Who Loves the Sun

I didn't know anything about this movie going into it so I was pleasantly surprised after watching it. Prior to seeing it I had been watching some rather disappointing independent films, so I was very glad that I saw this entertaining picture.

Will returns to meet his friends Daniel and Maggie after a five year departure. Staying at the lakeside home of Daniel's parents, the group intervene, recalling their past and trying to fix their troubles together.

Starring Lukas Haas and Adam Scott, two actors I grew up watching on TV and on film, I was glad to see the two on screen together. And Molly Parker, R H Thomson, and Wendy Crewson complete the wonderful ensemble. With so many great interactions between the characters, the film is filled with excellent dialogue both dramatic and comedic. For a great character driven film, Who Loves the Sun is a perfect selection.

I saw this movie at the AFI Dallas festival. Most of the audience, including my wife, enjoyed this comedy-drama, but I didn't. It stars Lucas Haas (Brick, Alpha Dog), Molly Parker (Kissed, The Five Senses, Hollywoodland) and Adam Scott (First Snow, Art School Confidential). The director is Matt Bissonnette, who's married to Molly Parker. All three actors do a fine job in this movie about 3 friends, the marriage of two of them and infidelity involving the third. It all takes place at a lake house and it looks wonderful. The film wants to treat its subject as a comedy first and then a drama, and I thought it needed to be the other way around.

You look at the cover of this DVD and you think, " I'm in the mood for a relationship-oriented independent film". So you get "Who Loves The Sun" and watch exactly what you thought you were getting. The actors perform according to the abilities you have seen them demonstrate before (although Lukas Haas was a more versatile actor as a child).

The story plays out according to plan, with some hi-jinx, some romance, some rivalry. Call it a generation Y coming of age story. It seems like the characters could just leave and go back to their lives, but they have to stick it out until everything gets resolved. Because that is what the story suggests. The cinematography is adequate. The dialog is up to today's independent movie standards. But wouldn't it be nice if something interesting happened?

31 year old Will Morrison (Lukas Haas) unexpectedly shows up at Arthur (R.H. Thomson) and Mary Bloom (Wendy Crewson)'s home. He tells them that he has written a book soon to be published. Will was once Daniel Bloom (Adam Scott)'s best friend. Daniel is a successful writer. Daniel is bitter while Will is evasive. They are both angry with Daniel having had an affair with Will's wife Maggie Claire (Molly Parker). All three were once the best of friends until Will disappeared 5 years ago.

This indie really needs laughs. It's somewhat quirky but nowhere near funny. All three are perfectly fine actors. I like this group of actors. The script has no good jokes. The relationship struggle is prolong. Secrets are revealed. However the movie needs real excitement. The directions are too static. This could have also been big drama but it's not that either. It exists in a lackluster inbetween world.

"Who Loves The Sun" works its way through some prickly subject matter with enough wit and grace to keep the story not only engaging, but often hilarious. It's been a while since I've found such a thoroughly touching, thoroughly enjoyable film.

The film is gorgeous, drawing the eye with beautiful scenery and tranquil landscapes. The peaceful imagery contrasts wonderfully with the tension between the very human, very flawed, and yet very likable characters. Due to the excellent cast all five of the major players are wonderfully interesting and dynamic.

I recommend "Who Loves The Sun." It's a really funny movie that takes a poignant look at the hurts that we can inflict on each other, and the amazingly difficult but equally rewarding process of forgiveness.