The Estate

It's the terrible cliched and obnoxious screenplay with flaccid directing by filmmaker Dean Craig that flops this film. The comedy was somewhere between eye-rolls and cringe, and all the humor felt fake and forced. Even all the cast performances were wooden and stale, except for David Duchovny, who from his first hilarious scene him saying "wazaaap", was the only real and convincing entertainment in this film. Everyone else, including the story, felt like I was watching failed and unrehearsed SNL sketches. Even the legendary Kathleen Turner had only a few moments where she wasn't annoying. It's a very generous 5/10 from me, only because Duchovny shined in this comedy and was the only one that delivered the laughs. He needs to be in more comedies, he's a natural.

Lots of really low ratings from reviewers on this one, so perhaps I was just in a mood, but I laughed quite a bit while viewing this film - the wife, not so much. Yes, some of the humor is a bit gross, but I didn't find it to be gratuitous gross like one might find in a Seth Rogen film. I thought it fit the scene. I also thought everyone played their character quite well.

I laughed throughout the film and found several scenes particularly amusing. Perhaps some of the humor is a bit too subtle for some while some might be too over-the-top for others, but it combined both well. I though Anna Faris's character was especially amusing, with Duchovney being a close second. Perhaps some of the vulgar language could have been toned down, but I thought it generally fit the character or the situation, and I'm no fan of gratuitous vulgarity.

I think it's worth giving this film a look.

This movie is low brow humor at it's best. It's a good, rather original, story with an ensemble cast that works well.

Frankly, I'm rather shocked at the rather low collective rating this gets.

There are genuinely laugh out loud scenes.

The direction is great and the story -- over -- all works.

Cudos to Katheleen Turner for her over the top tubsta perfornance.

David Ducoveny is pretty good too as the pervy cousin who is obsessed with deviant sex.

Actually, everyone is really good in their roles and the comedic timing is simply wonderful.

It's not a movie that will change your life, but it's a very funny diversion from the world.

After reading the reviews, I still decided to check it out. As a huge fan of so many in the cast, I was extremely disappointed. "How could so many of these actors I admire, make a poor choice on a script so let's give it chance." The possibilities for a good film were there - incredible cast (Among them Toni Collette and Kathleen Turner being favourites of mine), and a fun script premise. But nothing worked for me. I found the script very crass versus funny. The characters felt one dimensional and that became annoying. I wish they could have a do over - same cast (well, mostly), same premise, different script.

I went into this with not much hope. Though some of the scenes are predictable, I give the script and actors credit for going all out in some of the outrageous parts. The movie isn't a record breaker but it was a damn funny change of pace. Everyone plays their part to perfection. Reminds me of Eulogy (2004) or Home For The Holidays (1995) or even Greedy (1994). Definitely should be in the high sixes on IMDb.

I give particular praise to the dialogue, Duchovny has some great lines as does Faris & Toni Collete. Should also point out it has similar vibes to Little Miss Sunshine. If you enjoy the interactions of characters, you'll enjoy this.