The Citizen Review " A man goes to the movies. A critic must be honest enough to admit that he is that man." -Robert Warshow

B-

Jack Meriwether 8/22/2010

When I thought about seeing The Switch, I expected a smart comedy with an indie-like flair, similar to 2008's Juno or Little Miss Sunshine. Unfortunately, what I found was the same thing that many of today's comedy-dramas struggle with: finding common ground between the laughs and the serious moments. It was a sort of a modern family drama, but it was doused in this comedy atmosphere that didn't quite work.

When thinking of a movie to compare it too, 2009's Baby Mama comes to mind. Both films star two very talented actors with great on-screen chemistry and have potential to be funny and heart-warming. Both of their problem is that the comedy is realistic or tight enough to carry the dramatic real-life moments so that when those moments come along, the audience has a hard time relating to the people on screen. I will also say that The Switch is a better movie than Baby Mama, due to better writing and slightly more resonant characters.

Wally is played by Jason Bateman, the brilliant comedy actor from such hits as Juno and television's Arrested Development. Wally is a likable guy with some issues. He is neurotic, has a small case hypochondria and is in love with his best friend Kassie (Jennifer Anniston). Oh, but that last one happens all the time, right?

So Kassie wants a baby badly, but feels she doesn't need a man to do that. So what does she do but utilize the modern gift of artificial insemination. Wally is not up to this idea, feels that she might find a perfect man and find out it will be too late, but Kassie is too strong in her beliefs. Then there is a "insemination party" and that's when things get rocky. In a mixed up twist of events, Wally switches the sperm donor sample with his own. He forgets this incident, Kassie, fully pregnant, moves out of the city and to a quieter place close to family.

Many years later, Kassie moves back with her son and the three form a certain bond that can't be denied and eventually Wally's little switcheroo comes out into the open. I think you can guess what might happen in the end.

Overall, The Switch is a decent comedy-drama that is saved by the strength of the two lead actors. It has it's problems with the comedic timing and dramatic balancing, but it's a film that can be enjoyed. Just don't walk in to the theater expecting too many gut-busting laughs or well-written dialog.

B

Matthew Meriwether 8/22/2010

Recently, I've noticed that the thoughts a film conjures up in your mind are what really defines a good film from a bad film. And the more I thought about this film, the more I liked it. It has a simple plot, but it's charm sneaks up on you. I differs from an average mainstream romantic comedy because everything that happens is completely believable and real. The characters aren't total opposites. They don't hate each other on first meeting. They're long time friends. They both would do anything for the other person, and it's not a stretch to believe that these people would fall in love in real life.

Kassie and Wally are best friends and Kassie tells Wally she wants to have a baby. Wally is not on board with this idea. But a week later, she has a "pregnancy party" in a priceless scene of wit sadness and reversals of fate.

The Switch isn't simply a romantic comedy. There is more drama than the trailers suggest. But I shan't belittle the nonstop witty dialog and quirky characters. The film draws you in with the first third of the movie where the set up is formed. The rest of the movie is pure delight. Seeing these characters live and interact with each other is quite real and almost on the border of comedy of manors.

The two main characters are played wonderfully well by Anniston and Bateman. But ultimately it's Bateman who really shines in this movie. He has always played the supporting role in films but this time, he shows his chops and delivers. He is priceless at developing a character that persnickety while still being likable. And with a few dramatic scenes, he proves he's got what it takes for a lead role.

"Happy-Go-Lucky"

By Matthew Meriwether 7/30/10

Happy-Go-Lucky is an introduction to one of the most unique and genuine characters I've seen in a long time. Poppy. This is the world through Poppy's eyes. And usually, it can be quite happy. However, this isn't the most happiest film around. This film is about Happiness and how people react to happiness. And not everyone is as happy as Poppy is.

Happy-Go-Lucky doesn't really have much of a plot. Which is part of the beauty of it. It's simply looking at average situations that could happen to anyone. Because Poppy is just an ordinary person. She's a primary school teacher who shares an apartment with her best friend and rides her bike everywhere.

In the first scene, Poppy's bike has been stolen. "We didn't even get a chance to say goodbye." says Poppy to herself. She then takes up driving lessons. Her driving instructor couldn't be more opposite to Poppy. He's humorless, angry and sees the worst in people. Poppy tries to lighten him up. But it's to no avail. There's also a little romance in this movie. But like I said, there's really no plot, and trying to make one would be pointless.

Poppy is played by Sally Hawkins in one of the best performances of the decade. And yet, no Oscar nomination. When will the Academy learn? She creates this character with subtle quirks and plays her with such breathless effervescence, you just can't take your eyes off of her. Sally has played her fair share of supporting roles in other British films, but in this one, she shines. And in return, so does the movie.

You can see the greatness of the film, just by seeing the way people react to it. I was on Netflix, and saw the comments from users about the film. Almost every single one of them hated it. They said that Poppy was obnoxiously happy to everyone and even when she was in a horrible situation, she was still happy as a clam. And yes, Poppy is happy. But part of the greatness of the film is seeing how people can react to happiness. It's almost like a wake up call to America. "Hey America, lighten up!"

Happy-Go-Lucky has an ease of it's greatness. It's easy to miss. But it's there. Just seeing these real characters live and interact as normal human beings, without plot twists and chase scenes, is like a breath of fresh air. I've seen this movie countless times, and I never get tired it. I smile bigger and bigger every time I see it.

Jack says:

Matthew says:

1. Ottoman

2. Walcott

3. M79

4. Oxford Comma

5. Boston (Ladies of Cambridge)

Honorable Mentions: (in alphabetical order)

Diplomat's Son, Giving Up the Gun, Horchata, Mansard Roof, White Sky

Jack says:

1. Oxford Comma

2. M79

3. Horchata

4. Walcott

5. Ottoman

Honorable Mentions: (in alphabetical order)

Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, Giving Up the Gun, Mansard Roof, The Kids Don't Stand a Chance,White Sky

Sincerely,

"Paranoid Park"

By Matthew Meriwether 7/28/10

Paranoid Park is film as an art form, visually and poetically. It has a seemingly modest plot progression and is done in a modest way. But the back and forth timeline, the change in cinematography, and switch of rock music and classical music is very embracive to art in general, and it's almost exhilarating to watch a movie that's done in that manor.

The story shouldn't really be explained. The less you know about it, the better it is. The main character tells the story in his own words. In a way it's a mystery, but not the sort you're used to.

Aside from being dark and mysterious, the film also wonderfully shows an average life of a teenager. And in this case, how something not average can affect it. And it does it in a way that isn't in any way in your face, or stereotypical. It's just honest and real.

This film, although modest, is very brave and an innerly emotional experience. From the start you're intrigued, and even though it's slow moving, it keeps your interest. Some indie films are stylish, but without much to say. This is stylish, but has quite a bit to say.