Movie Review: This Is Where I Leave You (2014)

Genre: Comedy  

Director: Shawn Levy  

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll, Katheryn Hahn, Connie Britton, Timothy Olyphant  

Running Time: 103 minutes  

Synopsis: Judd Altman (Jason Bateman) discovers his wife cheating, then his father dies. The family gathers for seven days of mourning, reuniting Judd with his mother Hilary (Jane Fonda), sister Wendy (Tina Fey), brothers Phillip and Paul (Adam Driver and Corey Stoll), and high school friend Penny (Rose Byrne). Hilary is an author known for exploiting her children's embarrassments; Wendy's husband is inattentive and she reignites a relationship with neighbour Horry (Timothy Olyphant); the irresponsible Phillip shows up with older woman Tracy (Connie Britton); while Paul and his wife Annie (Katheryn Hahn) are having trouble conceiving a child.

What Works Well: The extended Altman family antics provide a steady stream of humour, mainly because their foundational eccentric attributes and rub-points knowingly reflect widespread dynamics with only slight exaggerations. Jason Bateman conveys bemused calmness barely containing rage, and shares the spotlight with a terrific cast. Director Shawn Levy keeps the mood light and introduces new twists at a steady clip, nourishing the humour with revelations and affection as the Altmans occasionally rise above quirks and towards hidden strengths.

What Does Not Work As Well: Writer Jonathan Tropper has a few more characters than good ideas: several scenes declare bankruptcy and default to juvenile fistfights, while the rush to release tension through sexual escapades is quickly predictable.

Conclusion: This is where adult siblings confirm the wisdom of living apart.



All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.