Arlen Faber

This film is a good all around romantic dramedy. All the characters in the story become interconnected and realize that as much as their problems are personal they need the company of others to help them through life. The idea that "you are your own worst enemy" is thematic here and the quirky lifestyles of these Philly dwellers help ease the tension in what could be very uncomfortable dramatic scenes. Its been hard to find a romantic comedy that stays away from sex and the city like characters or tween indie pastel colored cult movies. Arlen Faber offers us a tasteful unpretentious refreshing and funny kick back film. And for the record this movie wasn't overly godly, something that I was afraid of when choosing what to see at Sundance. The religious themes are pretty minimal and I don't leave the theater thinking that I need to rethink my relationship with God or religion.

Jeff Daniels stars in this light drama about a man who purportedly talked to God and wrote a bestselling book 20 years ago. Now both he, a chiropractor with her son, and a young man all of whom are experiencing challenges in their lives meet to face their own inner ghosts. The Answer Man is a refreshing, creative and distinctly different drama that nevertheless ends on a rather non-mainstream, non-rom-com note that either reflects a more authentic examination of life or a slightly jarring diversion from popular expectations.

I usually don't write reviews but rather I usually read them to see if the film is something I truly want to watch or not. But given the one, and only, poor review on here so far I thought I'd add some perspective.

This film centers around Arlen, who is a irritable man who once authored an existential book but now lives in recluse and away from prying eyes. His character I find fully believable because there are many people who write a book or several books but don't want the fame handed them, they just simply wanted to write a good story or get their thoughts out, the fame was mere collateral damage. This is how Jeff Daniel's character feels. He dislikes people and attention in general. Partially due to not wanting the fame but partially due to having his own personal demons and issues. Along comes a struggling chiropractor who is trying to get her own business going and also a struggling recovering alcoholic who is trying to keep his small bookstore open. Their paths converge in various ways, of which I won't tell to leave some mystery to the reader. The chiropractor (Lauren Graham) eventually becomes Arlen's romantic interest. But it is not a simple or easy relationship and I don't feel that Arlen makes a magical unbelievable change as the prior review states. He is at first softened by her professional expertise and out of appreciation seems to let a door open and try to get to know her. I'd say him liking her son, and kids in general it seems, is part of his character. I would also say his character opens up to the bookstore owner (Pucci) because he is honest and persistent, things Arlen admires. Everyone has their demons and flaws in this movie which I feel add a certain honesty to the film. It didn't feel particularly flawed or predictable. Although there are a couple turn points and their consequences that felt predictable but in all I'd say it wasn't that predictable because of the characters not being formulaic. I thought the pacing was in general nice and enjoyable. If you want a dark comedy that becomes a bit lighter and romantic then this is for you. I'd say its a bit smarter and more enjoyable then most of the made for rudimentary teens romantic teens out there. Take this review at what you will but please read this and the prior for a more balanced view point of the film.

This film follows the mystery man who wrote the most popular book of all time, answers that he has for God and the answer to them. He stays in recluse and is infuriated by his search for true spirituality, and in lieu of searching for the solution for his back issues he is entranced by a woman who hasn't heard of him.

The follows three people in their life and how they come to effect one another and while romance.

Movie with some very thoughtful, quirky quotes ever.

Enjoyable and thoughtful this is one of my favorite movies with Jeff Daniels, or at least my introduction to the brilliance of Jeff Daniels.

Call it what you want "The Answer Man" or "Arlen Faber" this is an interesting drama that's blended with fun and drama that teaches us a little about life proving that everyone should grow. Jeff Daniels is Arlen Faber an author who had a highly successful book series that branched off from his best seller "Me and God" an inspirational book that influenced many. And now on the 20th anniversary many feel Arlen is the man with the answers. Only as fate would have it his back goes out, leading him to a visit to chiropractic care. Upon the visit his care taker is Elizabeth(the beautiful and attractive Lauren Graham)who's a single mom from San Francisco just moved to Philadelphia and she's also raising her seven year old son and this little boy is searching for meaning.

Along the way an interesting subplot occurs as Arlen's life also intersects with Kris(Lou Taylor)a young man out of alcohol rehab searching for meaning when he goes back to his book store as Arlen often supplies him books for Kris's questions! You see that too Arlen is full of himself and lonely as this grown man even collects monster movie action figures! Only little by little he discovers some attraction to Elizabeth as the two date even though it seems awkward. As Both Elizabeth and Kris hope Arlen has answers and it's clear he doesn't.

It shows that no matter how knowledgeable that one appears they don't know it all and no one has all the answers. It does one good to be normal and get out of their shell just as Arlen sees in the end it's clear you learn life as you go and everyone is different. Overall good film that touches and it proves good lesson points of life. And it's good to see Lauren Graham at work again.