Cliche Boy

Really, really great. Most short films either make no sense or feel like a warm-up to a feature film. This is a wonderful stand-alone short that tells a great story in just a few minutes. I completely agree with the message board post that said this could and should play all the festivals and can't believe it was made in just a weekend. It's a very funny, sharp piece with a surprisingly sweet turn. That's all I have to say but you have to write 10 lines for this to register. So I'll just reiterate this film is very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very good.

Beautifully written, perfectly performed. There are moments of humor so unexpected--and sometimes inappropriate--you're not sure you should laugh. The scene where Large recounts the simple kindness of a mother and realized "this is love" is particuarly sweet. Kudos to Zach Braff for virtually erasing all traces of his SCRUBS character and not relying on mugging or easy laughs. And for writing an intelligent, thoughtful script that sums up so many feelings and emotions that can't be put into words. Peter Sarsgaard is also impressive as the shifty friend who may not treat others well, but treats himself much worse. It's also nice to see Natalie Portman playing her age, rather than a woman wise beyond her years, for once. Great work all around.

Yes, it's predictable. Yes, it's unoriginal. Yes, there are plot holes you could drive a truck through. You know what? It still gets me every time. Mandy Moore is surprisingly charming and there are some sweet lines sprinkled in among the goofiness. A total guilty pleasure that makes me cry every time.