have heard it compared to As Good as it Gets, but I prefer this version. While it lacks the glossy main stream production qualities of AGAIG, it makes up for it in its every day heroes that are much more relatable.

I thought Jeff Daniels was superb, and all of his co-stars were right on with their performances. The script was well-done, and the timing of the scenes was crisp. In the beginning, I was riveted. But I began to see things unravel as we got to the end, and I think the movie lost its way a bit in the last few minutes. This was a hard topic to tackle on film, and the actors and the script writers did a great job of almost carrying the overall theme--which was, in hindsight a bit unconventional--off. In the end they could not wrap it all up with a bow, but that would have been too trite and not fitting for this quirky movie anyway. I enjoyed the film, and it made for a relaxing and fun evening at home. How cool to see this right on my computer too!

This movie is a little bewildering. It constantly threatens to veer into syrupy sweetness and does occasionally all the while covering up a genuinely deep and thoughtful foundation. The characters spend a little too much time introducing themselves and explaining who they are. Better to show than tell. There are moments of groan inducing corniness and there are small, subtle moments of greatness. Overall I like the movie, I think I came out a little better having watched it and isn't that what art is all about?

It's pretty rare when I start watching a movie and don't finish it - I like having the closure of knowing how it ends. But with this movie, my desire for closure was outweighed a lack of chemistry between a bunch of flat characters. I tried to talk myself into finishing it, but I couldn't make it.

I think there was potential with the idea but it was horribly executed.

On top of a slow moving plot with poorly developed characters, quite a bit of it is disrespectful to God in a way that many people (myself included) will find offensive. One part in particular was even blasphemous, and while those particular characters were not shown in a positive light, the song "What a friend we have in Arlen. All our sins and griefs to bear." was too much for me.

All I can say is that I'm glad it was free through Amazon prime so I didn't waste my money...

I found this movie to be hard to engage with, the characters thin, the plot see-through. I'm glad, as a prime member, that I didn't pay for it... I would have been disappointed.

Was unsure when I purchased the DVD what to expect. With real joy I can say that it was worth every cent and I have already watched it several times. The Storyline kept me interested and I loved the two main actors. (Gilmore Girls, the mother) one of my favourite series. Anway If you are unsure then try it I think most people will be very pleased, I was. With the extras along comes a commentary and I am watching it now and it sounds like they had a great time filming this movie. Enjoy.

I can't remember how I came across this movie, but I decided to watch it On-Demand one night, and loved it! So rarely do I find a movie that has heart and is funny too. The characters are great, and I love the message. It got me thinking that so many people are afraid and searching for answers. This movie actually provided some of the answers! As well as the idea that no one has them all. But connecting with other human beings helps us to feel less alone. I had to go out and buy it so I can watch it again!

This is a comedy, not a serious drama, and I, for one, laughed my head off! We rented the movie and watched it last night. I loved the movie, can't wait to see it again and have already recommended it to several friends. Jeff Daniels is hilarious! The script is funny and thought-provoking at the same time. The scene with the elementary school teacher made me laugh so hard I cried. (Of course, if you are too young to have ever been in a parent teacher conference, then your reaction may be different from mine.) And I loved the questions. Yes, the social themes are serious but they are handled in the kind of way that most people live life -- moving forward with some intense moments, occasional pondering, and a sense of humor.

Some people have compared this movie with "As Good As It Gets." Personally, I liked "Answer Man" much better.

Answer Man is a sweet movie. The opening scene will probably deter a number of potential viewers; otherwise this is a straightforward charming love story.

That opening scene is a bit like George Carlin's 7 words you cannot say on television; Jeff Daniels is upset that his doorbell rang (it interrupted his meditating) and as he walks down the stairs says just about every single foul word ever invented. I mention this not to say that is a bad thing, it is simply a warning that the language is coming. From there the film just gets better. It threads together three stories that seem to be unrelated, a young alcoholic checking out of rehab and trying to make his book store work, an overly protective single mother starting her chiropractor practice, and an incredibly popular author trying to remain anonymous. The film telegraphs very early how all three of these people are related. And yes the ending is a bit predictable.

On the surface, this is just another pot boiler standard love affair film. It reminded me very much of Ghost Town, but not as funny. And as such would just be a middle of the road OK film. In the bonus features, I discovered that this is the first film for screenwriter / director John Hindman. This is truly remarkable, an unknown to Hollywood person, writes a screen play, shops around to get the film made, has never directed a movie in his life, and convinces somebody to back his film. Technically, there are seasoned directors that have done a much worse job with a film like this. Bravo Mr. Hindman, you do have talent.

The film appears to be shot almost entirely in Philadelphia. The setting is beautiful, and not a bad view of the city. I think Philadelphians will recognize the locations, 2nd street and Market in particular. Every shot is in focus, exposure is across the board spot on, and random annoying handheld camera movement is minimized. The film has a fairly standard pacing, nothing remarkable, just done right. Sound is well recorded, dialog is very clear.

Jeff Daniels is outstanding in this role. He is the central character and carries the film well. Lauren Graham is radiant as a quirky, troubled, happy woman trying to make her way in the world. In real life Lauren Graham is only 11 years younger than Jeff Daniels - the age difference in this film appears a bit more, although not creepy. The real surprise is Lou Taylor Pucci, who plays the recovering alcoholic. I really liked his role a lot. He played an addict that sees the good that will happen in his life, as opposed to the sad drunk that sees nothing but bad in his life. Kat Dennings (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) is wonderful as the hippie assistant in the book store. And Norah Dunn (Saturday Night Live, 1985-1990), played the snotty driven agent in a solid manner. The cast is nicely chosen for this film.

The film is rated R, due to strong language. It's hard to imagine this film working very well crippling Arlen by not allowing the strong language. That is the only reason for the rating, there is absolutely no nudity, no suggestive scenes, no implied sex, no violence, and a brief moment of showing a few people drinking alcohol. At an hour and 35 minutes, the film is the right length.

The DVD includes three bonus features. The only one worth watching is about how this film was made. That 9 minute piece is excellent and very revealing. There is a super lame HDNet featurette where the story is more or less retold (I wish they would stop including these horrible featurettes on DVD's, they add nothing to the film). Finally, three is a 10 minute discussion with each actor about their character (another pointless piece - view before the film and it will ruin the film, view after the film and it is simply redundant).

I liked this film. It is heartwarming. It is sappy, but sometimes that is just a pleasant thing for a film. This isn't a film worth watching many times; it's simply a wonderful piece of candy to enjoy.