Isn't It Delicious

Caught this film at the Big Apple Film Festival, and what a wonderful surprise! Very expertly made with an absorbing script, and absolutely terrific performances from the entire cast. It should get wider distribution if for no other reason than Kathleen Chalfant's brilliant work, which is Oscar-worthy in my opinion. This is one of the best performances I've seen on film in years. She grabs this complicated, difficult character and imbues her with humor, humanity, and compassion... a real tour-de-force. This film has the feel of real life, with all the good and bad that implies. Rare to see family dynamics so honestly and believably drawn... it gives the entire ensemble a lot to work with. The direction is spot on, with some gorgeous cinematography and terrific pacing. Michael Kelly work miracles with his limited budget, and gets great performances from everyone, most notably Alice Ripley, Keir Dullea (how great to see him on film again!), Mia Dillon, Nick Stevenson, Suzanne Hayes, Alexandra Mingione, and Ger Duany. Funny and moving right to the final moment... don't miss it!

I saw this wonderful film at the San Antonio Film Festival. Isn't It Delicious is

one of those rare films that brings you face to face with the impermanence of this world. Watching Joan sweep up the remains of her broken relationships reminds us that the time to love our friends and family is now. The superb cast of Isn't It Delicious delivers this message with a laughing while crying dexterity that leaves you feeling the immediacy of the moment long after the credits have rolled. This deftly woven screenplay manages to address the topics of familial dysfunction and terminal illness in a way that uplifts rather than depresses. Well done! I've recommended this film to all my friends and family.

This is a definite "must see" movie.

This movie made me laugh way more than cry, which is precisely what we all need to do in today's world.

The cast is extraordinary--all the women are beautiful. Extraordinary filmmaking, with attention to lots of details. The script is stellar. The story moved me.

I applaud this marvelous work. It certainly takes lots of talented people to make such a film. Among the special touches are an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey and many other unexpected twists and turns.

I recommend others treat themselves for a satisfying film experience. You'll be glad you did.

Kathleen Chalfant turns in a memorable performance as the prickly matriarch of a Connecticut family who learns her days are numbered. In the time she has left, "Joan" has to try to heal old wounds and make amends for her actions.

This low-budget gem has all the elements of a stage production that has been expanded for the cinema. But the performances are what this film is about! Ms. Chalfant is joined by veteran stage and screen actors Keir Dullea, Mia Dillon, and Malachy McCourt. And a fine supporting cast rounds out the family, featuring Broadway's Alice Ripley ("Next To Normal") and up-and-comers Nick Stevenson, Jonah Young and Alexandra Mingione.

Directed by Michael Patrick Kelly and written by Kathleen Kiley, the film pulls you into the lives of these dysfunctional, but ultimately hopeful people, and by the end you'll find yourself cheering for them to find the happiness and contentment that has so far eluded them!

Isn't it Delicious, a dark family comedy wryly and irreverently visits the issues, How do you choose to live this one life? And how do those choices, good bad, and ugly affect your friends and family? From the adage that only the lucky grow up, and you know you've grown up when you have a really good hard laugh at yourself, this film provides lessons about growing up, delivering some hard laughs, and truths which sometimes keep us from crying.

Chalfant's performance provides heart wrenching, pain and authenticity. I realize this film was made on an ultra-low budget and sometimes it shows, but the story line stands strong. The film is worth a look as it takes a comedic look on the reality that one's life is so short in the infinite cosmos.