Shriver

7.2 stars.

This is the story of a man who is living a mundane and pathetic existence. He is supposedly a famous author, and is invited to a convention where many authors, attend, and give lectures and presentations. He is surprised that he was invited, however he shares the same name of this famous author, but he is not that person. Or is he? We do not know if he actually is or is not said author, and the movie aims to confuse us.

At one point it seems he is the author, then it's quite obvious he isn't. Throughout we are left guessing. There are many symbols and metaphors and it's an interesting study of social classes and how they affect attitudes, reputation, mental health. I highly recommend this film. It will leave you pondering the life of all famous writers.

Why should a handyman with the same last name as a reclusive author accept an invitation to speak at an obscure writing conference?

The recluse wrote a worldwide hit, the quintessential coming-of-age novel, then disappeared. The handyman isn't a writer...or is he?

A fascinating and intriguing plot with stellar acting, especially by the primary protagonist Michael Shannon. He is ably assisted by Kate Hudson, the professor who finds the author, and Don Johnson, her ex-husband who turns out to be the savior of the situation.

The ending is Shakespearean and quite unguessable. No idea why this hasn't been a huge .

A Little White Lie might be the worst marketed movie and yet the best ratings sleeper since My Cousin Vinnie. IMBD currently has a score of 5.9 Why? The trailer and promotional materials list it as a zany romantic comedy. Director Michael Maren didn't make that movie; rather he turned Chris Belden's hilarious book Shriver - a campy case of mistaken identity and turned it into a brilliant portrayal of imposter syndrome and writers block. The production values are more in keeping with a low budget comedy - such as Caddyshack or Dodgeball - and the cast including Kate Hudson and Don Johnson (and their scripts) would be perfectly appropriate for a rom com. The giveaway is the sublime Michael Shannon. He was the top choice by Maren after the untimely death of Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's his movie. Conjuring an exquisite metamorphosis worthy of Kafka. From a janitor who doesn't read to a a suspect invitee at a literary conference to perhaps the real McCoy? Shriver published Goat Time - a singularity of brilliance a la JD. Salinger. 15 years later, he isn't sure about anything. Could he have possibly written it? Is he actually a writer? Yet the festival draws him out of his cocoon. Whether he is the real Shriver or not - I leave to you to find out. Watch this movie. But temper the obvious expectation for a light comedy. It may be the next Being There. And an aside - the marketing team has some serious explaining to do!

A very inspiring, and lovingly made, testament to humanity and the literary alter at which we are able to embrace our being in all of the faults that make up our perfection as a species. Based on Chris Belden's novel "Shriver", writer-directer Michael Maren, and the entire cast and production staff through their hard work, have brought a bountiful feast of food for the soul to the motion picture screen (be it a cinema screen or on a laptop). If you love how words can be turned into music, or even if there is not enough time in the day to read much, the characters in this film and their predicaments certainly resonate with all of us. My hat is off as I bow to this troupe of filmmakers to offer my gratitude. Thank you. And as a final note to my long lost friend Lynn, who has spent her entire life avoiding putting her words on paper, it is never too late to put ink to quill. Catharsis for writer and reader awaits. ***NOTE*** I did not mention the amazing actors by name in this picture because every one of them in all of their roles empowered this picture with their truly heartfelt and well tuned performances, no matter if they worked for just one day or the entire run of the project. In short, the actors are great across the board, one and all bringing life to this work of love.

This movie draws you in slowly and then once you come to realize the deeper truths at work, goes a bit haywire in the last 10 minutes. I loved it, with reservation. Zach Braff is misplaced, he's acting a goofy comedy which this is not. The role of the detective is also played too light, in what could have added menace to the story. The role of the girl on the plane/writer is again misplaced. She becomes Shriver's buddy incredibly fast and is, again, playing it too light. Kete Hudson is the best Kate Hudson so far, and Shannon delivers the role made for him. Don Johnson is fine. The last 10 minutes, the film switches tone and becomes a farcical comedy straight out of some 80s romcom. What? Great up to that point.. Definitely watch, just be ready for the misguided tonal twist at the end.