30 Days

A very slight movie filled with annoying people you would avoid in real life. Aside from the main character's aimlessness, which I well remembered from my own past, I couldn't explain why any of the character's made any of the choices that they made.

I can't even remember the "protagonist's" name though I saw the movie only last night. Several of the other character's were interchangeable and it usually took quite awhile in any scene before I could tell which one (Brad, Tad, Chad--or was it Craig?)it was supposed to be.

Yet I laughed frequently and "only" looked at my watch 3 times.

And the ending is brave. You have got to give them credit for sticking with that ending. Plus, it is very well crafted. This looks like a much more expensive movie than the stated budget.

Saw it at the Toronto Film Festival, and it falls completely flat, I'm afraid. The script is merely cute and not particularly funny, and the actors - many whom come off as "Friends" cast rejects - have no chemistry between them whatsoever, dutifully repeating their lines like cyborgs and perhaps trying hopelessly to add a bit of life. The rest of the audience seemed to like it, though. Go figure.

This film insightfully tells the story of a group of 30-year-olds in New York City and what they're dealing with in their lives.

The stories are skillfully told. For example, certain scenes convey much with economically used dialogue and action, allowing for multiple story lines to be seamlessly and thoroughly told.

The story is tight, and the writing contains some gems. "My idea of accomplishment is finishing a copy of 'The New Yorker' in a month," laments one character.

And what really makes '30 Days' work is that it's right on: I've found myself thinking of specific scenes and lines several times in the weeks since I've seen it.

This romantic comedy about the angst of being 30, unmarried, and unsuccessful at work is a total and complete delight. It succeeds because it doesn't attempt to present a rose colored version of life, but rather it focus on the reality and struggle of taking one small step forward.

It starts off as a light hearted comedy, and sneaks up on you to become a touching story in which growing up seems a little less scary and a little more attainable for everyone.

The film has terrific leading performances from the non-traditional leading man Ben Shenkman to the luminous Arija Bareikis. Also, it is filled with familiar character actors giving hilarious performances, most notably are the dynamic duo of Alexander Chaplin (Spin City) and Bradley White. They seem to make you laugh every time they come on screen. And then there are the parents played perfectly by veterans Jerry Adler (The Sopranos) and Barbara Barrie (Suddenly Susan).

I recently saw the film at the Cleveland Film Festival and the crowd went wild for the film. I realize festival audiences can be generous, but they cheered and cheered because this little film is one hell of a good time!