Linoleum

SXSW 2022 Greetings again from the darkness. For those of us who spend entirely too many hours of our life watching movies, it's always a welcome pleasure to stumble upon one that is creative and innovative and entertaining. The first feature film from writer-director Colin West is all that, plus it's funny and touching and features some science. As an added bonus, it features the always great Jim Gaffigan in a dual starring role.

Mr. Gaffigan stars as Cameron, a middle-aged guy who writes, acts, and films an educational children's science show for Public Access TV titled, "Above and Beyond". Imagine a blend of Carl Sagan and Bill Nye the Science Guy. It's a show he and his wife Erin (Rhea Seehorn, "Better Call Saul") started together, but now she works at the local Air & Space Museum as the two await the finalization of their divorce.

Cameron has been waiting patiently for a preferred time slot, and one day his producer delivers news that's both good and bad. The show is being picked up for distribution, but they have hired a new host. In what is anything but the oddest thing to happen so far in the story, Cameron can't help but notice how much he and the new host look alike - although the personality differences are startling. It turns out the new guy bought the house right across the street from Cameron and Erin, and new guy has a teenage son, Marc (Gabriel Rush), who awkwardly befriends their daughter Nora (Katelyn Nacon).

When a satellite crashes in his yard, Cameron seizes the opportunity to become the astronaut he always dreamt of being by attempting to re-build the tangled mess into a custom rocket ship. Obviously I have left out many details in an effort to avoid spoilers for a story that is at times surreal, and can be best enjoyed going in cold. Other familiar faces appearing briefly in supporting roles include Tony Shalhoub, Amy Hargreaves, and Michael Ian Black. We have seen parallel universe films before, but filmmaker Colin West treats us to something a bit different. It may seem like a low-key affair, but "it's not that simple." Narrative Feature Competition Category - SXSW.

This was just a beautiful, funny, complicated film that will ultimately tug at your heartstrings. I just can't say much without spoiling the film, but know that if you take the time to see and savor this film, you will not soon forget it. I mean, how can you not be taken in by a film that starts with a corvette falling out of the sky? There are many comic moments, but this is definitely not a comedy.

Life is complicated, often hard and exploring it is never easy. This film does a good job of reminding us of that, as we all start to power down.

I thought all of the actors did an exceptional job, and I loved the little tidbits of science scatered in. Just a lovely little film!

Linoleum starts off as a quirky little indie comedy about a nice guy whose life isn't going so well and he gets an idea to build a rocket. There are all sorts of goofy confusing things happening and a few things that outright make no sense...until they do. The movie blindsided me with a hard turn towards the end that not only explained everything I didn't understand, but wrapped it all up into a neat package.

Jim Gaffigan was excellent! I was particularly impressed with the second character he played, who was more outside of his wheelhouse. He almost could have been mistaken for Ned Beatty at moments. Gabriel Rush is becoming a fine young actor. Rhea Seehorn is good, but she needs to break out from that career oriented woman role she always plays.

The overall look and feel of the movie was just right. I'll be keep an eye out for this director. I may be a little be generous with an 8, but I'm rounding up.

There are a lot of little stories and side plots and characters that are subtly intertwined and come together in the end. That may not make a lot of sense, but it might once you watch the movie. I can't imagine how someone could have the creativity to think of this movie, let alone write it. It kind of renews your faith in movies as a whole; a creative, original work can still be put out there.

This movie is categorized as comedy, drama, and sci-fi, but it's actually mostly drama. Also, I was expecting Jim Gaffigan to be wacky and funny, and he is quirky and humorous in the movie, but his role is mostly serious and he does a surprisingly good job.

Linoleum is a film that defies easy categorization. It starts as a realistic drama about Cameron Edwin (Jim Gaffigan), a struggling children's TV host and scientist who dreams of going to space. He lives with his wife (Anna Gunn) and two kids in a rundown house with a leaky roof and linoleum floors. He also has a secret project in his basement: a homemade rocket that he hopes will take him to orbit.

The film gradually shifts gears into a dark comedy and then into a sci-fi thriller, as Cameron's plan takes an unexpected turn that affects his family and the world. The film is full of twists and surprises that keep the audience guessing until the end. It also has a lot of humor and satire, poking fun at the media, politics, religion, and human nature.

The film's biggest strength is Jim Gaffigan's performance as Cameron. He brings depth and nuance to his character, balancing his passion, frustration, desperation, and madness. He makes us care about his journey, even when he does questionable things. The supporting cast is also solid, especially Anna Gunn as his loyal but conflicted wife.

Linoleum is not a perfect film. It has some pacing issues, some plot holes, and some tonal inconsistencies. But it is an original and daring film that offers something different from the usual Hollywood fare. It is a film that will make you laugh, think, and wonder.