Au bout du désespoir

Like the reviewer before me, I caught this treasure of a film on the WE channel. As a twenty something writer that has a knack for questioning her life, her ability and her relationships, I related to Dedee Pfeiffer's character so much that I found myself crying numerous times throughout the film. And I've only cried through maybe six films in my entire life.

It should be noted that some viewers just won't "get it", as mentioned before. However, if you've found yourself in that state of life where nothing you've done seems comparable to those around you and you can't seem to get a grip on the fact that it matters more what you think than others around you, not only is this film for you - it's a must see of the highest order.

Emily (Dedee Pfeiffer) is a struggling writer who feels she has finally reached the end of her rope. She has all the textbook symptoms: The boyfriend that is even more confused that she is, the mother who assures her that everything will be alright even though the walls seem to be crashing in around her and, on top of it all, she just can't seem to convince herself, nor anyone else, that she is a talented writer.

What we get instead of the "oh so familiar" romantic comedy is a moral dilemma of the highest order. If you died tomorrow, would you be happy with the life you have lived? As many found them asking themselves after 911, Emily must answer this question by the end of the movie as she all the while contemplates ending it all herself.

The performances in this jewel are top notch - Teri Garr as the eccentric mother, Howard Hesseman as the absent father and Eric Close as the confused, musician boyfriend.

It's absolutely necessary to see this film. Even if you come away with something not so grand as some of the other reviewers, you will at least have given yourself the chance to come away with something that might just change your life.

Director Florrie Laurence is a girl. I am not. That said, this hour and a half Ally McBeal After School Special about how life-is-all-about-living-it-while-you-can is pretty good. While I'm not a girl, this movie made me cry like one. It had that not so rare blend of heart warming humor and sentiment that keeps Kleenex in business. Sky ends up being a well directed "what have you done for you lately" piece of advice.

It's a fun film that steps on your funny bone to get a better grip on your heart strings. Entertaining turns by Teri Garr as the psycho-oops, psychic-mom, Howard (Johnny Fever) Hesseman as the dad named Yogi, and even Chris Elliott keep this film lively throughout. As a fan of the now defunct Melrose Place (face it, the show was over when Alison stopped drinking), I wanted to see more of Laura Leighton in the bright-spirited Jiminy Cricket friend and supporter role.

One more notable: Joe Camp (of Benji fame) was the Animal Wrangler for Sammy the sheepdog who provides as fine an acting job as any four legged creatue this side of "As Good As It Gets". Oh, don't see this one by yourself if you're already lonely. Do go if you need a good cry on top of a good ha-ha.

Good movie, you could totally identify with the character feeling left out and like a failure when she can't get a book deal, all her friends are either getting married, having a baby, or rising up the corporate ladder, and her boyfriend(hottie Eric Close) won't commit. Have a box of kleenex ready.

Wow I loved everything about this movie. Great acting, beautiful story, funny, sad, very realistic and has a strong moral message. Why haven't I seen Dedee Pfeiffer in more movies. She's a really really great actress and of course Teri Garr is always perfect in each role. Everybody should see this movie it makes you a better person. It also makes you think about that maybe what you consider bad luck is just a state of mind. In this movie the father of the main character is a photographer. He gives his daughter who's a writer a photograph called writer's block. The reason i mention this is because it's such a great photograph. If anyone knows the artist's name, please share. Anyway this is the best movie i'v seen in a long time

I liked this film very much. Dedee Pfeiffer is really touching. Her simple approach to the performance of her character is really moving, though. I couldn't believe, as I was watching the film, that it was so fulfilling to me personally to be part of it all. Very conveying.