Customer Reviews

The Waiting Game [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a terrific movie to rent and watch and spend a fun evenig with a friend. The story keeps moving and has plenty of hilarity to keep you interested throughout. The advertising accurately describes it as a cross between Friends and Sex in the City. Neither to serious or to light its the perfect entertainment.

One viewing of this hilarious movie will convince you the name Ken Liotti is one to watch. His insightful vignettes of contemporary artists-in-waiting splays across the screen the bold colors of desperation, decadence, and the undaunted pursuit of a dream. Ken's mastery of colloquial New York-ese draws laughter and - at times - disturbing introspection from the audience. His hard-line realism in depicting the grunge and garishness of these aspiring artists' world transports the viewer directly into their midst. This man's days among independent filmmakers are numbered...watch for this boy in Hollywood!

I usually hate movies about actors and how interesting they are. They aren't at all. However, this little indie film is well written, and the subject just happens to be journeymen actors and their quest for success as they toil away as waiters and bartenders. The characters are all stereotypes, but the one who does the pretentious one man show is pretty funny, especially when he tells off two casting people, one of whom is Chris Lawford, the Kennedy cousin. Very watchable.

Still lamenting the death of TV's great "Arrested Development"? I know I am, that's why I checked out this very little indie from 1999. It stars Will Arnett who brilliantly played Gob on the aforementioned "Arrested Development" (buy all three seasons on DVD now!).

This is a small story about a group of actors who are working in the service industry awaiting their big break. Anyone who has lived in New York, or even Los Angeles, will instantly recognize this category of actor/waiters. The cast of relative unknowns do a nice job of bringing this group of friends to life. The film probably had a tiny budget, and it shows, but there are modest charms to be had throughout the production. The script is reasonably funny and the performers appealing, and it's particularly fun to see Arnett showing glimpses of star potential.

I would easily recommend this film to several groups of people: Aspiring actors who will identify with the characters, people interested in the subject matter, and aspiring filmmakers who wish to study the work of other indie directors. Strangely enough, the writer/director Ken Liotti has yet to do another film--I'd be interested to know why.

I'm more hesitant to recommend this film across the board, though. It is a minor, mildly amusing film. But it's biggest problem is a lack of originality. You may feel you've seen similar stories done with bigger budgets and better actors--and you probably have. But I forgave some of the cliche moments and embraced the gentle spirit of this sweet indie. KGHarris, 10/06.