Finding Amanda

This is a fun movie to watch if you're a Mathew Broderick fan. There are lots of great lines, especially from Mathew's character.

It also takes a light hearted look at addiction of many varieties. While Matthew's character is likeable enough, he's got some serious problems that he won't really accept responsibility for, but learns the hard way. The movie is set mostly in Las Vegas, and has a lot of casino action, fun hookers, crazy characters and a lot of other fun stuff. Lots of bad language so you probably don't want to watch with the kids. If you like Matthew Broderick, and Las Vegas, you ill like this movie. Thank you.

Though not his best work, (see: Election, and of course the classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off) Matthew Broderick still shined in "Finding Amanda" as a degenerate, somewhat-recovering gambler/drug user/drinker. His counterpart, Brittany Snow – sometime eerily looking like his former counterpart Reese Witherspoon from Election – also did a fairly good job as his prostitute niece. Though not as funny as I thought it would be, Broderick certainly delivers some pretty snappy lines (such as the kitchen knife) and truly shows what goes on for someone truly addicted and trying their best to convince their loved ones they don't have a problem, everything's under control. This is coming from someone who lives near Broderick's character in his lifestyle – minus the drugs and gambling other than horse races, that is – so, though biased, it is more clear to see that stories, lives, end up the same way as this (more tragedy than) comedy does. It's not a family movie, though – they don't just tell you about the prostitute's life, they show you. Absolute recommendation, but a solid four out of five (this scale is doubled, so I selected 8/10) stars as some of the predictable scenes you can see coming from the Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere. (Side note: I read some reviews as this is the worst of 2008. Though they still might not like this film, I challenge those individuals to see: The Happening, 88 Minutes, Indiana Jones 4, Deal, Funny Games, Jumper, Speed Racer, I could go on…)

I enjoyed this movie and think that it should find an audience in theaters. This movie is described as a comedy and while it is funny, it is also kind of sad at times. I don't understand the other review that totally trashes it. It's not the greatest movie but certainly above average in most areas.

There are some great comedic moments primarily because of Matthew Broderick's expressions, timing and his overall lovable loser persona. Brittany Snow gives a strong performance as well. The supporting cast also gives very good performances. I found some of the more serious moments very touching. The writing is a bit off beat and at times, misplaced, but the actors do a wonderful job trying to compensate for that. There is also great chemistry between Matthew and Brittany, reminded me a lot of Election with Matthew and Reese Witherspoon. Go see it!!!

This film that takes the mickey out of the depravity in Las Vegas ends up making $50,000 its opening weekend and no movie theater companies take it. I'm not big on conspiracy theories but you figure it out.

There was a time when Hollywood films weaved in human themes with the entertainment and this film hearkens back to those days. Wow I made the film sound incredibly boring but the opposite is true. When the very human and flawed characters resonate then things in the film become much sweeter.

The scenes between the Casino boss and Matthew Broderick are especially well done and funny. Not fall down funny but very skillfully written and acted.

Also unexpected events pop out of nowhere in the film and keep you on your feet and things interesting. And they didn't need barnyard animals wandering around a hotel room to achieve that effect.

Just a very skillfully created and acted comedy/drama that just might change a few peoples opinions on a few things.

Very sweet film.

I've been watching movies all week - actually 2 weeks straight now and I've been doing so many reviews I don't know what to write anymore.

It's a watchable film, good performances from all and overall a good script.

To me, it's the little bit players that make up this movie. Not because the leads aren't good - they are good.

But it's the smaller roles on this that make up this movie.

All the story turns fill in nice and the dialog is a little bit harsh, but nothing that a grade 6 hasn't heard before.

I do not recommend it for family viewing though - unless your kids are hookers themselves.