| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 05-06-2007 04:38 |
Media Maven: "Waitress" Movie Review
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "Waitress." She tells you why this yummy movie was like a little snippet of a slice of pie; so pleasing you may want to go back for seconds.
Waitress
Kerri Russell, Adrienne Shelly, Cheryl Hines, Nathan Fillion, Jeremy Sisto, Andy Griffith
Waitress is like a little snippet of a slice of pie; so pleasing you
may want to go back for seconds. Kerri Russell plays Jenna who is this
no nonsense waitress who works at and concocts mouth watering, award
winning pies for Joe’s Pie Shop and Diner.
Jenna is the leading lady whose story is told by her own voice overs as
she describes making delectable delicacies that so aptly reflect life
in this small folksy, southern town. For her personally, there is the I
hate my husband, Earl Pie. (Of course it’s flambé). And then there is
the I can’t believe I am having an affair pie; which her friend and
fellow waitress tells her “As delicious tasting as that pie may be,
they can’t print it on the menu with a name like that.”
The owner of Joe’s Pie Shop is played by an old, cantankerous Andy
Griffith. He befriends Jenna. She is stuck with Earl, her good old boy
husband in a controlling, abusive relationship. She even describes her
life as a train wreck still heading down the wrong track. To some, that
would be enough information to skip this movie all together thinking it
was a downer.
It is nothing but a triumphant story. What makes this film work is the
strong character development, the camaraderie of women relationships
and the understanding of human relationships in all of life. Those
within the confines of conformity and those within the confines of the
human heart. Each supporting character bringing to life Adrienne
Shelly’s wry, bittersweet script makes for pleasurable entertainment.
From Jenna’s cohorts (waitresses played by Cheryl Hines and Adrienne
Shelly) to the men in her life - no good Earl and the new doctor in
town (played convincingly by Jeremy Sisto and Nathan Fallion); all add
to the deliciousness of this film.
With tenacity and pluck Jenna manages to find the love of her life to
share her talent for pie baking. She manages to live her life fully -
on her own terms.
Who wouldn’t like a piece of that pie?
Rating: Four Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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